Every main course has a star of the show. And that’s usually the main ingredient. The steak in steak and potatoes. The chicken pie in pie and mashed potatoes. But there’s something to be said about side dishes and accompaniments.
A good side dish can steal the show. They can take a simple dinner into a well-rounded and satisfying meal. And they’re an excellent way to introduce more fruit and vegetables into your diet.
Keep reading if you’re looking for the perfect recipe to complement your main course.
Roasted Garlic Mashed Cauliflower
Get ready to elevate your side dish game and change up dull dinnertimes with this mouthwatering simple cauliflower recipe.
Start by preheating your oven to a toasty 400°F (200°C). Next, prepare the star ingredient: cut off the top of a garlic bulb to expose its cloves, drizzle it with olive oil, wrap it in foil, and roast in the oven for 25-30 minutes until soft and golden brown. Meanwhile, cook a head of cauliflower until tender, then drain. Return it to the pot with milk, unsalted butter, and a pinch of salt & pepper for flavor.
Finally, for the piece de resistance: squeeze those gorgeous roasted garlic cloves out of their skins and blend them into the pot. Then, use either a potato masher or immersion blender to smash everything until it’s as smooth and creamy as desired. Taste, adjust seasoning as needed, and get ready to wow your dinner guests.
Serve this dish hot, garnished with some fresh parsley or chives if you’re feeling fancy. With this dish on the table, everyone will ask for seconds.
Lemon Roasted Brussel Sprouts
Are you searching for an exciting way to add flavor to your vegetables? Try these delicious sprouts.
First, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Start by prepping your sprouts: rinse and trim off their stem ends, then cut any larger ones in half. In a large bowl, coat the sprouts with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice, and two minced garlic cloves. Season to taste with salt and black pepper. Spread them out in one layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, then roast for 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through until tender and caramelized.
For the last leg of this recipe, take them out of the oven. Give them an extra zest by squeezing another tablespoon of fresh lemon juice over them and tossing them with some lemon zest and chopped parsley. It’s an effortless way to take this dish from ordinary to extraordinary in no time. Serve immediately and savor every last burst of flavor in every bite.
Grilled Eggplant With Balsamic Glaze
Look no further than this grilled eggplant for an exquisite vegetarian main course or side dish.
Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat. Next, cut 1 large eggplant into 1/2-inch thick rounds and brush each slice lightly with olive oil. Season each piece lightly with salt and pepper to taste, then grill them for 3-4 minutes per side or until tender and charred in spots. While the eggplant is grilling, prepare the balsamic glaze by simmering 1/2 cup of balsamic vinegar in a small saucepan over medium-high heat until reduced by half and thick and syrupy.
Once your eggplant is done cooking, take it off the grill and drizzle a balsamic glaze over its slices. Finish by garnishing with chopped fresh herbs like basil or parsley before serving immediately. The tart sweetness of the balsamic glaze complements perfectly with the smoky flavor of grilled eggplant for an irresistibly tasty dish. Enjoy!
Quinoa And Black Bean Salad
Are you searching for a colorful, healthy, protein-packed salad that’s ideal for lunch or dinner? Look no further - this salad has it all.
Begin by cooking 1 cup of quinoa according to the package instructions. Remove to a large bowl and let cool slightly. In the meantime, rinse and drain 1 can of black beans; chop up 1 red bell pepper, 1 yellow bell pepper, 1 large avocado, and some fresh cilantro for garnish. After the quinoa has cooled slightly, stir in the black beans, bell peppers, avocado, and cilantro until well mixed together.
In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 tablespoon of lime juice, 1 teaspoon of ground cumin, 1/2 teaspoon of chili powder, and salt and pepper to taste. Drizzle the dressing over the salad gently to mix it all together. Serve on top of fresh greens such as spinach or arugula and garnish with additional cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice if desired.
This salad not only offers plenty of nutrition and flavor, but it’s vegan and gluten-free too. Take it to the next level by accompanying it with this Mexican salsa.
Wrapping Up
These four side dishes will take your dinnertimes to the next level. With the recipes, adding flavor, introducing more veg into your diet, and creating well-rounded meals that nourish you are easy. The humble side dish can become the star of the show.
Do you love meal accompaniments just as much as us? Let us know your favorite recipes in the comments below.