A side dish is a type of food that normally accompanies the main course. They normally differ from one cuisine type to the other, but there are some that are common to almost all the cuisine types. They take several forms. For instance, there are some that are based on potatoes, while others are based on bread, rice or even couscous. Here are the top ten side dishes of all times.
1. Asparagus
Asparagus is a nutritional powerhouse with many health promoting benefits. It is one of the most nutritionally well-balanced vegetables, leading nearly all produce items in the wide array of nutrients is supplies for a healthy body. Here is a simple recipe (for 6) for an orange and asparagus salad.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cut-up fresh or frozen asparagus
- 1 (6-ounce) bag spring or European lettuce mix
- 1 (11-ounce) can mandarin orange sections, well drained
- 1/³ cup thinly sliced red onion
- ¼ cup honey roasted cashews
- /2 cup raspberry vinaigrette dressing
Directions:
- Steam or microwave asparagus until tender-crisp.
- Drain and let cool.
- Combine cooked asparagus, lettuce, oranges, onion and cashews.
- Pour dressing over all.
- Toss to evenly coat.
- Serve immediately.
2. Mushrooms
Mushroom based dishes are rich in Vitamin D, Thiamin, Folate, Vitamin B6 and magnesium. They are also good sources of dietary fiber, Vitamin C, Niacin, Riboflavin, Pantothenic Acid, Phosphorus, Iron, Potassium, Copper, Zinc, Manganese and Selenium. An example of a mush room side dish is Pesto mushroom pasta, which is low in Saturated Fat, cholesterol and sodium.
3. Baked beans
Home style baked beans are normally prepared using Olive or canola oil spray, brown onions, garlic, tomato paste, paprika, slices of wholegrain bread, parsley and cannelini or butter beans. Preparation of baked beans is easy, and perhaps that is why the meal is very popular among many people since anyone can prepare them.
4. Baked Potatoes
Baked potatoes are low in cholesterol, sodium and saturated fat, and are therefore suitable side dishes after a meal. They are also rich in Vitamin C, Potassium, Vitamin B6, and Manganese.Baked potatoes are easy to prepare, as one only requires large russet potatoes, Canola oil to coat and salt.
5. Potato salad
Salads are generally good side dishes. Potato salad is made of boiled potatoes and served with barbecue, roasts, fried chicken, hot dogs, hamburgers as well as cold sandwiches. It is good for outdoor activities such as picnics and camps. Its variations include salad with miracle Whip, mayonnaise, milk or sour cream dressing, salad with boiled eggs and salad with orange slices, among others.
6. Broccoli
Broccoli is a very popular side dish in the modern world. You can prepare Baked Broccoli Frittata using the following recipe.
Ingredients:
- 3 teaspoons olive or canola oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1/2 head broccoli, chopped (about 2 1/2 cups)
- 1/2 cup leftover cooked potatoes or cooked brown rice or day-old bread cubes
- 8 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup fresh basil or parsley leaves, chopped
- 1/2 cup shredded, grated or crumbled cheese, such as cheddar, Swiss, feta, or Parmesan
Directions:
- Turn the oven on and set it to 350 degrees F. Use 1 teaspoon oil to grease the baking pan.
- Put a large skillet on the stove, turn the heat to medium, and carefully add the remaining 2 teaspoons Oil.
- Add the onion and cook, stirring occasionally with the spatula or big spoon, until golden and softened, about 10 minutes. Lower the heat to low, add the broccoli and potatoes, and cook until the vegetables are tender, 5;10 minutes.
- Set aside until cool, about 10 minutes.
- Put the eggs, salt, and pepper in the mixing bowl and use the whisk or fork to mix well.
- Add the onion mixture, basil and cheese, and mix well.
- Pour the mixture into the baking pan and carefully move it to the oven.
- Bake until the top is golden and the eggs are set, 25;30 minutes.
- Set aside to cool; serve warm or at room temperature, or cover and refrigerate up to 2 days.
7. Cauliflower
The best way to prepare cauliflowers is to roast them. Here is an example of a roasted Cauliflower recipe
Ingredients:
3-4 C cauliflower florets (cut large florets into quarters)
1 T olive oil
Salt to taste
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.
- Line a large baking sheet with foil or parchment paper.
- Wash and trim cauliflower, cutting each large floret into quarters.
- Dump onto baking sheet, sprinkle with oil and gently toss to coat all pieces.
- Spread cauliflower out so they are not touching, and make sure a flat side is facing down.
- Place pan into oven on a center rack and roast for 10 minutes.
- Turn pieces over with a spatula or tongs.
- Roast for another 5 minutes or until they are slightly browned and crispy.
- Remove from oven and sprinkle with salt or one of the seasonings below.
8. Green beans
Green beans, or string beans, are very popular side dishes due to their flavor, fleshiness and sweetness of the pods. The green bean casserole is particularly a popular side dish during thanksgiving.
9. Coleslaw
This is a type of salad that is made of finely shredded raw cabbage and dressed with avinaigrette salad dressing or mayonnaise. Several variations exist, where other ingredients can be added like pepper, shredded carrots, grated cheese, onions and pineapples. In some cases, a variety of seasonings are added.
10. French fries or steak fries.
French fries are batons of deep-fried potato or elongated pieces of fried potatoes. They are a variety of fast foods that need to be served hot. They are normally served with ketchup and topped with vinegar or mayonnaise.
