what are some good side dishes....simple please???

Question

sure, there's potatoes, rice, noodles, veggies....but, i'm looking for some sides that kicks things up a notch, but are still simple and don't require a gourmet store and a culinary degree!!!

thanks all!!

Answer 1

No real genius answer, Just been there and we tried using"different" potatoes ex. instead of just russet baked, fried, mashed we started using sweet potatoes to mix it up(same cooking methods). Instead of using peas, corn, green beans we started using asparagus with holidaise sauce, only once in a while (on the fattening side) and from a can so it was quick and easy. Salads changed those up every now and again also by starting with packaged greens (other than usual) and bought various nuts, sundreied tomatoes, dried cranberries (any kind of dried fruit could work) and cut up samll green apples, avocados and other fruit as we had on hand and put them in seperate bowls so everyone could pick and choose, left overs into the frig and you can use for 2-3 days in a row and by picking different items feel like different salad every night. I know this was not the "magic bullet" but maybe it will spice things up just enough with out too much work to get you guys out of the some old same old.

been there done that

Answer 2

I'm with you.....love simple recipes that kick it up a notch!
Here's one I threw together the other day....

Frozen Broccoli...thawed out a little
Olive Oil
Fresh crushed Garlic
Sea Salt
Fresh Cracked Pepper
Fresh Lemon Zest

Saute the Garlic in Olive Oil.
Add the Broccoli.
Saute till Broccoli is cooked.
Sprinkle with Sea Salt & Pepper.
Grate some Lemon Zest right into the pan.
Stir....And Enjoy!!!!! Soooo Simple & Tasty!!!!

Answer 3

This recipe is very rich and so delicious!!

40 Ritz Crackers
16 oz. bag frozen Broccoli
16 oz. bag frozen Cauliflower
1 stick butter
1/2 stick butter
1 can Cream of Celery soup
1 can Cream of Mushroom soup
12 oz. shredded cheddar cheese
12 oz. shredded Colby cheese

Place 20 crumbled Ritz crackers on bottom of 13x9 pan. Melt 1/2 stick butter and pour evenly over the crackers. Mix all other ingredients except the remaining crackers and butter, and pour into pan over crackers. Top with remaining 20 crumbled Ritz crackers and pour 1 stick melted butter evenly over top.

Bake uncovered 1 hour at 375

Answer 4

1) Rice - add some butter and curry powder to it.
2) Rice - add can of crm of mushroom soup to 'mixed' rice (white/brown/wild, etc)


1) Potatos - slice them up and layer in a baking dish (potatos, pat of butter, TBSP of flour and repeat till potatos on top) then pour milk in till it covers the potatos. Bake at 350 till done (about 45 minutes). You can add grated cheese too.
2) Cut potatos into wedges (thick fries) and sprinkle with olive oil and then cajun seasoning. Bake @350 till done.

Answer 5

Fried Pickles Oklahoma Style
Recipe #199201
These are a wonderful treat and very easy to make.
by Turley Girl Requires Premium MembershipMy Notes

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10-12 servings 15 min 10 min prep
Change to: servings US Metric
1 (8 ounce) jar dill pickle spears
1 cup milk
2 eggs
1 teaspoon dill weed
2 cups breadcrumbs
vegetable oil (for frying)
ranch dressing, for dipping

Not the one? See other Fried Pickles Oklahoma Style Recipes
< 15 mins Appetizers
Southern U.S. Appetizers
Lighter Fare Appetizers
Savory Appetizers
Preheat oil to 400.
Slice pickle spears in quarters.
Mix milk, eggs, and dill weed in small bowl.
Pour bread crumbs in another small bowl.
Place pickle in milk mixture until saturated.
Roll in bread crumbs.
Repeat.
Deep fry until golden brown (3-5 minutes). Keep an eye on them they can cook very quickly.
Cool down for 5 minutes.
Serve with ranch dressing.
In order for the batter to stick to the pickles, it is smart to batter them and stick them in the fridge for an hour or so before cooking.

Answer 6

2 1/2 lbs fresh broccoli, peices
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/3 cup vegetable oil
1 tablespoon margarine
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
8 ounces cooked linguine
grated parmesan cheese

Saute broccoli, garlic,margerine, salt and pepper in oil until tender.
Toss gently with pasta and serve topped with grated parmesan.

Answer 7

Each year for Thanksgiving I do an article on side dishes in my cooking column. It's a compilation of side dish recipes. Here's the links for the last three years articles:

http://www.ahherald.com/food/2004/ft_041216_side.htm

http://www.ahherald.com/food/2005/ft_051124_side.htm

http://www.ahherald.com/content/view/692/27/

Chef Mark

Answer 8

Absolutely simple.... when in a hurry and, surprise, company's coming, we use this dish. Spaghetti noodles (even leftover ones), grated Parmesean cheese, diced tomatoes, and slices of (or shredded) mozzerella (optional), just toss together and it looks and tastes like a fabulous dish you took all day on.

Answer 9

hey i just did the same thing, take small new potatoes and cut them in half, then sprinkle a little extra virgin olive oil on them and use fresh garlic and basil, and a great complementary side dish to that is snap green beans with e.v.o.o. and rosemary GREAT SIDES

Answer 10

Hello,

Have you tried chopping up some shallots, and then browning them in olive oil with garlic and bacon. You then add some green beans:) Very yummy.