by Atomic Mommy Editors
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Side dishes add a bit of pizazz to every meal, providing plenty of flavor and balance. The idea of cooking a side might not always be appealing, especially if it seems like extra work, but many sides are quick and easy to put together. You can make them alongside your main dish or prepare them in advance. That’s why side dishes are worth your attention.
Without further adieu, here are our top picks for some simple and quick side dishes!
#1 Vegetable Sides
Vegetables are hugely versatile, so you can make all kinds of sides with them. Just pick your favorites and make a side that’s to your taste. You could make something with peas or beans like field peas, which use bacon fat to give them a delicious flavor. Or you might choose carrots and bring out the natural sweetness in them with some honey. You could make a coleslaw with your favorite vegetables or make a salad. You have the option to roast, saute, steam, or even just chop your vegetables raw and season them.
#2 Potato Sides
Potatoes might technically belong in the vegetable category, but you can do so much with them that it’s worth giving them their own attention. You can make so many different dishes with potatoes thanks to the various ways you can cook them. They can be boiled, mashed, roasted, fried, and more. Boiled potatoes are a very quick side dish, or you might go one step further and turn your potatoes into a salad. Oven fries are simple enough to make and you can season them with different herbs and spices. Or you could do something a bit fancier like a potato gratin.
#3 Biscuits and Bread
A good loaf of bread can be the only accompaniment you ever need for a meal. Bread, as difficult as it may seem, is not too difficult to make and it can be made in a short amount of time. If bread sounds too hard to try on your first go, try biscuits as they are a perfect side dish for the beginner. Cornbread is another simple and excellent side dish to serve with a variety of meals. The best part about bread is that can be used for dipping, soaking, or spooning savory sauces, soups, broths, and juices.
#4 Pasta, Rice, and Grains
While pasta can be a main dish all on its own, it also makes for a great side. Antipasto salad or a small helping of Penne in Vodka sauce are tasty examples for how pasta can be used as a side.
Rice should not be overlooked as a side dish either. The beautiful aspect of rice is how it allows itself to be eaten plainly, soaked in delectable broths, or even added into salads.
Of course, let’s not forget about grains as side dishes. Quinoa is a perfect example of a grain side dish. Grains are excellent side dishes that can be used to supplement other added sides.
The Takeaway
The benefits to adding side dishes to any meal is that it makes you look like a fantastic host and somewhat decent cook. So, be brave in your side dish ventures and wow your guests’ tastebuds.
What sides do you plan to cook as an added enhancement to your meal? We’d love to read about it in the comments below.