Creating the perfect meal often requires thought and planning, from picking the main course to selecting complete sides to compliment the flavors. Sometimes it can be hard to think of side dishes that will complete the meal and be enjoyed by everyone in your family or group. Whilst there are endless possibilities of sides, in this article we will explore some of the more popular and interesting side dishes out there which can complete any meal.
Healthy Side Dishes
The sides served alongside the main course of your meal can make it much healthier and round out the tastes of different dishes to make the meal complete. Here are some healthy side dishes to consider when planning a meal:
• Quinoa: A superfood which is packed with protein, quinoa can create a wonderful side dish that is high in fiber and full of vitamins.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasting vegetables such as peppers and aubergines bring out their inherent sweetness and flavour, creating a delicious and incredibly nutritious side dish.
• Salads: A simple side salad can contain a variety of flavours with different greens, herbs, tomatoes, fruits and cheeses. Adding a vinegar or oil dressing to the salad can help to boost the flavor.
• Beans: Many types of beans, such as black beans and lentils, are full of nutritional benefits and can provide a good source of protein for a plant-based diet.
• Mashed Potatoes: This classic side dish is normally packed with lots of carbs, but they can actually be quite healthy if they’re kept simple with natural ingredients such as butter, sea salt and fresh herbs.
Carb-rich Side Dishes
Whilst there are many healthy side dishes to choose from, sometimes an indulgent carbohydrate-rich side is just the thing to make a meal complete. Here are some of the best carb-rich side dishes to add to your plate:
• Polenta: A rich Italian side dish made from specially-treated corn semolina, polenta makes a wonderful accompaniment to grilled meats and vegetables.
• Couscous: This tiny pasta is incredibly versatile, and is a great accompaniment to both hot and cold dishes.
• Cheesy Garlic Bread: Perfect for Italian meals and barbecues, cheesy garlic bread offers a fantastic flavor alongside any light summer salads and pastas.
• Rice: Whether it’s white, brown, wild or Spanish – rice is a fantastic side dish for any cuisine and can make a wonderful base for flavors such as pesto, spices and aubergine.
• Roast Potatoes: Roast potatoes are an incredibly popular side dish that everyone in the family can enjoy. Potatoes should always be cooked in oil when roasting and they go especially well with grilled steak, fish or chicken.
Vegetarian Side Dishes
Vegetarians and vegans needn’t worry that their meals are not satisfying, as there are plenty of dishes to create a unique and interesting plate. Here are some of the best vegetarian side dishes that can accompany any vegetarian main:
• Grilled Portobello Mushrooms: These mushrooms are grilled whole and generally quite large, making them a substantial side dish that is full of flavour and texture.
• Green Beans: These can be enjoyed raw, cooked with garlic and olive oil, or even roasted with spices.
• Fried Onion Rings: This fried side dish is always a hit with everyone in the family – plus, it is incredibly simple to make.
• Stuffed Red Peppers: This can be made from almost any type of ingredients, from rice and vegetables to mince and cranberries, creating a wonderful burst of flavour on the plate.
• Corn on the Cob: Whether it’s barbecued or boiled, corn on the cob makes for a light yet satisfying side dish.
Comfort Food Side Dishes
Sometimes comfort food is just what’s needed to make a complete meal. Here are some of the best comforting side dishes to add the plate:
• Macaroni & Cheese: A classic dish and family favorite, macaroni and cheese is always a winner and perfect for any special occasion.
• Mashed Sweet Potato: Sweet potato is incredibly good for you and can be mashed with some butter and spices to make a delicious and sweet side dish.
• Cheesy Bacon Potato Wedges: Potato wedges with cheesy bacon are simply divine and are packed with flavor. This side dish is also a great way to use up leftover bacon bits!
• Fries: Whether it’s hot or sweet potato fries or regular chips, this side is definitely a crowd-pleaser and goes superbly with a main course of steak or fish.
• Hash Browns: Another classic side dish which is simple to make, hash browns can be served with almost any main course, making them a perfect choice for any meal.
As you can see, there are a wide range of side dishes to choose from, ranging from healthy to comfort food. Making sure that the side dishes compliment your main course is all part of the fun in creating a delicious and varied meal for everyone to enjoy. So when it comes to planning your sides, why not try something new? Who knows, you might just surprise yourself!
