Savory Sides: Delicious Recipes to Complement Any Meal

Introduction

When it comes to meal planning, sides can often be overlooked. However, a well-chosen side dish can elevate a meal from good to great. Whether you’re looking for something to complement a hearty main course or to balance out a rich and indulgent dish, these savory sides are sure to please.

Roasted Vegetables

Roasting vegetables is a simple yet delicious way to bring out their natural sweetness and add depth of flavor. Some of our favorite vegetables to roast include:

Brussels Sprouts

Toss halved Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast in the oven until crispy and caramelized.

Carrots

Cut carrots into thin rounds and toss with honey, thyme, and olive oil before roasting until tender.

Butternut Squash

Peel and cube butternut squash, then toss with cinnamon, brown sugar, and butter before roasting until golden and tender.

Grain Salads

Grain salads are a great way to incorporate healthy whole grains into your diet while also adding flavor and texture to your meal. Try these tasty options:

Quinoa Salad

Cook quinoa according to package directions, then toss with chopped cucumber, red onion, cherry tomatoes, feta cheese, and a lemon vinaigrette.

Farro Salad

Cook farro according to package directions, then toss with roasted beets, goat cheese, arugula, and a balsamic vinaigrette.

Brown Rice Salad

Cook brown rice according to package directions, then toss with diced avocado, black beans, corn, cilantro, and a lime vinaigrette.

Garlic Mashed Potatoes

No meal is complete without a classic side of mashed potatoes. Take them up a notch by adding roasted garlic for extra flavor.

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1 head garlic, roasted
• 1/2 cup milk
• 4 tablespoons butter
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Boil potatoes in salted water until tender, then drain and mash.
2. Squeeze roasted garlic cloves out of their skins and add to the mashed potatoes.
3. Heat milk and butter in a small saucepan until butter is melted, then add to the potatoes and stir to combine.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Crispy Brussels Sprouts

Brussels sprouts are having a moment, and for good reason. When roasted until crispy, they become irresistible.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

Directions:

1. Toss Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then spread out on a baking sheet.
2. Bake at 400 degrees for 20-25 minutes, or until crispy and caramelized.
3. Drizzle with balsamic vinegar before serving.

Conclusion

With these savory sides in your recipe arsenal, you’ll never have to settle for a lackluster meal again. From roasted vegetables to grain salads to classic mashed potatoes, these dishes are sure to complement any main course and leave your taste buds satisfied.