The Best Side Dishes to Make with This Season’s Produce
Whether you’re celebrating holidays that involve family feasts or you’re having your family over for dinner, it can sometimes be a challenge to figure out what to feed everyone! Some ingredients can be tough to find in stores and you may have dietary restrictions you need to think about before preparing a menu. Whatever the case, we’ve got some ideas for the best side dishes to use with the produce that’s in season right now.
Brussel Sprouts
You either hate them or you love them; brussels sprouts are a superfood which contain several nutrients and antioxidants. If you don’t like to eat brussels sprouts as they are, we have a few ideas on how to make them more appetizing. A few of our favs are garlic parmesan brussels sprouts, candied bacon and pomegranate brussels sprouts, or even a shaved brussels sprouts salad.
Broccoli
We know how difficult it can be to get our children to eat this particular vegetable, but it doesn’t have to be! Instead of just boring, steamed broccoli try one of these variations! You can sauté broccoli with ginger, sesame oil and sesame seeds, or pop them in the air fryer with breadcrumbs and parmesan cheese or roast them in the oven with a drizzle of olive oil and some salt. Either way, broccoli adds just the right amount of fibre and crunch to any meal.
Corn
IT’S CORN, A BIG LUMP WITH KNOBS! Corn has taken over the internet and we don’t know about you, but we’re not mad at it. You can create so many dishes with corn, sweet or savoury. You can stick to good, old-fashioned corn on the cob, you can grill it and add lime, chili powder and cotija cheese, you can get creative and make some cowboy caviar, or you can whip up cornbread for dessert – the possibilities are endless.
Carrots
Not only are they packed with Vitamins A and C, calcium and lots of fibre (to name a few), but they’re also great for your eye health! Carrots are very versatile and can make a great side dish. Whether you’re serving them cold alongside an assortment of vegetables and dips, or you’re sauteing or roasting them, they are a staple. Some ways we love to eat carrots are oven baked with a maple glaze, or sautéed with butter, rosemary and sage.
Pumpkin (and other squashes)
Pumpkins and squash are a symbol of fall and can be found anywhere this time of year – at the grocery store, at your local pumpkin patch, and even in your front yard as décor. Since they are widely available this season, we have a few ideas for ways to include it in your meal. A creamy pumpkin bisque pairs well with anything, and if you want to get fancy you can take it up a notch and make pumpkin risotto or even a homemade pumpkin ravioli with sage butter.
Vegetables don’t have to be plain or boring, and they can be quite enjoyable if you get creative. Rather than always steaming or boiling your produce, grilling, broiling, baking, or even air-frying your veggies can really elevate them. Try this, as well as seasoning your produce properly, pairing them with herbs, spices, nuts, glazes etc., and you’ll have the most delicious side dishes!
To your Balanced Health,
The Balanced Company
