With Thanksgiving rapidly approaching, many individuals are thinking about what to buy for the holiday meal. Naturally, the main dish tends to be simple, because most people will serve turkey (although hams and veggie roasts will also grace a number of tables). Side dishes, on the other hand, tend to be more flexible. Here are a few minimal ingredient accompaniments that are simple and tasty.
- Sauteed Greens Beans. Steam about one pound of fresh green beans until cooked but crisp to the bite (error on the side of undercooked if necessary). Drain. In the meantime, melt ¾ stick of butter or healthy, non-hydrogenated margarine in a frying pan. Add ½ cup of slivered almonds and lightly brown (the almonds are optional). Stir the beans into the almond/butter mixture and add 1 teaspoon of brown sugar: stir for a couple of minutes. If you must add more fat to properly melt the sugar, pour in a small amount of extra virgin olive oil (a.k.a., EVOO). Transfer to a decorative casserole dish.
- Easy Mashed Potatoes. Most people love mashed potatoes, and this side is especially popular on Thanksgiving. Peel and quarter a five pound bag of potatoes (some people like Russet, but everyday potatoes seem to work best). Boil until a fork easily pierces the potato pieces, however, do not overcook or they will begin to disintegrate in the water. Drain and transfer to a large bowl. Beat on medium speed until potatoes are only slightly lumpy, gradually adding about 1/3 cup of reduced-fat milk, one stick of butter or healthy margarine, and sea salt and pepper to taste (add salt in very small increments, you do not want to over salt). If the mixture seems too firm, slowly add more milk until desired consistency. Transfer to a microwave-safe casserole in the event the dish needs to be reheated at some point. NOTE: If you are lactose intolerant, healthy margarine can replace butter and non-sweetened soy milk can be substituted for regular milk.
- Candied Yams. Okay, this is another Thanksgiving favorite, but fresh is so much better than canned. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Peel and quarter about 4 to 6 good-sized yams or sweet potatoes (yams are typically sweeter). Place snugly in an oil-sprayed baking dish. Combine ¼ cup of brown sugar moistened slightly with orange juice. Thinly slice ½ stick of butter or healthy margarine. Place the butter slices in between the yam gaps. Sprinkle the brown sugar evenly over the yams. Bake for about an hour or until the yams are cooked and the topping seems caramelized. It may be necessary to baste one or two times to evenly distribute the glaze.
- Roasted Veggies. Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Place a medley of washed, colorful veggies (e.g., baby carrots, broccoli florets, cauliflower florets, sliced zucchini, sliced red peppers, and sliced asparagus) in a baking dish. Coat the veggies with 2 tablespoons of EVOO, sea salt, and pepper. Bake about 35 minutes, being sure to stir every 10 to 15 minutes. The slightly charred flavor of the roasting process is delicious on its own; nonetheless, if you think you might prefer a mildly sweet zing to the dish, add 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar after you add the oil.
- Yummy Rice. Dissolve a large veggie or chicken bouillon cube in 2 ½ cups of boiling water. Add one cup of long-grain rice and lower heat. Cook rice for 20 minutes (or according to box directions). The optional (and yummy) part? When rice is done, mix in one or more of the following for a different twist: ½ cup cranberries, ½ cup slivered or sliced browned almonds, Baby Bella mushrooms sauteed in EVOO and sea salt, one cup of frozen peas cooked firm, sauteed onions, halved pistachios, cooked baby carrots, etc. The peas or nuts and cranberries make an especially impressive dish. An even healthier alternative? Use brown rice instead of white. A gluten-free option? Do not add anything to the rice that contains wheat (therefore, look for gluten-free bouillon when shopping).
Yes, Thanksgiving is almost here, and food, as well as thanks, will be the stars of the day. Remember, everything in moderation, and enjoy!
