I always volunteer to ‘bring a side dish’ when going to a dinner party. For starters, the definition of side dish is fairly broad so I don’t feel stressed out about committing to something tricky. My side dishes are always easy and most importantly colorful. I think beautiful side dishes help contribute to a dinner party and shows your host you put a lot of effort into it. Or, did you?
Here are some super easy side dishes that impress & won’t stress! They are also incredibly wallet friendly. Shhhh…I won’t tell.
Beets, Potato & Garbanzo Bean Salad with Lime, Cilantro & Garlic (pictured above)
You could buy prepared beets for this if you’re in a hurry, but I decided to cut my big yellow raw beets in half and boil for about 15-20 minutes til soft with a fork puncture. Fresh is always best (and cheaper!) Cool the beets and then the skins peel of easily. Cut the beets into little square chunks. Next take colored potatoes (medium size). I got a bag of tri-color potatoes from Trader Joes. Scrub well and cut up into cubes. Boil for about 10-15 minutes until a fork can easily stab through. Drain and cool.
Once the beets and potatoes have cooled, put in a glass bowl. Use high quality olive oil or green peanut oil and mix in about 2 tablespoons LIGHTLY. YOu don’t want to damage the potatoes and make them mushy.
Chop a half a cup of cilantro and toss in with lime juice from one lime. I added one big clove of garlic, but dial it up or down based on your preference. Salt, Pepper & I did add a smidge or red pepper flakes on top for presentation and a bit of spice. This side dish will cost you less than $5 to make.
Rainbow Carrots in Garlic & Basil
Chopped organic rainbow carrots cooked for 3 minutes max in a rolling boil + drain & toss with +1 tbsp butter + 2 cloves diced garlic + 3 large basil leaves chopped + dash of herb salt. Rainbow carrots are available at Trader Joe’s, Sprouts and other similar markets. This side dish will cost you less than $3 to make.
Wild Rice with Beet Greens (or Spinach)
Cook first and then in a separate pan, stir fry in olive oil porcini mushrooms, beet greens (or spinach) & fresh marjoram leaves + garlic. That’s it! This side dish will cost you less than $5 to make, and taht’s using porcini mushrooms.
Caramelized Onion Mashed Potatoes
The onions take some time, but it’s so worth it! Simply slice up about 2-3 onions and on LOW heat and a splash of olive oil, let them cook down for an HOUR. Yes, an HOUR! Stir occasionally to turn them. The heat must be at your lowest setting on your burner though! This slow cook process will carmelize the onions in their own juices. I usually add a little salt towards the end. Make mashed potatoes per your favorite method (mashed potatoes are pretty easy, right?) Then before leaving with your dish, dump the carmelized onions on top. You can microwave the whole thing before serving. Stir the onions in before serving. It’s a WINNER everytime! This side dish will cost you less than $3 to make.
