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Much Ado About Vegetable Sides

Published on November 6, 2012 By Emily. Updated on November 6, 2012

My (just married) sister recently texted me and requested this post.  Brian immediately told me that I’m unqualified to write this post, as I’m pretty bad at remembering to prepare side dishes as well.  I tried to keep my suggestions in this post simple, but I’m sure I left something out.  Feel free to add your favorite ideas below!

BUYING & STORING: Fresh local vegetables are awesome because they last longer, have great texture and support the local economy.  Buying seasonally will keep the prices down too. But there is absolutely nothing wrong with frozen vegetables-they’re just as healthy and delicious as the fresh ones.  Keep an eye out for supermarket sales and coupons; buy big bags for multiple meals.
Now, what to do with the vegetables after you’ve bought them?

steamer

STEAMED: Steaming fresh vegetables is currently one of my favorite things.  Steam baskets are relatively inexpensive and steaming keeps the crispness of the produce.  I just put an inch or so of water in the bottom of a pan, add the steam basket, bring the water to a simmer, add the vegetables and cook for 5-10 minutes, or until tender (I like mine on the crunchy side).  This works especially well with things like broccoli, cauliflower, carrots and green beans.  I also just read something about adding citrus rind to the water so that the vegetables take on a lemon or orange flavor, which I’m planning to try with steamed beets soon.

ROASTED: I roast a lot of vegetables in the winter.  At the most basic level, I combine chopped or sliced vegetables (squash, carrots, onions, leeks, parsnips) with a little bit of olive oil and spread them out on a baking sheet.  Cooked at 350 to 400 degrees, 20-40 minutes later (depending on the vegetable), they’re soft and ready to eat.  Roasting vegetables is perfect for when you’re preparing something else on the stove top at the same time.  Easily elevated with seasonings such as herbs, soy sauce or chili powder.  Spicy Buffalo Cauliflower “Wings” is an excellent recipe if you’re looking to get a little more complicated, as is Roasted Carrots with Scallion-Ginger Glaze.  (This is also the method I use to roast potatoes on a regular basis)

salad

SALAD:  Salad can be anything you want it to be, using lettuce, kale or spinach.  I like to make mine more interesting with non-vegetable ingredients like cheese, hard-boiled eggs, beans or nuts.  Great dressing, either homemade or store bought, can make a world of difference as well.

SAUTEED/STIR FRIED:  When I’m in a rush or at a loss for anything else to do, quickly sautéing vegetables never fails.  Whether it’s spinach, broccoli, summer squash, green beans, asparagus or almost anything else you can think of, adding them to a pan with some olive oil or butter, salt and garlic makes a great side.  If I’m feeling a little more motivated, I’ll make a bigger batch with sauce and serve it over a grain, like rice, with some sort of protein (chicken, tofu, beans).

simple curry sauce

TOPPED:  As I alluded to in a couple places above, sometimes all vegetables need are a good sauce.  Grated cheese is always a good choice, but once in a while I’m in the mood for something with more interesting flavors.  Some of my favorites:
Mmmm sauce (Peas and Thank You)
Jessica’s Vegan Peanut Sauce
Thai Sesame Peanut Sauce (The Wannabe Chef)
Simple Curry Sauce (Savvy Eats)

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Filed Under: food Tagged With: how to, produce, sides, sister, vegetarian

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Emily
I am literally weeks behind in my work life and my I am literally weeks behind in my work life and my blog posts, but I just hit publish on my end of August/beginning of September meal plans! Some blogging progress is better than none! Click the link below or visit my profile to see how we used these 2 CSA pick ups from @mightyfoodfarm.
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https://www.relishments.com/blog/august-slipped-away-csa-meal-plan-153/
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#MightyFoodFarm #EatLocal #EatSeasonal #VermontGrown #CSApickup #CSAshare  #KnowYourFarmerKnowYourFood #MenuPlanning #MealPlanning #igers413 #igers413_food #BerkshireFoodies
It's always a beautiful day at the @coastalmainebo It's always a beautiful day at the @coastalmainebotanicalgardens.
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#Maine #CoastalMaineBotanticalGardens #Boothbay
We made our annual trip to @thebistrobox in Great We made our annual trip to @thebistrobox in Great Barrington today, bringing along our 6 year old for the first time. 
Pictured: onion rings, pressed Cubano, BOX burger, raspberry mint iced tea/ (huge) side of fries, grilled hot dog, strawberry lemonade. Everything was delicious and my daughter especially enjoyed trying out the lawn games.
Until next year!
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#igers413_food
#igers413 #BerkshireFoodies #InTheBerkshires #EatLocal #WesternMA #WesternMass #Berkshires  #VisitTheBerkshires #GreatBarrington #TheBistroBox
New on the blog: a list of everything I made for d New on the blog: a list of everything I made for dinner this week. A double @mightyfoodfarm CSA pick up plus hosting my in-laws for dinner resulted in me actually planning quality meals.
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Get the recipe links at https://www.relishments.com/blog/twice-as-good-csa-meal-plan-152/ or click the link in my profile.
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#MightyFoodFarm #EatLocal #EatSeasonal #VermontGrown #CSApickup #CSAshare  #KnowYourFarmerKnowYourFood #MenuPlanning #MealPlanning #igers413 #igers413_food #BerkshireFoodies
I had the opportunity to visit the Bridge of Flowe I had the opportunity to visit the Bridge of Flowers in Shelburne Falls this morning. It was as beautiful as I remembered and a great morning for hanging out with some friends.
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#igers413 #ShelbourneFalls #BridgeOfFlowers #WesternMass #WesternMA
Brian and I finally made it to @ the week before w Brian and I finally made it to @ the week before we went on vacation. I loved the atmosphere, decor, location and, of course, the beer. All eight beers we tasted were delicious and I'm looking forward to going back soon. 
More thoughts on the blog at the link in my profile or at https://www.relishments.com/blog/hot-plate-brewing-in-pittsfield/
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#PittsfieldMA #MassachusettsBrewery #igers413_food #igers413 #BerkshireFoodies #InTheBerkshires #DrinkLocal #WesternMA #WesternMass #Berkshires  #VisitTheBerkshires
I made my first ever trip to @seconddropfarm in La I made my first ever trip to @seconddropfarm in Lanesborough this morning to pick blueberries with my daughter. We had a lovely time at the farm, and especially enjoyed the short walk to the lush blueberry bushes, and the beautiful flower and lavender fields. We didn't participate in pick-your-own flowers today, but it's definitely on my radar for the future.
We are looking forward to some muffin baking soon! 🫐
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#igers413_food
#igers413 #BerkshireFoodies #InTheBerkshires #EatLocal #WesternMA #WesternMass #Berkshires  #VisitTheBerkshires #LanesboroughMA #SecondDropFarm #PickYourOwnBlueberries
It's good to be home, but we had a great time with It's good to be home, but we had a great time with Brian's side of the family in Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina last week.
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#WrightsvilleBeach #NorthCarolina #WilmingtonNC
15 seconds of calm. Wrightsville Beach, NC . . . # 15 seconds of calm.
Wrightsville Beach, NC
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#WrightsvilleBeach #WilmingtonNC
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