Easter Side Dish Help
I need some ideas for an Easter side dish. Hubby is dieting and I'd like to make one carb but can't decide what! We don't normally eat that many carbs anymore and I really want it to count if I'm going to make something with potatoes or pasta. Any ideas for something that's not TOO fatty but also delicious and memorable? It's only the two of us and our 2 year old so I'm not looking to feed an army. We are having ham as our main dish and probably green beans w/ bacon, glazed carrots and some sort of salad. Thanks!
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38 Comments:
Mark Bittman had a springy, smashed-potatoes-and-kale recipe recently that looked really good...should be on the NYT site. You can also make grits without much butter or cheese. Baked grits, maybe?
eleeb at 11:19AM on 04/09/09
My mom's making yam galette, which sounds divine. But since you're having carrots, I don't think I'd do sweet potatoes. What about potatoes au gratin? I always think of that as a classic ham partner.
emgroff at 11:25AM on 04/09/09
red cabbage and apple. Good and good for you. Tasty too. Or a zuchinni rosti
http://www.foodtv.ca/recipes/recipedetails.aspx?dishid=8284
there is a base recipe for you to play with. Egg substitute works good in it.
JerzeeTomato at 11:28AM on 04/09/09
How about good old fashioned mashed potatoes? You can control how much butter, salt, etc. as well as the portion.
Or in the same vein, you could do mashed cauliflower, very popular with South Beachers.
I prefer roasted cauliflower with garlic, s&p, lemon juice, olive oil and sprinkled cheese of your choice. Chop cauliflower, toss all ingredients together except cheese, place in 450 oven until slightly soft and light brown edges. Sprinkle with cheese and then broil until melted and brown. Yummy!
erinlovestoeat at 11:58AM on 04/09/09
I think cauliflower actually adds a really nice fresh, sweet taste to mashed potatoes. Just boil them together and proceed with your normal mash recipe. Or, depending how hot it is where you are, you could just do roasted new potatoes: halve or quarter, coat with olive oil, liberally add good salt and pepper and whatever aromatics you like.
nightowl at 12:34PM on 04/09/09
How about risotto. Very decadent and carbalicious!
finsbigfan at 12:36PM on 04/09/09
Sometimes nothing is better than a twice-baked potato with good sharp cheddar - I buy just one Idaho baker at a time and my hub and I split it.
CEBakes at 1:17PM on 04/09/09
I'd do something simple.....boiled new potatoes w/butter & parsely on them.
mepolo at 1:23PM on 04/09/09
I second the boiled new potatoes with butter and parsley. Is there anything better? Not much.
I made them awhile ago and discovered that once they were cooked and drained. I tossed in a little butter and parsley and i let them sit covered in the pot for about 15 minutes. Who knew that would finish them to perfection?! Creamy, fluffy bites of buttery yum.
And really if it's just the two of you.. Do you need "something" else?
TeriN at 2:16PM on 04/09/09
Great ideas everybody! Thanks. I will probably stick to good ole potatoes in one form or another. Since we don't eat them much at all anymore I'd probably be happy to eat the darn things raw! LOL But keep the ideas coming!!!
arm1970 at 2:25PM on 04/09/09
I would do oven roasted fingerling or any type of potatos with olive oil and herbs. A potato salad because with potato salad you can control how my mayo, sour cream ect to put into it, add some veggies as well like onions, radishes, pickles, celery, whatever you like. Garlic or some other herb smashed potatos, or smashed sweet potatos. Another thing that would make Easter dinner very fun and colorful is using the purple potatos making all the above dishes or whatever you choose, they taste just like regular potatos and are higher in iron then reg potatos. Everything comes out purple, I bet your two yr old would get a kick out of them. if you are going with a rice dish rissoto as mentioned above, or a regular rice dish with peas and mushrooms is also great. If using beans I would do Boston baked because it goes good with ham. Whatever you decide have a happy Easter.
pjracz10 at 2:27PM on 04/09/09
Make some polenta in advance, mix in some Romano or Parmesan cheese (it's good with some chopped fresh rosemary, thyme too), firm it up in the refrigerator, then slice it and grill it. Top with a little pesto or red sauce.
Popovers or biscuits are also great sides.
Also think about some pasta tossed with artichoke hearts, sun dried tomatoes and maybe some cooked broccoli rabe and olive oil and garlic.
MMinNYC at 2:35PM on 04/09/09
I like jerzees suggestion (surprise, surprise!)
I would also suggest (if yearning for a carb) to go for a nutrient-filled carbohydrate dish like a whole grain. Quinoa is fantastic and so versatile. Search quinoa on SEats and you'll find some great recipes.
You could also try some barley maybe, a spring-grain salad with nuts or a brown rice/risotto.
Another form of good-carbs (believe it or not) is carrots.
Remind your husband if he's concerned and dieting that even when he is "off" the perscribed diet that a good lifestyle choice is to avoid "bad carbs" whenever he can (ie white flour, potatoes, white pastas) as they are fillers that do not really provide anything helpful for your body.
hungrychristel at 2:44PM on 04/09/09
I'd probably go with some sort of bread. You already have three veggies in the carrots, green beans, and salad, so... Popovers are a great idea as they are so light & tender, with a nice delicate taste - and you can really flavor them with whatever herbs and/or cheese you like. You could also do something like Parker House rolls, southern-style biscuits; I also think a cinnamon-swirl bread or even an herbed focaccia would be delicious with your meal.
That said, if you're dying for potatoes, I completely agree with the roasted baby/new/fingerling potatoes with olive oil/butter and herbs. Delicious.
kimberlymac at 2:53PM on 04/09/09
Seconding risotto.. with asparagus, arugula and lemon.
sarajane at 4:20PM on 04/09/09
Perhaps you might want to think about making orzo like you would rice with stock and then adding lots of fresh veggies-- very tasty prepared this way! A great alternative to potato and uses the pasta in a great way.
alliedash at 4:49PM on 04/09/09
I'm trying a recipe from Jacques Pepin--gnocchi with eggs and scallions. Basically he takes some cooked gnochhi and sliced scallions in a skillet with a bit of olive oil over medium heat for a few minutes and then adds some beaten eggs and stirs. As the eggs start to set up, he adds a dollop of sour cream and salt and pepper. When cooked but still creamy he plates them and then garnishes with shredded parmigiano and chives. For added luxuriousness he adds a bit of truffles. I'll be skipping the truffles, but I'm pretty sure this will be an easy dish that will go over well with the ham I'm serving the guys. And it seems pretty kid friendly too.
dhorst at 5:03PM on 04/09/09
scalloped potatoes! go for it! i've been cutting carbs since jan.5th and i'm going to do the scalloped pots!
pooch at 6:28PM on 04/09/09
@pooch--good for you. Scalloped potatoes are on the menu for tonight, my 10 year old's favorite. I put some turkey ham in them and serve them as the main course with a salad. I should be cutting the carbs--and probably will do so after this weekend.
dhorst at 6:50PM on 04/09/09
Well, if you can find them, I would suggest doing the potatoes augratin.
But mix it up with some Peruvian Purple Poatoes and Yukon Golds!
We did that for a Huskey Football Party last year and they not only held up well, they require little extra fat and dairy to make the dish pop. Best of all, kids love food that doesn't look like their usual fair. And I still get full grown adults that've eaten out for years still ask if I use food dye on the potatoes.
Chef Colin at 8:16PM on 04/09/09
I was about to plug a savory bread pudding with challah, leeks, garlic, bacon and aged white cheddar (with half-n-half and eggs), but a lighter suggestion is blanched asparagus with shallots & dijon vinegarette (served cold).
kwhit at 11:18PM on 04/09/09
@Chef Colin, can you share the recipe for potatoes au gratin with little extra fat? Every recipe I've ever seen looks like a nutritional landmine.
cycorider at 12:01AM on 04/10/09
I love asparagus with a balsamic glaze - flavorful and a good detox for dieters! If you do potatoes, I too would go mashed. Split the servings into 3 for butter and topping control. To pretty up the table, serve them in martini glasses! I do this for parties all the time!
dharmon at 7:35AM on 04/10/09
Couscous with chopped asparagus spears.
Cassaendra at 1:05PM on 04/10/09
@hungrychristel - I agree with the statement about white bread and white pasta, but I disagree with the statement about white potatoes having no nutritional value....they are a great source of fiber, potassium, vit c, and iron. Everything in moderation....
http://www.potatoes.com/Nutrition.cfm
http://food-facts.suite101.com/article.cfm/potatoes_solanum_tuberosum_l
http://ezinearticles.com/?Beyond-the-Rainbow---9-Nutritious-White-Vegetables&id=2062894
mepolo at 1:34PM on 04/10/09
Traditional Easter dish in Italy; Pizza Rustica - it is a beautiful presentation, can be eaten warm or at room temprature, easy enough if made a day ahead, and oh so delicious. Great with ham, we make it every year.
PIZZA RUSTICA
• Pastry Ingredients
Never Fail Pie Crust or Use pastry below
Sift flour-3c- and rub in butter1 stick.. Add salt (1tsp.) and 1/4 C. olive oil-. Add little ice water water if dry, mix ingredients to form dough. Place in floured bowl, cover, and chill for 30 mins.
Filling - 3 lbs Ricotta, 8oz. cream cheese( optional),1 lb Mozzarella, diced, 1/3 lb. smoked Mozzarella, or Swiss diced , 1 2/3 cups. Parmesan (grated), 1/2 lb. salami (soppressata) (diced), 1/2 lb. ham (diced), 2-3 sprigs parsley (diced), 8 eggs, beaten, 1/4 t. pepper
• Method
In a bowl, mix cheese, add eggs, salami, ham, parsley, salt and pepper.
Divide dough, roll out and line bottom of spring form pan.
Line sides of pan with dough, place in refrigerator and chill. Put in filling and with the rest of dough make a lattice for the top..Bake at 350 for about 1hr. and 15 mins. or until top is golden. Cool completly, remove side of pan, serve warm or cold.
Egg wash-beat egg yolk with 1 t. water-paint on crust before baking
peuporcin at 2:24PM on 04/10/09
Maybe a potato gratin?
Ingredients
3 large Yukon Gold potatoes, sliced about 1/16 of an inch thick
4 Tbs. butter, separated
Salt and pepper
1 1/2 C. gruyere or parmesan cheese, shredded
1 C. milk
Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
Slice potatoes very thinly using a knife or mandoline. Grease an 8x8 inch pan. Lay potato slices in a straight line, overlapping slightly until the entire bottom of the pan is covered. They should look like shingles on a roof. Salt and pepper the potatoes and sprinkle 1/3 of the cheese on top. Repeat this process until you have 3 layers of potatoes with cheese in the middle. Reserve 1/3 of the cheese for the top. Salt and pepper the top layer, but do not add cheese.
Press down firmly to make sure all layers are compact. Pour 1 C. milk gently over the potatoes - it should come up just to the edge of the top layer. Bake in oven for 1 hour. Sprinkle cheese on top after 45 minutes and return to the oven. Watch carefully to make sure it doesn't burn.
Hillary
Chew on That at 3:59PM on 04/10/09
kwhit - mind sharing your savory bread pudding recipe? Sounds great - and easy I hope..
marzipan at 1:34PM on 04/11/09
Okay, I've got to ask -- when you say you don't eat that many carbs -- what do you think is wrong with fruits and veggies overall? You're not going to have a very balanced diet if all you eat is protein and fat.
dbcurrie at 10:27PM on 04/11/09
A nice fresh fruit salad.
chardonnay at 11:27PM on 04/11/09
@dbcurrie - I'm confused as to what you think we eat? We eat tons of veggies and fruit and beans, just fewer potatoes and rice and such. I have not made many carb side dishes in the last few weeks so for Easter I wanted to splurge a little on a potato side or something similar. I've pretty much decided to do a basic au gratin potato dish, from scratch of course. We'll have Baked Ham, Green Beans, Carrots & Salad and the potato dish. No bread. But I did make him a Strawberry Pie for dessert! Believe me, I do not suffer and I make sure he's happy with with he gets for lunch and dinner. That's why I make him Bento lunches for work. I trick him into eating healthy with visually appealing food! LOL
arm1970 at 11:38PM on 04/11/09
You said you don't eat many carbs. Fruits and veggies are primarily carbs. Just curious, is all.
dbcurrie at 12:13AM on 04/12/09
Well, you know what I mean! I assumed that everyone knew I was primarily referring to "white carbs" like rice, potatoes and bread. His main diet consists of grilled chicken, fish or beef, beans and a vegetable. I make all kinds of beans for him and we usually have broccoli, carrots, asparagus, salad, zucchini, green beans...stuff like that. I pack his lunches with plenty of fruits. We just don't rely on rice or potatoes as fillers in our meals anymore. We do eat a lot of Asian foods so the rice in those meals is rarely forsaken. If you have any advice I can pass along to him feel free to dole it out! I hate this diet. Mainly because unless I want to cook three different meals every night (the 2 of us and the 2 yr old) I have to generally eat it too. And I love me some rice and potatoes!!! ; ) I signed up for FB recently and have posted my Bento lunches on there if you'd like to check them out. I think they're awesome!
arm1970 at 5:50AM on 04/12/09
Um, potatoes have very few calories, actually, as well as being very filling and good for you. A good baked potato doesn't even need butter IMHO, just salt. And you can dry roast them with rosemary, sage, parsley, garlic, or any number of spices.
HeartofGlass at 8:10AM on 04/12/09
I know it but my hubby has it in his head that potatoes are bad for him as well as bread and rice. I am a firm believer that if you eat a well balanced diet you can eat whatever you like! If I could live in a baked potato I would!
arm1970 at 9:11AM on 04/12/09
make him some savory sweet potatoes or fries.
dearrie at 11:45AM on 04/12/09
@arm1970 "you know what I mean."
No, I didn't.
I know a few people who eliminated carbs to the point where the only non-protein-based foods they allowed were salads. Mostly leafy things, with the occasional "treat" of zucchini, cukes, or tomatoes.
One of them died of a heart attack. His brother immediately went off the diet and has ballooned well past where he started. Oh, and they were doctors. So IQ and medical knowledge didn't mean they had any clue about nutrition.
So, no, I have no illusions that people know what they're doing when they embrace a fad diet.
dbcurrie at 1:34PM on 04/13/09
I stand respectfully corrected mepolo :)
hungrychristel at 3:54PM on 04/15/09