Side Dishes

//Side Dishes
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Cranberry Pear Sauce

This is not your traditional applesauce. For one, it calls for pears. And second, this fruit concoction is cooked in a good amount of honey. It takes just a few minutes to prepare. Serve it warm or cold, over latkes or as a stand-alone side dish. My kids like taking it to school for snack.

Fried Rice

Fried rice is one of those dishes that if you like more of one component, add it. Don’t like another? Replace it or leave it out all together. To me, if you add some peas and carrots (not pictured here), fried rice is an all-in-one dinner dish — it can have starch, protein and a vegetable. I never have any leftovers of this dish — our company always takes a doggy bag of whatever is left home!

Sesame Noodles

Everyone loves sesame noodles — and they are so easy to make! Leftovers? Sesame noodles are perfect to pack for lunch at work or school.

Zucchinis in Tomato Sauce

I opened my fridge one evening to find a whole bunch of zucchinis. What to make?… what to make… I decided to throw this concoction together. It’s kind of like a ratatouille, except that it’s only zucchini and onions. The chopping will take you a few minutes, but with a good knife, it’s virtually effortless. You can serve this over rice or as a stand-alone salad.

Asian String Beans

I love Asian food. But between all of the lo meins and rice dishes, there are only so many starches I can handle. Enter the string bean. I decided to combine my recipes for Sesame Noodles and my normal green been recipe for this fusion dish — delish!

Herb Potato Salad

It’s not a BBQ without potato salad. This one is a cross between deli style mayo based and German vinegar. The Dutch baby potatoes have a buttery taste and a waxy texture, perfect for this dish. If you cannot find them at your market, substitute red new potatoes, small Yukon gold or fingerling. 

Fried Black Eyed Peas

Yes, you read that right. Fried black eyed peas. My friend Mosh is a FABULOUS cook. He’s incredibly fun and creative about the dishes he prepares. He takes the simplest foods and turns them into something dynamic. Like these Black Eyed Peas — who would have thought these simple beans could taste SO good? Serve them as hors d’oeuvres before a meal, pack them as a snack in your kids’ lunches, or have them out just to munch on when the guys are over to watch the football game.

Persian Golden Crusted Rice

We are very lucky to have so many Persian friends. This dish is a staple in so many homes. With all the parties Achashverosh threw, I bet this rice was served to Queen Esther when she was queen of the Persian Empire!

Kale Chips

Here’s an easy way to make sure everyone gets their greens. Serve on their own or with your favorite dip. I assure you, you’ll never stop at just one.

Garlic Broccoli

This recipe is for garlic lovers!  I like this recipe because of its simplicity and robust flavor.  I always use fresh garlic and take the time to peel it myself before I mince it.  If you’re short on time, jarred garlic works as well.  I serve this dish room temperature or slightly warmed up.