Don't forget about the Side Dishes

Side dishes are often an after thought.  When we think about what we're going to prepare for dinner, we always think about the main dish first and foremost.  But why should the entree get all the attention?  Side dishes are just as important.  Side dishes are just as pretty.  Side dishes are just as smart...wait a minute, I think I'm getting off track here.  :)

Anyway, here are some side dish recipes that are quick and easy (and just as popular as the main dish is...)



This recipe goes great with Asian dishes or even just plain baked chicken.  It's versatile, quick and yummy!

SESAME GREEN BEANS

1 can green beans, rinsed and drained (make sure they are dry so they don't spatter in the oil)
oil
sesame seeds
soy sauce
salt/pepper

In a small skillet, heat a little bit of oil (about a Tablespoon) over medium-high heat.  Add green beans and saute in oil for a few minutes, stirring frequently.  Add a splash or two of soy sauce and sprinkle in some sesame seeds.  Season to taste with salt and pepper.


This next recipe is fast and could not be easier.  If you can boil water, you got this.  Plus it's cheap!

RAMEN

2 pkgs ramen noodle soup mix
butter
green onion, sliced

Boil 4 cups water.  Break up the ramen noodles a little and put them in the pot.  Boil, stirring, for 3 minutes.  Drain. Add noodles back to pot.  Stir in some butter (however much you like, I usually use about two tablespoons or so).  Add only one of the seasoning packets that came with the packages.  Save the other for another use or discard.  Stir well to combine.  Garnish with sliced green onion.

Here's another pasta side dish.  Easy and delicious!

PARMESAN EGG NOODLES

8oz egg noodles
butter
parmesan cheese, grated
fresh parsley

Boil egg noodles until done.  Drain.  Return to pot.  Add a little butter (enough to keep the noodles from sticking together but not so much that they're swimming in it)  Salt and pepper to taste, but remember that you'll be adding parmesan cheese, which is very salty, so don't over do it.  Stir well to combine.  Put the noodles in a serving bowl and sprinkle parmesan cheese on top.  Then garnish with chopped fresh parsley.


The next recipe is a quick bread stick.  In case you haven't noticed, I'm not afraid of carbs.

QUICK GARLIC BREAD STICKS

1 can refrigerator biscuits (like pillsbury)
4 Tablespoons butter or margarine, melted
garlic powder
dried basil (or Italian seasoning)

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.  Pour half the melted butter onto a baking dish.  Roll each biscuit into a log shape and place on top of the butter in the dish.  Pour remaining melted butter over the top of the rolled biscuits.  Sprinkle garlic powder over each bread stick.  Then sprinkle a little dried basil over each.  Bake at 400 degrees for about 10 minutes, or until golden brown on top.

So, there you have it.  Side dishes that are quick and easy to make, plus they taste great.   I bet they'll be even more popular than the main dish.  Just sayin.