Side Dish Recipes

The side dish isn\'t always the first thing you think of when planning a menu. After all, everyone\'s eyes will be on the main course: that juicy-looking steak, that big roast turkey. But no meal is complete without a little extra something on the table. In fact, many restaurants are better known for their side dishes than their main offerings-it just goes to show that more people are appreciating the little extras.

It doesn\'t have to take two hours, or even half an hour, to make a good side dish. Some of the best ones can actually be done in less than 15 minutes, even by a beginner. It\'s mostly a matter of knowing which dishes will go with what\'s already on the table. For example, if you have roast beef as a main course, a light garden salad might make a better contrast than a cream-based soup. Likewise, if your meal is relatively light, you can balance it out with a heavier side dish.

If you\'re really strapped for time, try making your side dish in advance using your crock pot. The main advantage of slow cooking is that it does all the work for you: you just leave it on in the morning and it\'ll be ready as soon as it\'s time to serve. That way, you can concentrate on other dishes, or if you\'re having a party, you can focus on other party details. Most of the classic favorites can easily be recreated in the crock pot with just a few adjustments. Some of the most popular crock pot side dish recipes are rice, mashed potatoes, and a variety of soups and stews.

Budget shouldn\'t be a problem for most people, as side dishes can be whipped up from most leftovers. If you have some unused vegetables, meat, and spices, you can probably toss them together for a quick homemade salad. It\'s a great way to fill up without piling on the calories, especially if you use healthy dressings. For soups, you can also try making more than you need and freezing the rest to be used the next day.

Side dishes don\'t have to be expensive or time-consuming. In fact, you can make one using only leftovers in less than half an hour. Here are some quick tips to help you get started.