Cuisine: Side dish

Stovetop-Braised Carrots & Parsnips

Braising is a cooking method that involves cooking vegetables in a liquid, usually a broth or wine, at a low temperature for a long period of time. This method is ideal for vegetables that are tough or dense, as it helps to break them down and make them tender. Braising is a versatile cooking method that can be used to cook a variety of vegetables. These Stovetop-Braised Carrots & Parsnips are a delicious and healthy side dish. They are a good source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, vitamin C, potassium, and fiber.

By Leslie Blythe

  • Prep: 10 mins
  • Cook: 40 mins
  • Yields: 8 Servings

Thomas Keller’s Oven-Roasted Zucchini

Thomas Keller's (The French Laundry) Oven-Roasted Zucchini recipe seems to have gone viral. It looked so good that I had to try it. He scores the cut zucchini and fries them in a very hot pan, then roasts them in the oven to create this amazing crispy and soft zucchini.  Then it's topped with a mixture of tomatoes, shallots, and fresh herbs. I will be making this quite a bit next summer when the zucchini is fresh from the garden. I've also seen this topped with a Greek yogurt and pistachios.

By Leslie Blythe

  • Prep: 10 mins
  • Cook: 35 mins

Roasted Rainbow Cauliflower

I bought this rainbow cauliflower Trader Joe's and decided to roast it. I tossed it in olive oil, lemon, garlic, red pepper flakes and I finished it with chopped walnuts and some parmesan cheese. I love the colorful mix of purple, green, white, orange cauliflower florets.

By Leslie Blythe

  • Prep: 5 mins
  • Cook: 25 mins
  • Yields: 4 Servings

Maitake Wild Rice Salad

Maitake mushrooms sometimes called Hen-of-the-Woods, or "dancing mushrooms" in Japan, are found at the base of trees, particularly old-growth oaks or maples. Compared to other mushrooms, maitake has shown better results in preventing and treating cancer and other health conditions. Maitake also has a positive effect on overall immunity. This Maitake Wild Rice Salad uses walnuts, which pair well with the nutty wild rice. I actually used a wild rice blend which is finished with lemon juice.

By Leslie Blythe

  • Prep: 10 mins
  • Cook: 20 mins
  • Yields: 6 Servings

Blistered Shishito and Corn Salad

Shishito peppers have become popular. They are mostly mild, but about one out of ten are spicy, which adds an element of surprise. The person that gets the spicy one will have good luck! This Blistered Shishito and Corn Salad is a flavorful salad to add to your repertoire.

By Leslie Blythe

  • Prep: 20 mins
  • Cook: 15 mins
  • Yields: 4 Servings

Grilled Broccoli

This Grilled Broccoli is something I will have on repeat. It's marinated in soy sauce, honey, Worcestershire, and ketchup, which gives the broccoli so much flavor. It's ready for the grill in 10 minutes, alternatively, you can roast it in the oven at 425°F for 16-20 minutes.

By Leslie Blythe

  • Prep: 5 mins
  • Cook: 20 mins
  • Yields: 6 Servings

Mushroom & Leek Bread Pudding

This make-ahead Mushroom & Leek Bread Pudding from Ina Garten is a great side dish for any holiday meal or brunch. Bread pudding is typically a dessert, but this is a savory version. It sits overnight in the refrigerator and is baked the next day.

By Leslie Blythe

  • Prep: 10 mins
  • Cook: 2 hrs 5 mins
  • Yields: 8 - 10 Servings

Cheesy Baked Asparagus

I love making asparagus and am always trying to find new ways to serve it. This Cheesy Baked Asparagus is seriously easy to make and is so good. It's the perfect no-fuss side dish.

By Leslie Blythe

  • Prep: 15 mins
  • Cook: 25 mins
  • Yields: 6 Servings

Orange-Braised Carrots & Parsnips

These Orange-Braised Carrots & Parsnips are slow-roasted at a very low temperature, which intensifies the flavor. Parsnips are cousins to carrots, with a similar texture to potatoes. I love parsnips and feel like they are underutilized in the US. They have a sweet and mildly nutty taste.

By Leslie Blythe

  • Prep: 25 mins
  • Cook: 1 hr 35 mins
  • Yields: 6 Servings

Melting Cabbage

Melting Cabbage literally melts in your mouth. It's nestled in a bed of caramelized fennel and braised in tomato and wine and finished in the oven. You add parmesan rind, which is an Italian trick that adds depth of flavor. I keep parmesan rinds in a bag in the freezer and use them in soups and stews.

By Leslie Blythe

  • Prep: 15 mins
  • Cook: 55 mins
  • Yields: 4 Servings