Not everyone has the time to cook daily; even those that do, try to minimize the time spent in the kitchen. It explains why some households prefer to cook in bulk and store them in sizable freezer-safe containers until they run out of food. Meanwhile, those who cook daily may resort to simple but hearty meals. There is also the option to fix a side dish, but you can only fully enjoy that when it perfectly complements your main meal. According to news reports, 24% of people in Canada eat mostly salads as a side dish, but you can try something different. Whether you’re preparing for a special occasion or want a memorable family meal, here are some tips to consider to pair your side dish with your main meal perfectly.

Consider the main dish’s flavours and textures.

As the saying goes, variety is the spice of life. And this can also apply to your side dishes. A plate with various textures is visually appealing and can easily whet your appetite. It also makes it more fun to eat and would make you want to try your hands at preparing more side dishes with contrasting flavours and textures. For example, if you are serving a creamy pasta dish, pair it with a crisp and refreshing salad to balance out the richness of the main course. Again, if you are serving a hearty stew, try combining it with soft and buttery bread to complement the sauce’s flavours. While it may look too much to cook for dinner, you will be happy to know that contrasting textures and flavours are not too hard to create. You can quickly get the ingredients for these tasty dishes in the grocery store. 

Consider the main dish’s cultural origins.

Matching the cultural origins of a main dish with a side dish is a great way to create a cohesive and authentic meal. One way to do this is to research the traditional side dishes commonly served with the main dish in the culture of origin. For example, if you are serving a Chinese dish, pair it with a side dish such as steamed rice, stir-fried vegetables, or dumplings.

Another way to match the cultural origins of a main dish with a side dish is to use ingredients, and cooking techniques commonly found there. For example, if you are serving a Mediterranean dish, use ingredients such as olives, feta cheese, and herbs like oregano and thyme in your side dish. Additionally, you could prepare your side dish using cooking methods like grilling, roasting, and braising, which are popular in Mediterranean cuisine.

Plan or alter the cooking methods

This step is especially crucial if you don’t have much time. Planning your pairings ahead of time can significantly reduce the time you spend in the kitchen. It will also make it easier for you to multitask and maximize your kitchen equipment. For instance, while you use your stove for the main course, you can use the oven for your side dish. Suppose you want to try something quick and different using this technique. In that case, there’s an excellent recipe for oven-roasted Brussels sprouts at this site that can be used as a side dish for the family. Specific cooking methods require more time, which can be a significant put-off when cooking. Fortunately, with this approach, you will be able to make the most of your efforts in the kitchen. Ideally, a side dish shouldn’t take too long to be ready. 

With these tips, your side dishes should be an enticing and appealing part of your lunch or dinner table.

If you are looking to cook healthier meals but don’t know where to start, you’re in luck. This blog post will share with you five healthy cooking tips for beginners. These tips will help make cooking at home easier and more enjoyable while also helping you to create nutritious and delicious meals.

1) Use healthy cooking oils

When it comes to cooking oils, there are a lot of options out there. It can be confusing trying to figure out which one to use. However, it is important to choose an oil high in healthy fats, such as olive oil or avocado oil. These oils are not only healthier for you, but they will also add flavor and depth to your dishes. In addition, when cooking with oil, be sure to use it in moderation. A little bit goes a long way. Too much oil can make your food greasy and unhealthy.

2) Incorporate fresh vegetables and fruits into your meals

One of the easiest ways to make your meals healthier is to incorporate fresh vegetables and fruits. Not only are they nutritious, but they can also add flavor and color to your dishes. When choosing vegetables and fruits, try to choose ones in season. They will be fresher and more flavorful. The best way to incorporate them into your meals is to use them as toppings or even try baking a sweet potato air fryer if you’d like to get more creative.

3) Get creative with your protein

Protein is an essential part of a healthy diet. It helps to build and repair muscle, and it can also help you to feel fuller for longer. When it comes to cooking protein, there are a lot of different options. You can choose lean meats, such as chicken or fish, or plant-based proteins, such as beans or tofu. If you are looking for something different, you could even try using alternative protein sources, such as quinoa or lentils. No matter what protein you choose, cook it healthy, such as grilling, baking, or steaming.

Protein like salmon is a good option because not only is it healthy, but it is also easy to cook. Simply season the salmon with salt, pepper, and lemon juice, and then bake it in the oven at 400 degrees for about 20 minutes. This meal is not only healthy, but it is also quick and easy to make. On the other hand, tofu is a great plant-based protein option. In addition, it is versatile and can be used in various dishes. For example, you could make a tofu stir-fry or add it to a soup or salad.

4) Use herbs and spices to flavor your dishes

One simple way to make your dishes more flavorful and healthy is to use herbs and spices. They can add a lot of flavor without adding any calories or fat. In addition, many herbs and spices have health benefits. For example, turmeric is a spice that has anti-inflammatory properties, while garlic has been shown to boost the immune system. When using herbs and spices, be sure to experiment until you find a combination that you like.

Some other great options include cinnamon, which can help to regulate blood sugar levels, and cayenne pepper, which can boost metabolism. Also, don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors. If you are unsure what to use, you can always consult a cookbook or look online for ideas.

5) Avoid processed foods 

One of the worst things you can do for your health is to eat a lot of processed foods. These are foods created in a factory and are often high in sugar, salt, and fat. They can also be low in nutrients. In addition, processed foods tend to be addictive, so you may eat more than you realize.

To improve your health, it is best to avoid processed foods as much as possible. Instead, focus on eating whole, unprocessed foods. These foods that nature intended us to eat will provide our body with the nutrients it needs to function properly.

In addition, when you cook at home, you have more control over the ingredients used. This means that you can choose to use healthy, unprocessed ingredients. As a result, your meals will be healthier and more nutritious.

By following these healthy cooking tips, you will be on your way to eating healthier meals. Not only will you feel better, but you will also be able to enjoy delicious food that is good for you. So give it a try and see for yourself!

My Dutty Grilled Cheese Sandwich deserves all the rave and accolades 😂

I had some leftover ground cajun sausages from my previous Dutty Pizza recipe and I turned it into this delicious sandwich. Nothing goes to waste in my household.. at least I try and sometimes life happens 😅

I am a lover of all things cheese and this sandwich was a no-brainer. I am lactose intolerant and I know better but I did not hold back on the cheeseeee. Guys my spirit is willing but my flesh is weak.

I used a combination of Cheddar and Provolone Cheese for this sandwich, Swiss or Havarti are also good options, in addition, or in place of the Provolone Cheese. In my opinion, a grilled cheese sandwich without cheddar is not complete, preferably mild cheddar. 

I used 2 types of sausages for this recipe, Mild Italian and Hot Longanisa, and you can find the recipe on how to cook and season your vegetables and the cajun sausages here. When preparing, ease up on the salt and seasoning as the cheese used has a lot of salt in them. I enjoyed my sandwich with a nice cup of hot chocolate my fav!  but it would go great with a nice garlic confit too! To make it a meal, you can serve it with a side of salad or classic tomato soup. 

Now Let’s Get To It! 

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