POLL: How much effort do you put into your side dishes?

[CHRIST1NE]

I seem to usually end up having steamed broccoli, carrots or green beans, Near East Coucous, frozen veggies or the microwave Rosemary Roasted Potatoes. Not very exciting I know, but it's easy.

So how about the rest of you. Do you go all out on your sides or do you tend to go quick & easy?

[AndreaU]

Good question... for me, it depends. On those days when DH doesn't call & I don't know when he'll be home (he works retail, so no regular hours for him!), it's usually a throw together like you mentioned. If it's my day off and/or I know he'll be home within a certain range of time, I'll put more into it. I'll comb CL and find something that looks interesting (lately risottos with lots of veggies are my thing) and put forth the effort. Sometimes it just might be a big salad chock full o' veggies as the side dish.

[funnybone]

For guests, I put in more effort than on a regular day. I enjoy vegetables without too much added to them, so I actually like them simple/plain. The main course really sets the tone for what I serve with it.

[emilycat]

I have to echo funnybone's post -- I, too, love veggies and grains (which is what most of my sides comprise), with little embellishment, but I tend to make them a bit more elaborate if a)I'm having guests, or b)if my main dish(es) aren't too comlicated or complex and I feel like adding some oomph to the sides, as well.

[Jewel]

I tend to go along with everyone else. The main dish dictates what the sides will be. I try to have one 'starch', either potato, rice or pasta, and one veggie. If I'm making some type of meat with gravy, like salisbury steak, roast chicken or turkey cutlets, then I'm definitely making some sort of potatoes as the side. I'm also heavily into risottos right now, and my favorite is the Vidalia Onion and Feta Risotto even though we tend to make that one only on the more special occasion! I also love pearled wheat and brown rice pilafs, like 'Near East' brand. Not much sodium, and I love the combination of pearled wheat and pecans in one of their pilafs. Couldn't do better myself!

Veggies are usually more plain, like corn on the cob, seasoned peas, my Garlicky Green Beans or Garlicky Asparagus (same recipe, just sub asparagus!) Sometimes if I'm feeling adventurous I'll comb through the CL cookbooks and see what else grabs me! Right now I'm looking forward to making that BB recipe Orzo Pilaf with Green Onions and Parmesan Cheese!

[makedah]

What a great question. I grew up in one of those households where all the effort goes on the meat and you just cook a pot of rice and open a can of corn, peas or green beans to go with. I carried out that tradition for years myself and now I'm starting to work harder on it, thanks to CL and Moosewood.

[mb]

Usually it depends what the main dish is. If we're just having grilled chicken or steak or something simple like that, then I might make risotto or a more time-consuming side dish. If I'm following a special recipe for the main dish, then generally the side is pretty plain/easy - rice, stir-fry broccoli (w/ garlic, ginger, soy sauce), mashed potatoes, couscous, corn on the cob, big salad, etc.

Mostly, though, we usually just have a one-dish type of meal - like a pasta w/ chicken and veggies, for example. that way, i don't have to worry about thinking up more things to cook each night! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/wink.gif

[BlueV8Dakota]

I try just as hard with the side dishes as the main dish. One of our favorites is a cooking light recipe called triple corn spoon bread. It's very easy to make and goes with just about anything. I must admit I'm sick of green bean casserole and make a cheesy broccoli bake instead. Those are two of our favorites. They are my standby's and I always try to have the ingredients on hand.

[MrsReber]

During the hectic weekdays, I try to keep it simple- mashed potatoes, egg noodles, corn, or bread/bicuits/muffins and I will admit to the occasional stove top stuffing (instead of potatoes?). For green veggies, we love steamed broccoli, spinach, or a big salad. But there are days where the old standards get boring so I try to be a little more creative with the veggies. It's a bit more difficult during the week since I'm usually hungry when I get home. We just want something quick and nutritious!