Introduction
Easter is a time for celebration with family and friends, and what better way to celebrate than with a delicious meal? While ham and potatoes are traditional Easter fare, adding some green vegetable side dishes can make your meal healthier and more colorful. In this blog post, we’ll share two easy and tasty green vegetable side dish recipes that are perfect for Easter.
Recipe 1: Roasted Asparagus with Lemon
Ingredients:
– 1 pound asparagus, tough ends removed – 2 tablespoons olive oil – 1 lemon, juiced and zested – Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). 2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. 3. Spread the asparagus on the baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil. 4. Season with salt and pepper to taste. 5. Roast in the oven for 10-15 minutes, or until the asparagus is tender and lightly browned. 6. Remove from the oven and sprinkle with lemon juice and zest. 7. Serve immediately.
Nutritional Information:
– Calories: 94 – Fat: 7g – Carbohydrates: 7g – Fiber: 3g – Protein: 3g
Cooking Time:
– 15 minutes
Equipment:
– Baking sheet – Parchment paper
Serving Suggestions:
– Serve as a side dish with ham, potatoes, and other Easter favorites. – Garnish with chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley or chives.
Variations:
– Add sliced garlic to the asparagus before roasting for extra flavor. – Use lime juice and zest instead of lemon for a different twist. – Top with shaved Parmesan cheese before serving.
Substitutions:
– Use other green vegetables, such as green beans or broccoli, instead of asparagus. – Use avocado oil or coconut oil instead of olive oil.
Storage:
– Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Tips:
– Choose asparagus that is bright green and firm, with tightly closed tips. – To remove tough ends, hold each stalk at both ends and snap it; it will break where the tough part ends and the tender part begins.
Frequently Asked Questions:
– Can I use frozen asparagus instead of fresh? Yes, but make sure to thaw and pat dry before roasting. – How can I tell if the asparagus is done? It should be tender but still slightly crisp, with a lightly browned exterior.
Recipe 2: Garlic Green Beans
Ingredients:
– 1 pound green beans, trimmed – 2 tablespoons butter – 3 cloves garlic, minced – Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. 2. Add the green beans and cook for 3-5 minutes, or until tender but still slightly crisp. 3. Drain the green beans and rinse under cold water. 4. Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. 5. Add the garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant. 6. Add the green beans to the skillet and toss to coat with the garlic butter. 7. Season with salt and pepper to taste. 8. Serve immediately.
Nutritional Information:
– Calories: 104 – Fat: 6g – Carbohydrates: 11g – Fiber: 4g – Protein: 2g
Cooking Time:
– 15 minutes
Equipment:
– Large pot – Colander – Large skillet
Serving Suggestions:
– Serve as a side dish with ham, potatoes, and other Easter favorites. – Garnish with sliced almonds or fresh thyme.
Variations:
– Add sliced mushrooms to the skillet with the garlic for extra flavor. – Use lemon zest instead of garlic for a different twist. – Top with crispy fried onions before serving.
Substitutions:
– Use other green vegetables, such as asparagus or broccoli, instead of green beans. – Use ghee or olive oil instead of butter.
Storage:
– Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Tips:
– Choose green beans that are bright green and firm, with no blemishes or spots. – Trim the ends of the green beans before cooking.
Frequently Asked Questions:
– Can I use canned or frozen green beans instead of fresh? Yes, but make sure to drain or thaw before cooking. – Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes, you can cook the green beans and garlic butter separately ahead of time, then reheat and combine before serving.
Conclusion
Adding some green vegetable side dishes to your Easter meal can make it healthier and more colorful. These two recipes for roasted asparagus with lemon and garlic green beans are easy and tasty options that are sure to please your guests. Give them a try and enjoy a delicious and nutritious Easter feast!