Introduction
Easter is around the corner, and it’s time to start planning your menu! While the main course gets all the attention, the side dishes are just as important. They can make or break a meal, and they’re a great way to add some variety and color to your table. In this blog post, we’ll be sharing two of our favorite recipes for side dishes for Easter that are sure to impress your guests. So, let’s get cooking!
Recipe 1: Roasted Carrots with Honey and Thyme
Ingredients
- 2 pounds of carrots, peeled and sliced into 1/2 inch pieces
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 2 tablespoons of honey
- 1 tablespoon of fresh thyme leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F.
- In a large bowl, toss the carrots with the olive oil, honey, and thyme.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Transfer the carrots to a baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes, or until tender and golden brown.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 2g
Cooking Time
25-30 minutes
Equipment
Baking sheet
Serving Suggestions
Roasted carrots pair well with any Easter dish, but they’re especially delicious with ham or lamb. You can also sprinkle some chopped parsley or thyme on top for added flavor and color.
Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can add some other roasted vegetables to the mix, like parsnips, sweet potatoes, or Brussels sprouts. You can also experiment with different herbs and spices, like rosemary, cumin, or paprika.
Substitutions
If you don’t have fresh thyme, you can use dried thyme instead. You can also substitute the honey with maple syrup or brown sugar.
Storage
Roasted carrots can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop them in the oven for a few minutes until warmed through.
Tips
Make sure to slice the carrots evenly so that they cook evenly. You can also line your baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time? A: Yes, you can roast the carrots up to a day in advance and reheat them in the oven before serving.
Recipe 2: Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Ingredients
- 2 pounds of potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 4 tablespoons of butter
- 1/2 cup of milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Boil the potatoes in a large pot of salted water until tender, about 15-20 minutes.
- Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot.
- Add the minced garlic, butter, and milk to the pot.
- Mash the potatoes with a potato masher or a hand mixer until smooth and creamy.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 200
- Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
Cooking Time
15-20 minutes
Equipment
Large pot, potato masher or hand mixer
Serving Suggestions
Garlic mashed potatoes are a classic side dish that pairs well with any Easter meal. They’re especially delicious with ham or turkey. You can also sprinkle some chopped chives or parsley on top for added flavor and color.
Variations
If you want to mix things up, you can add some grated Parmesan cheese or chopped bacon to the mashed potatoes. You can also experiment with different herbs, like rosemary or thyme.
Substitutions
If you don’t have milk, you can use cream or half-and-half instead. You can also use margarine or olive oil instead of butter.
Storage
Garlic mashed potatoes can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave them or pop them in the oven for a few minutes until warmed through.
Tips
Make sure to use a large pot so that the potatoes cook evenly. You can also add some salt to the boiling water to season the potatoes as they cook.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time? A: Yes, you can make the mashed potatoes up to a day in advance and reheat them in the microwave or oven before serving.
Conclusion
We hope you enjoyed these recipes for side dishes for Easter! Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, these dishes are easy to make and sure to impress. So, gather your ingredients and get cooking! Don’t forget to let us know how they turned out in the comments below. Happy Easter!