Introduction
Easter is just around the corner, and it’s time to start planning your menu! While the main course is undoubtedly important, don’t forget about the side dishes. A good vegetable side dish can really elevate a meal, especially when it comes to ham. In this blog post, we’ll explore two delicious vegetable side dishes that are perfect for your Easter ham dinner.
Recipe 1: Honey Glazed Carrots
Ingredients
– 1 lb. baby carrots – 2 tbsp. honey – 2 tbsp. butter – Salt and pepper, to taste – Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F. 2. In a small saucepan, melt the butter and honey together. 3. Toss the baby carrots with the honey butter mixture in a bowl until they are evenly coated. 4. Arrange the carrots in a single layer on a baking sheet and season with salt and pepper. 5. Roast in the oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the carrots are tender and golden brown. 6. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired, and serve hot.
Nutritional Information
– Servings: 4 – Calories: 135 – Fat: 6g – Carbohydrates: 21g – Fiber: 3g – Protein: 1g
Cooking Time
– Prep time: 10 minutes – Cook time: 25-30 minutes
Equipment
– Baking sheet – Small saucepan
Serving Suggestions
Honey glazed carrots pair perfectly with Easter ham, but they would also be a great addition to any holiday meal. Serve them alongside roasted chicken or turkey, or as a side dish for a fancy dinner party.
Variations
If you’re not a fan of baby carrots, you can use regular carrots that have been peeled and cut into sticks. You could also add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the honey butter mixture for a delicious and unique flavor.
Substitutions
If you don’t have honey, you could use maple syrup or agave nectar instead. You could also use olive oil instead of butter if you’re looking to make this recipe vegan.
Storage
Leftover honey glazed carrots can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply pop them in the oven for a few minutes until they are warmed through.
Tips
Make sure to arrange the carrots in a single layer on the baking sheet so that they roast evenly. You can also toss them halfway through cooking to ensure that they are evenly coated in the honey butter mixture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use frozen carrots for this recipe? A: Yes, you can use frozen carrots, but they will need to be thawed and patted dry before tossing with the honey butter mixture.
Recipe 2: Roasted Asparagus
Ingredients
– 1 lb. asparagus, ends trimmed – 2 tbsp. olive oil – Salt and pepper, to taste – Parmesan cheese, grated (optional)
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F. 2. Toss the asparagus with olive oil in a bowl until evenly coated. 3. Arrange the asparagus in a single layer on a baking sheet and season with salt and pepper. 4. Roast in the oven for 10-15 minutes, or until the asparagus is tender and slightly charred. 5. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese, if desired, and serve hot.
Nutritional Information
– Servings: 4 – Calories: 80 – Fat: 7g – Carbohydrates: 3g – Fiber: 2g – Protein: 2g
Cooking Time
– Prep time: 5 minutes – Cook time: 10-15 minutes
Equipment
– Baking sheet
Serving Suggestions
Roasted asparagus is a classic side dish that pairs well with almost any meal. It’s especially delicious with Easter ham, but it would also be great alongside roasted chicken or fish.
Variations
You can change up the seasonings on this recipe by adding garlic, lemon juice, or smoked paprika. You could also wrap the asparagus in prosciutto or bacon for a more indulgent dish.
Substitutions
If you don’t have olive oil, you could use avocado oil or melted butter instead. You could also leave off the Parmesan cheese if you are dairy-free.
Storage
Leftover roasted asparagus can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop them in the oven for a few minutes until they are warmed through.
Tips
Make sure to trim the ends of the asparagus before roasting. If the asparagus is thick, you may want to peel the stalks with a vegetable peeler to ensure that they cook evenly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use frozen asparagus for this recipe? A: While fresh asparagus is best for roasting, you could use frozen asparagus if that’s all you have. Just make sure to thaw and pat dry the asparagus before roasting.
Summary
These two vegetable side dishes are a great way to add some color and flavor to your Easter ham dinner. Whether you prefer sweet and savory honey glazed carrots or classic roasted asparagus, these recipes are sure to be a hit with your guests.
Final Thoughts
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different vegetables and flavors when it comes to side dishes. The possibilities are endless, and you never know what delicious combinations you might discover. So, get creative and have fun in the kitchen!