During the months of November and December, we surrender to an array of indulgent, hearty dishes, opulent sweets, and side dishes that exude warmth and coziness. At One Green Planet, we don’t view side dishes as mere afterthoughts deserving of only passing notice. Side dishes are equally worthy of the same devotion and attention that goes into creating a show-stopping holiday centerpiece. While simplicity can be charming, the essence of the holiday season can be amplified by incorporating the bold flavors of fresh herbs like rosemary, sage, and thyme into your side dishes.
Discover the holiday highlights of our archives: 30 Veggie Stuffings and Sides for Your Festive Feast, 15 Epic Vegan Christmas Sides, 5 Vegan Christmas Sides that Please All, and 25 Hearty Winter Vegan Salad Recipes. Get ready to ignite your taste buds! Our Food Monster App is excited to introduce 25 mouth-watering new sides that are just begging to be devoured by you and your crew: family, friends, and loved ones alike.
What’s for dinner? Balsamic Brussels Sprouts with Shiitake Bacon is a game-changing recipe that will elevate your mealtime.
Gabrielle St. Claire’s Balsamic Brussels Sprouts with Shiitake Bacon deliver a rich tapestry of flavours that consistently impress. Tender roasted Brussels sprouts are expertly paired with a rich cherry balsamic glaze and crispy Shiitake bacon, yielding a harmonious balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors. This side dish is so exceptional, it’s likely to overshadow the main event itself.
Source: Sautéed Mushroom Farro
This satisfying Sautéed Mushroom Farro recipe by Maggie Jones yields a comforting, wholesome accompaniment that effortlessly eclipses the main course. A medley of sautéed mushrooms, earthy farro, and the pungent essence of thyme harmonize to create a nutritious and comforting meal perfect for banishing chilliness. A convenient and welcoming addition for all to enjoy.
Source: Quinoa and Acorn Squash Stuffing
With holiday prep being a time-intensive task, simplicity is key when it comes to staple dishes like stuffing. Heather Poirier’s hearty quinoa and acorn squash stuffing is a culinary delight that’s surprisingly easy to prepare. Quinoa is loaded with adzuki beans and roasted butternut squash, its nutty flavor perfectly complemented by the subtle sweetness of maple syrup, which harmonizes delightfully with the spicy kick from the red pepper flakes. You can prepare this dish up to two days in advance, thereby reducing stress on the occasion.
![Olive-Walnut Biscuit Bites [Vegan]](https://i0.wp.com/www.onegreenplanet.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/olive-bites.jpg?resize=640%2C403&ssl=1)
Source: Olive-Walnut Biscuit Bites
Here is a straightforward recipe for biscuits that will complement your holiday feast beautifully? While seemingly diminutive, Dina Honke’s Olive-Walnut Biscuit Bites boast an impressive depth of flavour, courtesy of the harmonious union of briny olives, crunchy walnuts, fragrant thyme, and a hint of tangy pickled red pepper.
Source: Spiced Orange Cranberry Sauce
A staple at many a festive gathering: cranberry sauce! Sabrina Russo’s Spiced Orange Cranberry Sauce is a tantalizing blend of warm spices – including cinnamon and cloves – expertly combined with the bright, citrusy flavors of fresh orange juice and zest. This harmonious blend of tangy acidity, subtle sweetness, and inviting warmth ensures a delightful presence on your holiday table.
Source: Loaded Smashed Potatoes
Loaded baked potatoes are incredible, yet Megan Sadd’s recipe for Loaded Smashed Potatoes elevates the game. This simple recipe for Roasted Baby Red Potatoes involves smashing them slightly before tossing with oil and baking to perfection. Once warmed to perfection inside and crisped to a satisfying golden brown on the edges, these smashed potatoes are elevated by a medley of textures and flavors, including melty cashew mozzarella, a dollop of spicy Chipotle cream, a sprinkle of oniony chives, and crispy tempeh bacon bits.
Source: Cinnamon Turmeric Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are incredibly versatile and can be elevated by a variety of delectable toppings, ranging from tart cranberry sauce to puffy marshmallows. Here’s an improved version: Holly Bertone’s recipe for Cinnamon Turmeric Sweet Potatoes masterfully highlights the inherent sweetness of sweet potatoes by subtly augmenting their natural flavor with a judicious blend of cinnamon, turmeric, thyme, salt, and pepper. A quick toss and a spin in the oven will do. This classic roasted vegetable recipe is a staple for any occasion, offering a deliciously sweet and savory flavor profile that’s sure to become a go-to favorite in your household.
Source: Turkish Stewed Green Beans
In Turkey, Michael and Masa Ofei’s Turkish Stewed Green Beans are affectionately referred to as “fasulye”. In this straightforward recipe, allow the harmonious blend of green beans, tomatoes, and select others to meld together through gentle simmering, ultimately yielding a truly impressive culinary outcome. Don’t underestimate fasulye’s adaptability; this humble legume can confidently take center stage or add a burst of flavor to any meal as a delectable side.
Tart and Tangy Sauerkraut Salad with Crisp Apples and Crunchy Walnuts
Bianca’s signature Sauerkraut Salad with Apples and Walnuts is a delightful, easy-to-prepare creation that not only tantalizes the taste buds but also nurtures a healthy gut by harnessing the potent benefits of beneficial bacteria. The harmonious union of flavours and textures unfolds, as toasted walnuts, shredded carrots, crunchy Granny Smith apple, and warm cumin meld together in perfect culinary synchrony. This roasted vegetable medley makes a delightful accompaniment to sandwiches or serves as a satisfying side dish for a substantial evening meal.
What a delightful side dish! To enhance the culinary experience, I’ve refined the text to make it more appetizing and easy to follow:
Softly glowing candlelight danced across the plate as the herby aroma of celeriac purée wafted up, inviting the senses to partake in this autumnal celebration. A delicate balance of earthy sweetness from caramelized onions and the subtle tang of fresh thyme harmonized with the velvety texture, while a sprinkle of crispy breadcrumbs added a satisfying crunch.
Next, a medley of sautéed Chantarelle mushrooms joined the party, their tender stems and caps infused with the deep umami flavor of buttery garlic and a hint of nutmeg.
Here’s a delicious alternative to mashed potatoes: celeriac, often referred to as celery root, making it an excellent substitute in dishes like Emma D’Alessandro’s Herbed Celeriac Purée with Sautéed Chanterelle Mushrooms. Its velvety puree boasts a rich, creamy consistency that’s surprisingly less starchy than traditional potatoes, making it an ideal canvas for amplifying the flavors of accompanying veggies. The prized mushrooms atop the creamy purée inject a vibrant depth of flavour and an unexpectedly meaty quality.
Source: Cornbread Stuffing With 5-Minute Gravy
Meet Molly Patrick’s effortless Cornbread Stuffing with 5-Minute Gravy: a harmonious trifecta of flavors, textures, and ease. The cornbread requires minimal effort to prepare, while the stuffing proves quick to assemble, and the gravy, remarkably, can be crafted in just a mere five minutes. Cornbread can be prepared a day in advance to simplify the preparation process.
Source: Winter Squash Wreaths
Here’s an improved version:
Transforming acorn squash rings into a beautiful wreath is a delightful DIY project, as showcased by renowned lifestyle expert Alison Marras in her stunning Winter Squash Wreaths. Served atop a vibrant green pesto and garnished with luscious ruby red pomegranate seeds, your creations are guaranteed to be devoured by your discerning guests.
Source: Pesto Roasted Cauliflower and Potatoes
With a flavor profile that rivals the main course, Melanie Sorrentino’s Pesto Roasted Cauliflower and Potatoes are truly show-stopping side dishes? Crisp-roasted cauliflower and potatoes yield a delightful harmony of textures when tossed in a simple yet rich blend of oil, salt, and pepper to bring out their natural flavors. These ingredients are then tossed in a vibrant basil and toasted pine nut pesto. If you prefer a creamy and indulgent pesto, consider adding a generous amount of nutritional yeast to suit your taste. This rich and soothing side dish is at its best when paired with lighter main courses.
What a delightful culinary creation! Here’s the refined version:
Wild Rice with Roasted Kabocha Squash and Browned Sage Butter
Brendan Brazier’s Wild Rice with Kabocha Squash and Sage Butter is a surprisingly straightforward yet incredibly flavorful dish that never fails to impress. Tender roasted squash is artfully folded into a flavorful rice blend, then lavishly enriched with the deep, savory notes of sage butter and the subtle sweetness of caramelized shallots. Simple yet rich in character, this unassuming dish demonstrates that straightforward ingredients can combine to create a truly mouthwatering experience.
What’s Your Flavor?
Here’s a reworked version: Bianca the Green Creator’s Sweet Potato Mash with Roasted Garlic and Cashew Cream boasts rich, complex flavours developed through the harmonious union of roasted sweet potatoes, caramelized onions, and an entire head of deeply roasted garlic, elevated by the subtle creaminess of cashews. The indulgent cashew cream infuses the dish with an unparalleled richness that’s hard to resist, evoking a sense of decadent pleasure. This velvety puree warms hearts and plates, whether served as a comforting side dish or a rich, satisfying soup.
What a Delightful Union of Flavors: Pan-Seared Belgian Endives with a Rich White Wine and Orange Reduction
In Belgium, a country where endives have been cultivated for centuries under the esteemed appellation “white gold,” it’s understandable if one wishes to accord similar prestige to Jordan and Clark Cord’s Pan-Seared Belgian Endives With White Wine Orange Reduction. When cooked, endives transform into a delicate and subtle delight, their natural bitterness replaced by a light, nutty sweetness that’s simply irresistible. As they cook, they subtly transform into a mildly sweet delight, elevated by the lusciousness of our white wine and orange reduction.
Source: Cranberry and Rosemary Cornbread
Are you missing a centerpiece to bring together your friends and family at this year’s holiday gathering? Indulge in the warmth of Shea Cope’s Cranberry and Rosemary Cornbread, a tender treat that combines the sweetness of cranberries with the earthy charm of rosemary. This classic dip is a timeless favorite, perfectly suited for outdoor gatherings, whether you’re hosting a spring or summer barbecue, picnic, or holiday feast – its crowd-pleasing appeal ensures it’ll vanish in no time from the serving platter, leaving everyone wanting more.
Source: Lentil and Mushroom Stuffed Onions
Jasmine Briones’ Lentil and Mushroom Stuffed Onions are a masterclass in simplicity meets depth of flavor, yielding an effortlessly delightful dish that will leave you wanting more. Stuffed white onions are filled with a rich blend of sautéed lentils, chickpeas, caramelized red onion, and earthy mushrooms, all expertly blended to a coarse, crumbly consistency. Crisp-edged onion halves emerge from the oven, their natural sweetness enhanced by a subtle balance of savoury and tangy notes. Will guests be clamoring to get their hands on these dishes as much as they would for the main event?
Braised Red Cabbage with Apples and Beer: A Hearty Winter Delight?
Rich aromas of caramelized onions and sweet apples mingle with the deep flavors of red cabbage, all perfectly balanced by a hint of beer. This braised red cabbage recipe is an autumnal staple that’s sure to become a new family favorite.
By slow-cooking red cabbage, its natural toughness is broken down, allowing it to soak up the rich flavors of balsamic vinegar, beer, and the concentrated juices of caramelized apples and onions. The aromatic warmth of nutmeg and allspice takes this side dish to new heights, transforming it into a truly sublime culinary experience.
Source: Fennel and Carrot Purée
Are you looking for ways to add a subtle anise flavor and crunchy texture to your dishes?
A standout among recipes, Rachel Hanawalt’s indulgent Fennel and Carrot Purée makes for an ideal starting point. A velvety puree of chopped carrots and fennel is created by blending them with the richness of coconut milk, the subtle sheen of olive oil, and a squeeze of brightening lemon juice.
Source: Tangerine Roasted Root Veggies
This vibrant medley of roasted root vegetables – carrots, sweet potatoes, and turnips among them – evokes the comforting, indulgent spirit of festive fries. Molly Patrick’s Tangerine Roasted Root Vegetables offer a delightful accompaniment to a satisfying meal, destined to vanish quickly from the table.
Source: Scalloped Sweet Potatoes
Tender and soft roasted sweet potatoes smothered in a rich, velvety sauce, then baked to a golden brown crisp perfection. The sauce is a blend of equal parts almond milk and canned coconut milk. Savoring each bite, you’ll find yourself unable to resist the delectable union of tenderly cooked potatoes and rich, roasted garlic, its deep flavors expertly melded together. This warm and inviting dish, redolent with mouthwatering aromas, is sure to satisfy even the most discerning palate.
Source: Herbed Biscuits With Mushroom Gravy
Indulge in these scrumptious gluten-free Herbed Biscuits with Mushroom Gravy, crafted by Jasmine Briones – a truly irresistible treat that’s sure to vanish in no time! While they’re at their finest when freshly baked and still warm, you can also prepare them a day in advance: just reheat them in the oven prior to serving. With the infusion of aromatic herbs and a rich gravy that masterfully combines the essence of classic autumnal flavors, it makes for a stunning centerpiece on any holiday table.
What’s for Dinner? Turnips with Caramelized Onions and Toasted Lentils
Rinku Bhattacharya’s culinary masterpiece, Turnips With Caramelized Onions and Toasted Lentils, embodies the very essence of gastronomic excellence. The dish begins with a foundation of caramelized onions and garlic, which provides a depth of flavor, before introducing the pan-seared lentils, infused with an alluring aroma from their coating of spices. The dish culminates with turnips cooked to tender perfection in a blend of aromatic Indian spices, accompanied by the peppery flavor of turnip greens. This straightforward recipe is sure to steal the show at your festive gathering.
What’s for Dinner? Roasted Jerusalem Artichokes With a Twist of Garlic-Infused Kale
You may be surprised to learn that there’s more to this root vegetable than its quirky name. With a unique blend of potato-like texture and artichoke-inspired flavor, Jerusalem artichokes – also known as sunchokes – are sure to delight enthusiasts of both ingredients. Try Rhea Parsons’ recipe for Roasted Jerusalem Artichokes With Braised Garlicky Kale for a culinary experience that’s sure to please. Kale’s subtle bitterness is beautifully balanced when slow-cooked alongside caramelized onions and pungent garlic, resulting in a harmonious blend of flavors, textures, and hues when combined into a single, delectable dish. Whether presenting them individually or in combination, these innovative recipes offer an exceptional approach to revitalizing familiar dishes and making them more appealing. Enjoy!
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