SIMPLE SIDES anyone can make!

I'd thought I'd share a quick post with some SIMPLE SIDES to add to any of your own favourite dishes. Here are a few of my favourite sides that are healthy, nutritious, quick and easy to make! You don't need any fancy gadgets (like my Thermomix), although I do use mine to steam my greens. Use your oven, microwave, Food processor or blender, cooktop or Thermomix (if you're lucky enough to have one).

These sides can be put together with a piece of steak, fish or chicken. Alternatively you can do as I do some nights and whip up a few and serve buffet style at the table for the family to pick and choose as they wish! These options are lower in fat and will fill your tummy for longer than things like wedges, potato bake, creamy coleslaws or any of those other 'quick' side dishes many people opt for. These are also an easy way to increase your vegie count for the day!

STEAMED ASIAN STYLE GREENS

• Chop your favourite greens, such as Pak Choy, Bok choy, green beans, broccoli, etc
• Steam your greens using a steamer or cook in the microwave
• Make up a dressing using Soy sauce and Agave syrup (honey would work too)
• Stir through the dressing over greens when just cooked, but still retaining some crunch!
• Sprinkle with sesame seeds and serve whilst hot!

GARLIC ROASTED BABY POTATOES

• Chop baby potatoes into bite sized pieces and space evenly on a baking paper lined tray
• Spray potatoes using some Extra Virgin Olive oil spray
• Mince 1-2 cloves of garlic and sprinkle evenly over the potatoes
• Sprinkle salt over the potatoes
• Cook in a preheated oven at high temp (approx 200 deg) for approx 10 mins before turning roughly in the tray. Cook further for approx another 10-15 mins. Test a piece to see if cooked to your liking before removing from oven. Keep a close eye on your oven til you get to know how long and exact temp for your oven!

MINI GARDEN SALAD

• Punnet of cherry tomatoes, 1 cucumber, half a block of low fat fetta cheese, balsalmic glaze or dressing (recipe here) >>http://angieshealthykitchen.blogspot.com.au/2012/12/preventing-post-christmas-pigouts.html
• Halve your tomatoes if you wish, dice your cucumber (cut in half lengthways, then those lengths in half again, then across to dice), cut your fetta into tiny cubes
• Combine the salad in a bowl with a drizzle of your glaze or dressing (enough to your liking)
• You can also add pitted olives if you like them!

SPECIAL BAKED BEANS

• Puree 2 tomatoes in your food processor, blender or Thermomix.
• Add minced garlic, onion or shallots if you wish
• Cook in your Thermomix or on your cooktop for approx 10 mins on high temp with a little coconut or olive oil
• Add the tomato mix to a can of baked beans and sprinkle with crumbled low fat fetta cheese or grated cheddar if preferred
• This serves nicely with some eggs for breakfast, added with chilli/curry paste and potatoes as a quick and easy vegetarian bean curry or goes nicely as a side for any main at dinnertime