Switching to a plant-based diet can be a great way to improve your health and reduce your environmental impact. However, making sure you have delicious and nutritious side dishes can be a challenge. But that’s nothing a little creativity cannot handle. It’s easy to create side dishes that will not only complement your plant-based meals but also keep you satisfied. Whether you just started your plant-based eating journey or are already a pro in this diet, you can use the following tips to create delicious and filling side dishes you will enjoy.
1. Consider using fermented foods
Adding fermented foods to your side dish is a great way to make your plant-based diet more nutritious and tastier. Fermented foods like plain yogurt, kefir, dry curd cottage cheese, some fermented vegetables, pickles, refrigerated miso, etc., have immense benefits for gut health, as they contain probiotics. And finding ways to add them to your plant-based diet will improve your health. But aside from their health benefits, they offer a savory, tangy flavor to improve your dishes. Other fermented foods you can consider include sauerkraut, kimchi, pickles, or kombucha.
2. Experiment with herbs and spices
Consider experimenting with herbs to add flavor to your side dish instead of just salt and pepper. Herbs like thyme, rosemary, or basil will make a great addition to any side dish for a plant-based diet. And since most herbs are from plants, you can be assured that you’re getting the full benefits of a plant-based diet. But don’t limit yourself to only herbs alone, as there are loads of wonderful spices you experiment with. Try different blends of spices like paprika, curry powder, and cumin, depending on what you want to make for your side dish. These ingredients can add more depth and complexity to your dishes.
3. Incorporate legumes and whole grains
Legumes and whole grains are great sources of protein and fiber. And while they’re a nutritious addition to any plant-based diet, you can also use them as a filling and delicious side dish in many ways. For instance, you can add some corn to your regular vegetable salad or try other options like brown rice pilaf, black bean, and corn salad, or chickpea curry.
4. Keep your side dishes simple
A common rule for making side dishes is to keep them as simple as possible. And the same rule applies to making side dishes for a plant-based diet. Don’t worry about adding too many fancy ingredients, as that will not guarantee a delicious or nutritious result. Also, it would help if you stuck to very simple recipes, especially when making a side dish for the first time. Sometimes, the simplest dishes turn out to be the best, so focus more on ingredients you and your family will love. For example, if you love eggs, you can try your hands on this deviled eggs recipe. But if you’re 100% vegan and don’t want to try any dairy product, you can try roasted sweet potato with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
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