A side dish is a food item that is served alongside a main course as part of a meal. Side dishes are meant to complement and add variety to the main dish. They come in many forms such as vegetables, grains, legumes, breads, pastas, etc. Side dishes tend to be smaller in portion size compared to main dishes.
Common Examples of Side Dishes
Here are some of the most popular side dish options:
- Rice – White rice, brown rice, fried rice, etc.
- Potatoes – Mashed potatoes, baked potatoes, roasted potatoes, french fries, etc.
- Breads – Dinner rolls, biscuits, corn bread, focaccia, etc.
- Pasta – Noodles, macaroni and cheese, pasta salad, etc.
- Vegetables – Green beans, broccoli, carrots, salad, etc.
- Legumes – Baked beans, black beans, lentils, peas, etc.
What Makes a Good Side Dish?
When selecting and preparing side dishes, there are a few guidelines to keep in mind:
- Complement the main dish – Choose sides that pair well in terms of flavors, colors, textures, etc. For example, a starchy side would balance out a protein-heavy main.
- Offer contrast – Vary textures and flavors to make the meal more interesting. Include both cooked and raw veggies for example.
- Consider nutrition – Try to add nutritious foods like vegetables, whole grains and legumes when possible.
- Check salt content – Avoid sides that are too salty or sweet, as they can overpower the main dish.
- Stick to 1-3 sides – Too many sides can be overwhelming, so keep it simple.
- Keep it simple – Elaborate sides can compete too much with the main attraction. Simple preparations allow the food’s natural flavors to shine.
Role and Purpose of Side Dishes
Side dishes serve several important roles as part of a meal:
- Complement the main dish – Well-chosen sides enhance the main course via textures, colors, aromas and flavors.
- Add nutrition – Sides provide an opportunity to add vegetables, whole grains, legumes for a balanced meal.
- Offer variety – They add interest and satisfaction through contrasts in taste, temperature and texture.
- Provide bulk – Side dishes can help make a meal feel more substantial and filling.
- Allow flexibility – With multiple sides, people can customize their plates according to personal tastes and appetites.
- Aid digestion – Sides add dietary fiber and moisture which supports healthy digestion.
Regional and Cultural Side Dish Traditions
Side dish preferences vary enormously around the world based on geography, culture, and local ingredients. Here are some examples:
- Asia – Rice, noodles, bok choy, kimchi, seaweed salad, dumplings, stir fried veggies.
- Europe – Potatoes, polenta, risotto, grilled veggies, dinner rolls, side salads.
- Americas – Rice, beans, cornbread, biscuits, potato salad, coleslaw, garden salad.
- Middle East – Hummus, tabbouleh, stuffed grape leaves, pita bread, eggplant, labneh.
- India – Naan bread, samosas, pakoras, raita, dal, papadum crackers.
- Africa – Ugali, injera bread, sukuma wiki, side stews and curries, fried plantains.
These examples demonstrate the amazing diversity of side dishes around the world based on culture, geography, and local cuisine.
Tips for Choosing Side Dishes
Here are some helpful tips for picking complementary and tasty side dishes:
- Select sides that feature contrasting textures from the main dish (crispy vs. creamy).
- Vary colors to make the plate more appealing.
- Include a variety of cooking methods like raw, roasted, sautéed and fried.
- Balance rich, heavy mains with bright, acidic sides.
- Pair starch-based mains with veggie-based sides.
- Match lighter sides with heavier mains and vice versa.
- Consider sides that feature in-season produce.
- Accommodate dietary needs and restrictions.
- Offer a mix of cold and hot sides for more interest.
Pairing Main Dishes with Appropriate Sides
When serving a particular main dish, some classic side pairings include:
| Main Dish | Recommended Side Dishes |
|---|---|
| Steak | Baked potato, sautéed greens, side salad |
| Pasta with Red Sauce | Garlic bread, Caesar salad, sautéed broccoli |
| Fried Chicken | Coleslaw, biscuit, mashed potatoes, corn on the cob |
| Fish Fillet | Rice pilaf, grilled asparagus, tartar sauce |
| Roast Turkey | Mashed potatoes, stuffing, cranberry sauce, dinner rolls |
| Taco Bar | Spanish rice, refried beans, shredded lettuce, pico de gallo |
Matching mains with complementary sides results in well-balanced, delicious meals that look and taste great!
Conclusion
Side dishes serve the important roles of adding variety, nutrition, color, texture, and flavor to a meal. Popular side options across cuisines include grains, starches, vegetables, legumes, and small bites. Side dishes should balance out and enhance the main course. With endless combinations to chose from, side dishes provide an opportunity to expand your culinary horizons and customize plates to suit any palate.