Ah, the holidays! It’s that magical time of year when we gather around the table, filled with laughter, love, and of course, delicious food. One thing I absolutely adore about holiday meals is the holiday sides. These delightful dishes are more than just accompaniments; they bring color, flavor, and texture to the table, making every festive gathering feel special. Trust me, a well-prepared side can elevate your main course to new heights! I love how simple yet satisfying these vegetable sides are, and I can’t wait to share my favorite recipe with you. Let’s dive into the magic of roasting veggies together!
Ingredients List
- 2 cups of fresh green beans, trimmed
- 1 cup of carrots, peeled and sliced
- 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1/4 cup of chopped walnuts
- 1/4 cup of dried cranberries
When you’re gathering these ingredients, feel free to take your time! Fresh veggies make all the difference, and don’t hesitate to choose your favorite nuts or dried fruits if you want to customize it a bit. Just remember, the more colorful your veggies, the more beautiful your dish will be! Let’s get cooking!
How to Prepare Instructions
Preheat Your Oven
First things first, let’s get that oven preheating to 400°F (200°C). This step is super important because a hot oven helps to roast the vegetables perfectly, giving them that lovely caramelized flavor. Trust me, you don’t want to skip this!
Prepare the Vegetables
Now, it’s time to prep your veggies! Start by washing the green beans under cold water and trimming off the ends. For the carrots, peel them first, then slice them into thin rounds. The goal is to have everything cut evenly so they cook at the same time. It’s all about that even roasting, which makes for a delicious texture!
Mix Ingredients
In a large bowl, toss together the green beans, sliced carrots, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Make sure every piece of veggie is coated well with the oil and seasonings—this is where all the flavor comes from! Mixing well ensures that every bite is delicious.
Roast the Vegetables
Spread the vegetable mixture evenly on a baking sheet. It’s important not to overcrowd them, as that can lead to steaming instead of roasting. Pop the baking sheet in the oven and roast for about 20-25 minutes. Remember to stir the veggies halfway through to ensure they get that beautiful golden color all around!
Add Final Touches
With just 5 minutes left on the timer, it’s time to sprinkle in those chopped walnuts and dried cranberries. This little addition not only enhances the flavor but also adds a nice crunch and sweetness. You’ll love how it brings everything together!
Serve Warm
Once your veggies are roasted to perfection, take them out of the oven and serve immediately while they’re still warm. They look so vibrant on the table! You can even garnish with a sprinkle of extra walnuts or cranberries for that extra flair. Enjoy every delicious bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick preparation: You can whip up this delightful side in just 15 minutes of prep time!
- Healthy ingredients: Fresh veggies, nuts, and a hint of garlic make for a nutritious addition to any holiday meal.
- Flavor combinations: The sweetness of the cranberries paired with the crunch of walnuts creates a delicious contrast that everyone will love.
- Versatile serving: These holiday sides pair beautifully with a variety of main courses, from turkey to ham to vegetarian options.
- Simple roasting method: Roasting brings out the natural sweetness of the veggies and is nearly foolproof—perfect for beginners!
- Customizable: Feel free to swap in your favorite nuts or dried fruits for a personal touch.
Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll see why it’s become a staple in my holiday celebrations! It’s all about making those festive meals memorable.
Tips for Success
- Keep an eye on your veggies: Don’t overcook them! You want them to be tender but still crisp. Check around the 20-minute mark, and if they’re getting too soft, take them out!
- Taste as you go: Always check the seasoning before serving. A little extra salt or pepper can really elevate the flavors.
- Experiment with nuts and fruits: If walnuts aren’t your thing, try pecans or almonds! And instead of cranberries, dried cherries or apricots work beautifully too.
- Mix it up: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for even more color and taste. Just be sure to cut everything into similar sizes for even roasting.
- Use parchment paper: Lining your baking sheet with parchment makes cleanup a breeze and helps prevent sticking.
- Don’t crowd the pan: Give your veggies some space! If they’re too close together, they’ll steam instead of roast—aim for one even layer.
These little tips can make all the difference, so keep them in mind as you whip up these delicious holiday sides! Happy cooking!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the scoop on the nutritional values for this delightful dish! Please note that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use:
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 200mg
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugar: 5g
- Protein: 3g
With all those veggies and wholesome ingredients, this side dish is not just tasty but also a healthy addition to your holiday spread! Enjoy guilt-free indulgence with every bite!
FAQ Section
Can I use frozen vegetables?
Absolutely! Frozen vegetables can work in a pinch, though I recommend thawing and draining them first to avoid excess moisture. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as they may roast a bit faster than fresh veggies!
How can I make this recipe vegan?
This recipe is already pretty close! Just swap out the honey (if you’re using it) for a vegan-friendly sweetener and ensure your olive oil is pure. It’s all about those yummy veggies, so you’re all set!
What can I serve with these holiday sides?
These delightful veggie sides pair beautifully with a variety of main dishes! Think roasted turkey, glazed ham, or even a hearty vegetarian casserole. They add a pop of color and flavor to any meal!
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
While I recommend serving them fresh out of the oven for the best texture, you can prep the veggies and mix the ingredients ahead of time. Just store them in the fridge and roast when you’re ready to serve!
What if I don’t have walnuts or cranberries?
No problem! You can substitute any nuts or dried fruits you have on hand. Pecans, almonds, or even sunflower seeds can offer a nice crunch, and raisins or chopped dates can add a sweet touch!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
So, you’ve made these delicious holiday sides and have some leftovers? No worries! Storing them properly will keep them tasty for your next meal. Here’s what to do:
- Storage: Allow the roasted vegetables to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Just note that the texture may change slightly after freezing.
- Reheating: When you’re ready to enjoy those leftovers, the best way to reheat them is in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and spread the veggies on a baking sheet. Bake for about 10-15 minutes, or until they’re warmed through. This helps maintain their crispness and flavor! You can also microwave them, but be cautious not to overcook; just heat in short intervals to avoid sogginess.
And there you have it! Easy storage and reheating tips to keep your holiday sides delicious for future feasts. Enjoy every bite!
Print
Holiday Sides: 5 Simple Steps to Perfect Roasted Veggies
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious and simple holiday side dishes to complement your main course.
Ingredients
- 2 cups of green beans
- 1 cup of sliced carrots
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1/4 cup of chopped walnuts
- 1/4 cup of dried cranberries
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Wash and trim the green beans.
- Peel and slice the carrots.
- In a large bowl, mix green beans, carrots, olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Spread the mixture on a baking sheet.
- Roast in the oven for 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Add walnuts and cranberries in the last 5 minutes of roasting.
- Remove from the oven and serve warm.
Notes
- Don’t overcook the vegetables; they should remain crisp.
- Feel free to substitute other nuts or dried fruits.
- Check the seasoning before serving and adjust to taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: holiday sides, side dishes, easy recipes, vegetable sides
