New dinner sides

If your family is anything like mine, you probably have a few standard "go to" meals. The one you pull out when all else fails. The one everyone will eat. The one you always have on hand.


Well, what about side dishes? The standard salad? Canned vegetables? Maybe a loaf of crusty bread?

It is no surprise to most of you that I enjoy trying new recipes, and lately, my taste buds (and my family!) have been begging for something new. So, I have been trying new things. And, there are two of the side recipes that might become a family meal staple.

If you're bored with your veggies, you should try these! Super easy and really good!

Southwestern Corn

• 2 cups fresh corn kernals (~3 ears of corn) or one 10-oz package frozen corn, thawed and drained
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 clove of garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 Tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 tsp chili powder
  

1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add corn, and stir until beginning to dry and brown, about 8 minutes. Transfer corn to small bowl.
3. Add oil to skillet and heat through.
4. Add bell pepper, onion, and garlic and saute about 5 minutes.
5. Add cilantro and chili powder to the skillet.
6. Add the corn back in. Toss all together and saute until heated through.
7. Season with salt and pepper.

Green Beans Almandine

• 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed and cut
• 1 small shallot, minced
• 1 clove of garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup toasted sliced almonds (I used the prepackaged kind for salads.)
• 1 tsp low fat margarine
• salt and pepper
  

1. Blanch the green beans (boil in salted water for 3-5 minutes, then submerge in ice water).
2. Melt the margarine in a large saute pan, then add the shallot and garlic. Saute until translucent.
3. Stir in the green beans and sliced almonds, saute until heated through.
4. Season with salt and pepper.