Some Special Vegetable Side Dish Recipes

Here's a collection of some of my favourite vegetable side dish recipes.

Some would have you believe that all vegetarian dishes are essentially side dishes. In non-vegetarian dishes, the meat is always the natural centrepiece of the meal. In vegetarian dishes, the attention is a little less focussed on one ingredient and we vegetarian cooks are always trying to replace that focus, replace the meat.

That’s ok. It works. But from a cook’s point of view, I think we might be missing out. Sure, most of the time I like my dishes to have a star but there’s a lot of talent hidden in that chorus line of vegetables! 

Sometimes, a special side dish can make a meal.  More than that, a few carefully selected side dishes can be the meal.  In many cultures, it’s the norm.  It's also a great idea for a vegetarian dinner party. Think Greek meze or Spanish tapas. 

Some of the best food I have ever eaten was on honeymoon (cue wistful sigh!) in Sri Lanka.  Here, the standard meal was a lot of rice and several small bowls (usually 3 or 4 but sometimes a dozen) of single vegetable curries.

There was usually one bowl of meat or fish curry on offer if you were so inclined but it was really all about the vegetables.


These vegetable side dish recipes should give you plenty of inspiration for some new and interesting ways with vegetables.  I've also included some rice and other grain recipes that will make excellent and healthy side dishes too.

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Perfect Brussel Sprout Recipes
If you think you are not a brussels sprouts fan, please let me tempt you! From classic to creamy sprouts or yummy roasted brussel sprouts. There's also my favourite - sautéed brussel sprouts with almonds.

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Feta And Zucchini Fritters
These zucchini fritters are made with feta and a touch of mint and lemon. They are surprisingly easy and make a delightful light vegetarian main course or side dish.

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Spicy Roasted Potatoes Recipe With A Spanish Twist
In this roasted potatoes recipe, smoked paprika and herbs are used to create a gorgeous Spanish–inspired side dish.  One of my favourite vegetable side dish recipes.

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Stuffed Mushrooms With Feta, Pine Nuts, Rocket (Arugula) and Couscous
This is really one of the tastiest stuffed mushroom recipes ever. It’s also surprisingly simple to make.

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Delicious Lemon Potatoes With Rosemary
Crisp and delicious, these lemon potatoes are made with fresh lemons, olive oil, rosemary and thyme.  They are a great addition to any meal.

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How To Bake A Potato
A few simple tips are all you need for a perfect oven baked potato every time. Here's how to bake a potato that's perfectly crisp on the outside but light and fluffy on the inside.

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Raita
This delectable yoghurt dip is so versatile and easy but tastes amazing.

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Tomato And Zucchini With Pesto
This tasty tomato and zucchini dish makes a really pleasant and versatile side. You can even use it as a pasta sauce. Best of all, it’s really quick and easy.

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Mouthwatering Moroccan Couscous With Almonds
A gorgeous Moroccan couscous made with fresh herbs, almonds and harissa. It’s great with tagine, or cold as a salad.

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Roasted Potatoes With Rosemary And Garlic
Heavenly roast potatoes that are delightfully crisp and flavoursome. They make a perfect side dish for any meal.

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A Lovely Carrot Recipe With Leeks And Dill
This carrot and leek mash is one of the most delightfully simple vegetable side dish recipes.  Perfect for any meal.

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Griddled Mediterranean Vegetables
A wonderful and healthy vegetable side dish.  The griddle really preserves all the goodness of the vegetables.

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A Light And Flavoursome Cornbread Recipe  
This cornbread has a light, moist texture and a delicious, savoury flavour. It’s also very quick and easy to make.

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Rice Side Dish Recipes

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Pineapple And Cashew Nut Fried Rice 
A recipe inspired by the fabulous rice dishes I ate on a trip to Borneo some years ago. This makes a simple, light main course or a rather special side.

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An Exquisite Indian Rice Recipe
Fragrant spices, toasted almonds and basmati rice are combined in a stunning Indian rice recipe that will make any Indian meal a little bit more special.

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Basic Mexican Rice
Perfect as a side dish or great as a simple, tasty and nutritious midweek supper.  This kid-friendly rice dish is really quick and easy to make.

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