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Are you looking to spice up your meal routines with something that is outside your normal routine, yet gives you a load of nutritional value? One that is easy to make, pairs well with your dinner, and is still very delicious? Then this article is for you!

It is often said that “we are what we eat,” and that “health is wealth.” This is true, as we don’t only eat for pleasure but also out of necessity and to stay healthy. Therefore, we certainly need to pay more attention to our “kitchen chemistry.” Here are some select food sides you should definitely try out to spice up your dinner time:

1.) Carrot Parsnip and Potato Mash

Here is an exciting variant to normal mashed potatoes! It’s a vegan mashed potato dish with a twist.

          Ingredients:
Carrot, parsnip, potatoes, pepper, almond milk, cinnamon, thyme, butter (vegan butter is just fine), garlic, nutmeg, and salt.

          Preparation:
• First cut up all the vegetables and boil together in a pot of water.
• Steam for 20 mins then drain the water from the pot.
• Add almond milk, butter, nutmeg, and thyme then mash together with a potato masher.
• Season to satisfaction then add cracked pepper to garnish.

Carrots are reputed for their high nutritional value, especially their high content of beta carotene which is good for vision. They are also good sources of antioxidants that clean up cancer-causing free radicals from the body.

2.) Balsamic Roasted Broccoli Dish

With just about five ingredients, this dish is always a crowd favorite.

          Ingredients:
Broccoli, virgin olive oil, salt, basil, and balsamic vinegar.

          Preparation:
• First chop up broccoli and cook in the oven at 400F for about 20 mins.
• Pour boiled balsamic vinegar overheated broccoli and sprinkle basil over it with salt to taste.

Broccoli is a great fiber-rich food that helps to enhance bowel movement, thereby preventing constipation. It is also rich in potassium, calcium, and vitamins A, C, K, and E.

3.) Maple Roasted Carrots and Harissa Yogurt

          Ingredients:
Carrots, maple syrup, harissa (spicy chili paste from North Africa), yogurt, and lemon juice.

          Preparation:
• Roast carrots (uncut) in the oven at 400F and drizzle the pan with maple syrup and salt.
• Heat for 30 mins until it is brownish and tender enough to easily poke with a fork.
• Finally, make a mix of Greek yogurt, harissa, lemon juice, and salt, then top with the roasted carrots.

Yogurts are high in protein and some may also offer probiotic benefits. Be sure to select an option that is low in sugar.

The Bottom Line

Now that you have these three delicious food side options to try, go ahead and use them to spice up your dinner while staying healthy in the process!

References:

1.) www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/295714

2.) www.researchgate.net/publication/276499931_Nutritional_and_Health_Benefits_of_Carrots_and_Seed_Extracts

3.) https://punned.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19519500/