Things You'll Need:
- Microwave
- Microwave-safe dish
- Measuring cup
- Water
- Plastic wrap
- Butter or seasonings
- Raw vegetables
- Rice or potato side dish mixes
- Cookbook
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Step 1
Choose a vegetable side dish to add to every meal. Cook raw vegetables in the microwave by placing them in a microwave-safe bowl with 1/4 cup of water. Cover the bowl loosely with plastic wrap. Microwave your vegetables for several minutes and then allow the vegetables to rest in the covered bowl for several more minutes. This allows the steam to finish cooking your side dish. Season vegetables with your preferred seasonings or add butter to suit your taste.
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Step 2
Consider the main entrée when choosing a side dish recipe. Think about how your food appears on the plate. Choose side dishes that provide contrasting colors and textures to the main entrée. Balance spicy meat with creamy pasta or rice. Cook steamed vegetables when serving entrées in sauces or cover your vegetables in a rich sauce when serving broiled or baked chicken.
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Step 3
Prepare your side dishes so they are ready to eat when your main entrée is finished cooking. Choose side dishes that you prepare ahead of time and are warmed up in the microwave when needed, or choose a recipe that is prepared at the same time as your entrée. Consider available cooking space and times while planning your menu to ensure you serve your dinner all at once.
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Step 4
Cook one vegetable side dish and one starch side dish to create a filling meal. Serve pasta entrées as side dishes by reducing the serving size. Consider rolls or bread a side dish when cutting calories. Experiment with rice or potato mixes to add variety to your side dishes.
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Step 5
Explore new types of food and recipes by searching a cookbook for new side dishes. Try out new foods on your friends and family while still preparing a meal that all enjoy eating and find filling. Keep your culinary explorations as side dishes while you feed your family so no one goes hungry if a recipe goes poorly.
