Healthy Vegetarian Side Dishes For Busy Moms

by Dr. Shanthi Thomas

Many people think of vegetarian dishes as being boring and bland, but it need not be so. Vegetables can be very delicious if cooked the right way, and of course, very healthy. Below given are some vegetarian side dishes that are easy to make and are healthy.

1. Cauliflower cheese delight

This low carb dish that is full of fiber and flavor is sure to be a hit with your family members and guests.

Ingredients

Cauliflower – 2 heads

Milk – 1½ Cup

Cheddar cheese – 11/2 cups grated
Parmesan cheese – ½ Cup Grated
Garlic – 2 Cloves minced
Olive Oil – 1 tbsp
Flour – 2 tbsp
Nutmeg or ground nutmeg – ½ Tsp freshly grated
Kosher Salt – ½ tsp
black pepper – divided Half Tsp Freshly ground
Parsley – 1-2 tbsp Freshly Chopped
Cooking Oil Spray

Directions

Wash the cauliflower and cut carefully into florets. Arrange the florets on a baking tray, toss with some salt and pepper and spray with cooking oil. Bake it for about 30 minutes until crispy.

While the cauliflower is being baked you can prepare the cheese sauce. For this, heat oil in a skillet and add garlic. Cook the garlic for about one minute. Stir in the flour. Whisk quickly and as you whisk, add the milk slowly. Soon the mixture will start to bubble. Let the sauce thicken and then add the cheddar cheese and grated nutmeg. Let the cheese be melted completely

Take out the baked cauliflower from the oven, and pour the hot sauce on top. You can top the mixture with parmesan cheese. Bake for 15 minutes at 375°F. Take out from the oven and garnish it with parsley. Your cauliflower cheese delight is ready!

2. Bitter gourd egg combo

Bitter gourd often gets a bad rap because of its strong bitter taste. However, you can reduce the bitterness in some ways. Try rubbing some salt on to the bitter gourd pieces and leave for some time, then rinse the salt away. Another way is to soak the pieces in tamarind juice.

Ingredients

bitter gourd – 150-200 grams
eggs – 2 beaten
black beans -1 tsp fermented & mashed slightly with a fork
cooking oil – 1 tbsp
garlic – 3 cloves minced
salt – a small pinch of to taste

Directions

After scooping out the seeds, cut the bitter gourd thinly. Fry garlic and black beans in a wok for about 30 seconds. Add the slices of bitter gourd and stir fry for about 3 minutes over high heat. Once the bitter gourd is slightly translucent, pour the beaten egg over it slowly. Stir fry again till the egg is cooked and dry. Add salt to taste. Your bitter gourd egg combo is ready!

3. Baked beans vegetarian style

Baked beans is a breakfast staple in western countries, but many people cannot imagine baked beans without bacon. Yet, a simple mouthwatering dish with baked beans without bacon can be made in a jiffy.

Ingredients

Kidney beans – 200 grams
Molasses – ½ cup
brown sugar – ½ cup
ketchup – 4 Tablespoons
yellow mustard – 4 Tablespoons
water – ¼ cup
onion powder – ½ teaspoon
Salt to taste

Instructions

Soak the beans overnight or at least 4 hours.

Pre-heat the oven to 350°F.

Heat a pan and add brown sugar, molasses, mustard, ketchup, onion powder, salt and water. Whisk these together till combined, and bring to a simmer. Add the beans to this simmering mixture, stir and simmer again. After about 5 minutes, transfer to an oven-safe pan and bake for about 25 minutes until the bean mixture is thicker. It will thicken further as it cools. You own baked beans is ready.

4. Cabbage egg combo

It doesn’t get any easier than a cabbage egg combo. And it is delightfully tasty and packed with nutrition.

Ingredients

butter or olive oil – 1 Tbsp
garlic clove – 1 minced
cabbage – 1 cup finely shredded
eggs – 2 lightly beaten
salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Heat a pan and add butter/oil. Add the garlic and let it cook. Add the cabbage and cook until it softens, stirring frequently, for about 5 minutes. (If you cook it longer it begins to caramelize). Once cooked, spread the cabbage on the pan and pour the eggs over it. Cook for about 30 seconds and fold it over so that it is cooked through. Your cabbage egg combo is ready.

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