Help me make dinner.

J&K10910

My brain is just not working with me today.  I'm grilling a steak for me, a pork chop for FI, and doing some pineapple and bread on the grill as well.  I need another (preferably at least semi-healthy) side dish.  Substantial but not heavy (I'm veto-ing rice or potatoes). 

Bonus points if you can recommend a good red wine I might like to go with it.  Something sweeter but not super duper sweet would be preferred.

AllAboutTheBenjamin

I love green vegetables - spinach, asparagas, green beans, broccoli.  Or is it brocolli?  Dammit.

shellydiane820

mmm asparagus.

Or make a greek salad, I love those!  Spinach, tomatoes, olives and feta.

J&K10910

You were right the first time, AllAbout.  FI loves asparagus, maybe I could get some of that for him and just have a salad for me.

J&K10910

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_snarky-brides_dinner?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:17Discussion:be0b3f86-e356-4c98-bafc-5e47d681f6cePost:dc4db19b-2300-49c1-bb66-8eec4951ec49">Re: Help me make dinner.</a>:
[QUOTE]mmm asparagus. Or make a greek salad, I love those!  Spinach, tomatoes, olives and feta.
Posted by shellydiane820[/QUOTE]

That sounds delicious, Shelly!  Maybe I can do both, since FI eats a lot and I won't eat the asparagus.

AllAboutTheBenjamin

Yeah that spinach salad sounds tasty.

Ever grilled asparagas?  It's AWESOME.  A little olive oil, a little sea salt and lemon juice... eff.  I'm hungry.

AllAboutTheBenjamin

Also as far as red wine goes - I'm always up for a nice glass of pinot noir.

SarahPLiz

Tabbouleh
1 1/2 cups water
1 tbsp olive oil
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup uncooked bulgar wheat
1 large tomato, seeded and diced
1/4 cup sliced green onions with tops
1 cup snipped fresh parsley
2 tbsp snipped fresh mint (optional)
1 tbsp lemon zest
1/4 cup lemon juice

1- Bring water, salt and oil to a boil in a small sauce pan. Add the bulgar, cover, and remove from heat. Let stand 25 minutes or until the water is absorbed.

2- In a bowl, mix the rest of the ingredients with the bulgar, cover and refrigerate at least 2 hours to let the flavors blend. It can be refrigerated overnight (great make-ahead option)



Avocado, Corn and Black Bean Salad

The key to this salad is fresh lime juice and good extra virgin olive oil.

2 large avodcados, diced
2 cans of black beans, drained and rinsed
1 small bag of frozen corn
1 red onion, diced
1/2 teaspoon chili powder


1 garlic clove, pressed
juice of 2-3 limes
1/2 bunch of cilantro leaves (chop them off the stems)
1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
kosher salt to taste

1- In a large bowl, combine the avocado and black beans. Mix with approx 1 tbsp of lime juice to keep the avocado from browning while you do the rest.

2- Open the bag of frozen corn and pour it into a collander. Run the collander under cool water until the corn defrosts. Blot with a paper towel to dry it off a bit, and then add it to the big bowl.

3- Add in the red onion and chili powder

4- For the dressing, use a mortar and pestal or a food processor to pulverize the garlic, cilantro and lime juice. This should look something like the beginnings of a pesto. Drizzle in the olive oil and wither whisk or whir a little bit longer in the food processor to combine it. Now it should really look like pesto, but thinner. Add a little more oil or lime juice to taste.

5- Toss the dressing with the avocado mixture, add salt to taste and chill for at least 30 mintues to let the flavors combine. If you let it sit overnight, it won't be as pretty, but it will taste even more awesome.

J&K10910

I just don't like asparagus.  The taste OR the texture.  And I can't handle the pee smell either.  But your way does sound tasty, I might even try it.

shellydiane820

I like lambrusco--lambrusca?  Whatever it its its delish!

betrothed123

NO!  Make your own dinner!

SarahPLiz

Sorry. Overkill on the recipes. Asparagus is good too.

J&K10910

Mmmm, that avocado, corn and black bean salad sounds amazing too!  I'm bookmarking this thread for when I draw a blank on side dishes in the future. 

missy68

Damn. I was going to give you what I call corn dog casserole.....

J&K10910

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_snarky-brides_dinner?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:17Discussion:be0b3f86-e356-4c98-bafc-5e47d681f6cePost:a5c01262-9a36-484f-b593-d118df5647b3">Re: Help me make dinner.</a>:
[QUOTE]NO!  Make your own dinner!
Posted by betrothed123[/QUOTE]

Well you can fuuck yourself, then.

Double entendre totally intended.

Liz4444

have you tried quinoa?  i had never had it before and saw it in the rice aisle.  but it's not really a carb, even though it's a grain.  it's technically a grass and is a really good source of protein.  and, it's kosher for passover, bonus for H!

i made it with low sodium chicken broth instead of water, it happened to be delish...

betrothed123

Oh how I love you, J&K

I have an excellent substantial side dish, but it's not healthy so I will not tell you about it.  If you take back your health freakness, I may give it to you

shellydiane820

I love avocados.  I eat them for lunch sometimes.  Just slice it up and enjoy!

J&K10910

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_snarky-brides_dinner?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:17Discussion:be0b3f86-e356-4c98-bafc-5e47d681f6cePost:d0f1f82f-9871-4a46-b9d7-3f78981adaea">Re: Help me make dinner.</a>:
[QUOTE]have you tried quinoa?  i had never had it before and saw it in the rice aisle.  but it's not really a carb, even though it's a grain.  it's technically a grass and is a really good source of protein.  and, it's kosher for passover, bonus for H! i made it with low sodium chicken broth instead of water, it happened to be delish...
Posted by Liz4444[/QUOTE]

I haven't.  What does it taste like?  I realize that's a dumb question, but can you compare it to something?  Is it rice like in taste and texture?

Betrothed, can you give it to me anyway?  I'll save it for future instances of needing a side dish that is not so healthy.

AllAboutTheBenjamin

Avocadoes are awesome.

You know what I'm obsessed with... yams.  Or sweet potatoes, whatever you call them.  You can bake them in the oven and all you need is a little butter.  If you're feeling fancy, a couple marshmallows.

I think they taste so good - it's like eating pie in a potato skin.  Also they are SO healthy for you.

J&K10910

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_snarky-brides_dinner?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:17Discussion:be0b3f86-e356-4c98-bafc-5e47d681f6cePost:e0356026-c1ed-4e55-b89d-e95bfedff2ec">Re: Help me make dinner.</a>:
[QUOTE]I love avocados.  I eat them for lunch sometimes.  Just slice it up and enjoy!
Posted by shellydiane820[/QUOTE]

Have you ever grilled them?  I brush them with a little garlic olive oil and lime juice mixture and throw on the grill for just a couple minutes each side. 

AllAboutTheBenjamin

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_snarky-brides_dinner?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:17Discussion:be0b3f86-e356-4c98-bafc-5e47d681f6cePost:d58e708b-6971-434d-8775-a8dcbeede4ca">Re: Help me make dinner.</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: Help me make dinner. : Have you ever grilled them?  I brush them with a little garlic olive oil and lime juice mixture and throw on the grill for just a couple minutes each side. 
Posted by J&K10910[/QUOTE]


Dammit... I'm so hungry after reading that.

Shazzie116

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_snarky-brides_dinner?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:17Discussion:be0b3f86-e356-4c98-bafc-5e47d681f6cePost:d0f1f82f-9871-4a46-b9d7-3f78981adaea">Re: Help me make dinner.</a>:
[QUOTE]have you tried quinoa?  i had never had it before and saw it in the rice aisle.  but it's not really a carb, even though it's a grain.  it's technically a grass and is a really good source of protein.  and, it's kosher for passover, bonus for H! i made it with low sodium chicken broth instead of water, it happened to be delish...
Posted by Liz4444[/QUOTE]

<div>We just started making this instead of rice, and it's really yummy! A different texture than rice, but a good, quick side dish that's really healthy. And it's gluten free!</div>

J&K10910

DOn't hate me, but I don't like sweet potatoes either.  I'm nuts, I know.

betrothed123

Since you asked so nicely, yes

My go to unhealthy side dish (we also add some meat sometimes and eat it for dinner) is a really simple baked mac and cheese:

1/2 pound uncooked macaroni
1/2 block of sharp cheddar cheese (can use more or less to taste)
1 regular sized can of diced tomatoes
Some salt and pepper, also to taste

Cook the macaroni
Cut up the cheese into small squares
Mix all ingredients together in oven-proof pan
Cover pan and cook for 30 minute to an hour (depending on how deep the pan is), until cheese is melted.
Enjoy.

christyran1228

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_snarky-brides_dinner?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:17Discussion:be0b3f86-e356-4c98-bafc-5e47d681f6cePost:fef72e72-21ba-4515-b974-ce1a7c060173">Re: Help me make dinner.</a>:
[QUOTE]Avocadoes are awesome. You know what I'm obsessed with... yams.  Or sweet potatoes, whatever you call them.  You can bake them in the oven and all you need is a little butter.  If you're feeling fancy, a couple marshmallows. I think they taste so good - it's like eating pie in a potato skin.  Also they are SO healthy for you.
Posted by AllAboutTheBenjamin[/QUOTE]


I LOVE sweet potatoes ... little butter, brown sugar & cinnamon.

*swoon*

I'm buying some on the way home, now, thanks ... my problem solved.   lol

AllAboutTheBenjamin

Haha I don't hate you for not liking sweet potatoes.

I will pretty much eat anything though so it never surprises me if someone isn't keen on something I love.

TheSaltyPeanut

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_snarky-brides_dinner?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:17Discussion:be0b3f86-e356-4c98-bafc-5e47d681f6cePost:dc4db19b-2300-49c1-bb66-8eec4951ec49">Re: Help me make dinner.</a>:
[QUOTE]mmm asparagus. Or make a greek salad, I love those!  Spinach, tomatoes, olives and feta.
Posted by shellydiane820[/QUOTE]

I didn't even have to read the rest of the responses to know that I vote for the greek salad!

J&K10910

Mmmm, Betrothed that sounds delicious.  You don't have to fuuck yourself anymore

SarahPLiz

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_snarky-brides_dinner?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:17Discussion:be0b3f86-e356-4c98-bafc-5e47d681f6cePost:d0f1f82f-9871-4a46-b9d7-3f78981adaea">Re: Help me make dinner.</a>:
[QUOTE]have you tried quinoa?  i had never had it before and saw it in the rice aisle.  but it's not really a carb, even though it's a grain.  it's technically a grass and is a really good source of protein.  and, it's kosher for passover, bonus for H! i made it with low sodium chicken broth instead of water, it happened to be delish...
Posted by Liz4444[/QUOTE]

I love quinoa. It is actually the only complete protien, with all the amino acids, that can be found in a non-animal source. I agree that low sodium chicken broth is porbably the best way to cook it. YOu can add some green onions, tomatoes, and/or corn if you want to.I find the texture to be like fat couscous, but when it cooks, the outer covering turns into these cute little corkscrew things.

Shazzie116

She will anyways.