Side Dishes

A good side dish can transform an average meal into a delightful dinner. Side dishes are also a great way to get the recommended servings of vegetables in to your meal. Filling half you plate with fruits and vegetables at each meal is a great way to ensure you are getting the recommended amount regularly.

Vegetables can be very exciting and tasty if prepared correctly. Here is a recipe for one of my favorites - Caramelized Cauliflower with Honey and smoked paprika. It has a lot of ingredients, and the come together for a delicious side dish.

3 Tbs. extra-virgin olive oil

2 Tbs. unsalted butter

1 large cauliflower, about 3 lb., cut into 1-inch florets

Sea salt, to taste

1 shallot, minced

1/4 tsp. red pepper flakes

1/2 tsp. smoked sweet paprika

2 Tbs. honey

2 Tbs. water

1/2 lemon

Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

In a large fry pan over medium heat, warm 2 Tbs. of the olive oil and melt the butter. Add the cauliflower florets, sprinkle with a generous pinch of salt and toss gently to coat the florets. Spread the florets into 1 layer and cook, without stirring, until the undersides are lightly browned, 3 to 4 minutes. Flip each piece over and continue cooking, undisturbed, until evenly browned, 3 to 4 minutes. Repeat until all sides are evenly browned, 3 to 5 minutes more.

Add the remaining 1 Tbs. olive oil, the shallot, red pepper flakes and paprika to the pan. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the shallot is softened, 2 to 3 minutes. Add the honey and water and sauté until the liquid reduces to a glaze, 2 to 3 minutes. Squeeze the juice from the lemon half over the cauliflower, stir to combine and cook for 30 seconds. Remove from the heat. Taste and adjust the seasonings with salt and black pepper.