Sides and Sauces

FLAVORED BUTTERS

FLAVORED BUTTERS

MAKES 1 CUP I keep flavored butters in the freezer and use them to fancy up simple meals like a roast, grilled steak or panfried fish. They can transform a simple meal into a special meal. You can make flavored butters with just about anything in your fridge, but here…

FIERY FRUIT SALSA

FIERY FRUIT SALSA

SERVES 6-8 Though Fiery Fruit Salsa used to be my favorite salsa, I hadn’t made it in years because it called for a chipotle pepper in adobo sauce. The ingredients in canned chipotle peppers are often questionable; some even contain wheat flour. This salsa would not…

CRISPY SAGE

CRISPY SAGE

SERVES 8 Delicate and crunchy with a wonderfully piney flavor, crispy sage adds an impressive touch to burgers or roasted sweet potatoes. INGREDIENTS 1 bunch fresh sage 3 tbsp/45 g butter coarse sea salt COOKING INSTRUCTIONS Pinch off leaves from sage. Heat butter in…

CHIPOTLE PEPPERS IN ADOBO SAUCE

CHIPOTLE PEPPERS IN ADOBO SAUCE

MAKES ABOUT 2 CUPS OR 7–10 PEPPERS Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce are one of my favorite ingredients. They add smoky heat and depth to otherwise simple dishes such as fruit salsa. I stopped using them when I started following a Paleo diet, as many of the canned…

CHIPOTLE LIME VINAIGRETTE

CHIPOTLE LIME VINAIGRETTE

MAKES ½ CUP/120 ML This is a perfect dressing to spice up a simple fajita salad. INGREDIENTS 2 limes, juiced 1 tsp/7 g raw honey 1 clove garlic, crushed zest of a lime ⅛ tsp cumin ⅛ tsp chili powder 2 tbsp/5 g cilantro, minced ¼ cup/60 ml extra-virgin olive oil sea…

BLANCHING AND PEELING TOMATOES

BLANCHING AND PEELING TOMATOES

I rarely use canned tomatoes, as I can easily cut, peel and chop them myself! Blanching tomatoes is healthier and less wasteful than buying canned, as you minimize your use of packaging! INGREDIENTS up to 8 tomatoes per round of blanching COOKING INSTRUCTIONS Boil…

WHOLE ROASTED SWEET POTATOES WITH TWO TOPPINGS

WHOLE ROASTED SWEET POTATOES WITH TWO TOPPINGS

I first offered this to accommodate picky guests. Now every time I serve these potatoes, most people have 2 servings, as they can’t decide which topping they prefer! We love this paired with my Flank Steak with Cilantro Sauce. The ingredients below make enough…

SPICED CHARD WITH CURRANTS

SPICED CHARD WITH CURRANTS

SERVES 4 This slightly sweet and spicy side dish is delicious and quick to make. Try it with my Lamb Shanks with Apricots. INGREDIENTS 2 tbsp/30 g ghee ½ cup/120 g shallots, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 bunch red chard, stems removed and leaves julienned ½ tsp sea…

SHREDDED BRUSSELS SPROUTS WITH PANCETTA

SHREDDED BRUSSELS SPROUTS WITH PANCETTA

SERVES 6 Salty and savory pancetta and nutty Brussels sprouts are a perfect pairing. This dish is delicious served with Balsamic Rosemary Roasted Chicken and Yams. INGREDIENTS 1 ½ lbs/680 g Brussels sprouts 1 tbsp/15 g ghee 4 oz/115 g pancetta, diced 1 medium shallot,…

CHORIZO CAULIFLOWER RICE

CHORIZO CAULIFLOWER RICE

SERVES 4 This dish bursts with flavor, and can be served as a side or a one-pot meal. The chorizo adds heat and makes this dish rich and satisfying. INGREDIENTS 1 head cauliflower 1 tbsp/15 ml ghee ½ large red onion, diced 1 red bell pepper, chopped 3 cloves garlic,…

CAULIFLOWER AND LEEK MASH

CAULIFLOWER AND LEEK MASH

SERVES 4 Cauliflower mash pairs well with almost any protein, but it’s particularly good with Beef Cheek Braised with Tomatoes. INGREDIENTS 1 small head cauliflower, cut into florets 1 cup/240 ml Chicken Broth 3 pieces of bacon, diced ¼ cup/45 g leeks, thinly sliced 3…

CARAMELIZED FENNEL

CARAMELIZED FENNEL

SERVES 4 When fennel cooks, the strong licorice or anise flavor tends to subside and, as it caramelizes, the fennel takes on a sweeter flavor. This is the perfect accompaniment to grilled fish or chicken. INGREDIENTS 2 tbsp/30 g butter 2 medium fennel bulbs, halved…