side dish Recipes
168 delicious side dish recipes from around the world
Apfelmus (German Applesauce)
A smooth, sweet, and comforting German applesauce, perfect as a side dish or topping. This recipe includes all the classic elements for a balanced flavor.
Bamies Latheres (Greek Okra in Olive Oil and Tomato)
A classic Greek summer dish where tender okra pods are gently braised in a rich, flavorful sauce of olive oil, tomatoes, and aromatics. This preparation method minimizes the okra's natural sliminess, resulting in a delicious and healthy vegetable side dish.
Bratkartoffeln (German Fried Potatoes)
Classic German fried potatoes, also known as Bratkartoffeln, are a beloved side dish. This recipe focuses on achieving perfectly crispy potatoes with savory onions, and optionally, crispy bacon. Using cold, cooked potatoes is key to their texture.
Briam
Briam is a rustic and flavorful Greek dish of mixed summer vegetables baked in olive oil and tomato. It's a staple of Greek home cooking, celebrated for its simplicity and delicious, tender results.
Bruna Bönor (Swedish Sweet and Sour Brown Beans)
A classic Swedish sweet and sour side dish made from tender brown beans, simmered in a rich syrup and vinegar sauce. Traditionally served with pork dishes.
Carciofi alla Giudia (Jewish-Style Fried Artichokes)
A classic Roman Jewish specialty, these artichokes are deep-fried whole until their outer leaves are delightfully crispy and the hearts are tender and flavorful. The unique preparation involves opening the leaves to resemble a blooming flower before frying.
Carciofi alla Romana (Roman Braised Artichokes)
A classic Roman dish featuring tender artichokes braised with garlic, mint, white wine, and olive oil. The key is to cook them until they are meltingly soft.
Colcannon
A classic Irish comfort food, Colcannon is a hearty and flavorful dish of creamy mashed potatoes blended with tender cabbage or kale, butter, milk, and scallions. Perfect as a side dish or a light meal.
Escalivada
A classic Catalan dish of smoky, tender roasted vegetables, typically eggplant, bell peppers, onions, and tomatoes, dressed simply with olive oil and garlic. It's a celebration of charred flavors and natural sweetness.
Fasolakia Lathera (Greek Braised Green Beans)
Fasolakia Lathera is a classic Greek dish featuring tender green beans slowly braised in a rich, flavorful sauce of olive oil, tomatoes, and aromatics. The name 'lathera' translates to 'oily,' highlighting the generous use of olive oil which is essential for the dish's signature taste and texture. This dish is often served as a main course or a substantial side, perfect with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Gratin Dauphinois
A classic French potato gratin from the Dauphiné region, featuring thinly sliced potatoes baked slowly in a rich mixture of cream and milk until tender and golden brown. This traditional recipe omits cheese, allowing the pure flavors of potato, cream, and a hint of nutmeg to shine.
Gratin de Chou-fleur
A classic French cauliflower gratin featuring tender cauliflower florets enveloped in a rich, creamy Mornay sauce, topped with golden-brown breadcrumbs and melted Gruyère cheese. This comforting side dish is perfect for any occasion.
Grechnevaya Kasha (Russian Buckwheat Porridge)
A staple in Russian cuisine, Grechnevaya Kasha is a hearty and nutritious porridge made from toasted buckwheat groats. It can be served as a simple side dish or a satisfying breakfast, often enhanced with butter or milk.
Hasselbackspotatis
Hasselbackspotatis, or Swedish accordion potatoes, are a classic restaurant side dish where potatoes are thinly sliced almost all the way through, creating a crispy, fan-like appearance when baked. This recipe enhances the traditional method with a flavorful butter and Parmesan coating.
Insalata Russa
Insalata Russa, or Italian Russian Salad, is a beloved party staple featuring finely diced potatoes, carrots, peas, and pickles suspended in a creamy mayonnaise dressing. It's a refreshing and satisfying cold salad perfect for gatherings and holidays.
Jansson's Frestelse (Jansson's Temptation)
Jansson's Temptation is a beloved Swedish Christmas classic, a rich and creamy potato gratin infused with the savory flavor of Swedish anchovies (ansjovis) and sweet, softened onions. This dish is surprisingly approachable, even for those wary of anchovies, as their flavor mellows beautifully during baking.
Janssons Frestelse (Jansson's Temptation)
A classic Swedish potato gratin, Jansson's Frestelse is a rich and comforting dish featuring thinly sliced potatoes, onions, and savory anchovies baked in a creamy sauce until golden and bubbling. It's a beloved centerpiece of Swedish Christmas feasts.
Janssons Frestelse (Jansson's Temptation)
Jansson's Temptation is a beloved Swedish potato gratin, traditionally served during Christmas. It features thinly sliced potatoes layered with sweet, caramelized onions and the distinct umami of Swedish anchovies (ansjovis), all baked in a rich cream and milk mixture until golden and bubbling. Its name is a playful nod to opera singer Pelle Janzon, who was rumored to be a fan.
Kapusta Zasmażana (Polish Braised Sauerkraut)
A classic Polish side dish featuring deeply flavorful braised sauerkraut, enriched with crispy bacon and aromatic spices. This dish is a comforting and traditional accompaniment to many Polish meals.
Kartoffelsalat (Warm German Potato Salad)
A classic warm German potato salad, featuring tender potatoes, crispy bacon, and a tangy vinegar dressing. This version is a traditional Southern German style, served warm without mayonnaise.
Kopytka
Kopytka, meaning 'little hooves', are traditional Polish potato dumplings. Similar to Italian gnocchi, they are simple, comforting, and incredibly versatile, perfect as a main dish or a side.
Manitaria Scharas (Greek Grilled Mushrooms)
A simple yet flavorful Greek mezze featuring large mushrooms grilled to perfection with a zesty olive oil, garlic, and herb marinade. Ideal as an appetizer or side dish.
Mizeria (Polish Cucumber Salad)
A refreshing and classic Polish cucumber salad, Mizeria is a simple yet flavorful side dish, perfect for summer meals. Thinly sliced cucumbers are lightly salted to draw out excess moisture, then tossed with a creamy dressing of sour cream, fresh dill, and a touch of vinegar and sugar.
Peperonata
A classic Italian sweet pepper stew, where colorful bell peppers are slowly simmered with sweet onions and ripe tomatoes until tender and flavorful. This versatile dish can be served as a side, a topping, or even a light main course.