Christmas Side Dishes
Delightful and festive side dishes including creamy mashed potatoes and sautéed green beans, perfect for enhancing your holiday feast.
Ingredients
Mashed Potatoes
- 2 lbs potatoes (Russet or Yukon Gold work best) Use freshly sourced potatoes for best flavor.
- 4 tbsp butter Can substitute with olive oil for a dairy-free version.
- ½ cup heavy cream or milk Substitutes include almond milk or Greek yogurt.
- 1 tsp salt Adjust more to taste.
- ½ tsp pepper Adjust to preference.
Sautéed Green Beans
- 1 lb fresh green beans Trimmed and rinsed.
- 2 tbsp olive oil May use other oils, but olive oil enhances flavor.
- 2 cloves garlic (minced) Sauté until fragrant but do not burn.
- ¼ cup sliced almonds (optional) Toast for added flavor and crunch.
Instructions
Preparation
- Wash and peel the potatoes, chop into even-sized pieces.
- Rinse green beans and trim their ends.
Cooking Potatoes
- In a large pot, cover chopped potatoes with water and add a pinch of salt.
- Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, and cook for 15-20 minutes until tender.
Mashing Potatoes
- Drain potatoes and return them to the pot.
- Add butter, heavy cream (or milk), salt, and pepper, then mash until smooth.
- Adjust seasoning to taste and set aside.
Cooking Green Beans
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, then add minced garlic.
- Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, avoiding burning.
- Add trimmed green beans and sauté for 5-7 minutes until tender-crisp.
Toasting Almonds (Optional)
- Toast almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes until golden.
Assembly and Serving
- Transfer mashed potatoes to a serving bowl and green beans to a platter.
- Sprinkle toasted almonds over the green beans if using.
- Serve warm to guests and enjoy the festive atmosphere.
Notes
Store leftovers in airtight containers; mashed potatoes and green beans should be kept separate.