There are two elements to consider while crafting a dish: your main and sides. An elegant side can spice up a straightforward meal and elevate your plate. Cooking with seasonal ingredients is an easy and affordable way for college students to upgrade their everyday meals.
Why Seasonal?
Choosing seasonal ingredients ensures you get rich flavors and nutrients from your produce. Seasonal foods also have the most health benefits because they are picked fresh and have enough time to ripen naturally. Including more of these foods will add a variety of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to your diet.
Shopping seasonally is also budget-friendly and sustainable. In season items are typically sold at a lower price because there is a larger supply, and they are less likely to be transported long distances. Buying local and available ingredients helps reduce the environmental impacts associated with shipping.
Side Dish Ideas
Eating well in college doesn’t have to include expensive groceries or hours of your time. These easy and delicious side dishes to make during the winter season:
- Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Every meal should include healthy carbohydrates. Sweet potatoes are packed with vitamins and nutrients, contributing to overall health. They’re also a great source of fiber, which helps you stay full and energized throughout the day. Roasted sweet potatoes require minimal preparation, and you can throw them in the oven while you continue studying for your exams. Begin by chopping them up and spreading them evenly across a baking sheet. Then, drizzle them with a bit of olive oil (not too much, but just enough to add some crispiness while they roast.) Ground on a pinch salt and pepper, and gently toss them together before throwing them in the oven. If you’re feeling extra fancy, add chopped onion or garlic to your pan, or sprinkle on some rosemary. Here are a few different recipes to add to your meal rotation:
- https://www.loveandlemons.com/roasted-sweet-potatoes/
- https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/241834/oven-roasted-sweet-potatoes/
- https://www.themediterraneandish.com/how-to-roast-sweet-potatoes-whole/
- Sauteed Squash: Sauteing squash is one of the easiest ways to add some veggies to your plate. When I’m feeling lazy, I slice up 1-2 squashes and throw them in a pan with a little bit of garlic and olive oil. These take roughly 10 minutes to cook and pair well with almost any meal. A few tips: 1) cook them on medium heat so you don’t burn the garlic, and 2) cut them into thinner slices so they’re read faster. This works for any kind of squash in season, making them a staple year-round. I’ve included a few of my favorite seasonal recipes below:
- https://www.loveandlemons.com/yellow-squash-recipe/
- https://twocloveskitchen.com/sauteed-butternut-squash/
- Sweet & Savory Carrots: When you think of carrots, you probably envision the typical orange vegetable with a string of leaves attached to the top. However, carrots come in various colors, including purple, white, yellow, and red. One of my favorite ways to add more color to my diet is by dicing up a few different kinds of carrots and roasting them in the oven. Just like my favorite sweet potato recipe, you can roast these in the oven with a little bit of oil and salt and pepper or switch things up and cook them with a bit of honey for a sweeter taste. I recommend trying a few different styles to find your preferences:
- https://www.loveandlemons.com/roasted-carrots/
- https://therecipecritic.com/roasted-brown-butter-honey-garlic-carrots/
- https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1014219-roasted-carrots
- Air-Fryer Cauliflower: Before college, I had never used an air fryer before. After hearing my friends continuously praise this appliance, I had to get one for myself. Now, I use it nearly every day. If you’re unable to roast your vegetables, air frying is a quick and easy replacement. I found my go-to recipe from allrecipes, and it only requires five ingredients! Add salt, smoked paprika, garlic, and peanut oil (I prefer olive oil, but you can use what you like) to a bowl, and toss in your cauliflower. Mix it together and add it to the Air-Fryer, cooking it to your preferred crispiness. I’ve included the recipe and a few others below:
- https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/267304/air-fryer-roasted-cauliflower/
- https://www.loveandlemons.com/air-fryer-cauliflower/
- https://www.loveandlemons.com/air-fryer-buffalo-cauliflower/
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts: This may be a controversial food take, but I love Brussels sprouts. They’re known to have a bad rap, but I think they’re overlooked. These vegetables are high in fiber and contain antioxidants that help reduce inflammation. I roast mine with olive oil, salt, pepper, and a bit of lemon juice for a fresher flavor. Then, I shave some fresh parmesan on top to add a crispier texture. If you prefer a more plain flavor, omit the parmesan and lemon juice and serve alongside your favorite meal. Here are a few recipes for inspiration:
- https://www.loveandlemons.com/roasted-brussels-sprouts/
- https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1020126-air-fryer-brussels-sprouts-with-garlic-balsamic-and-soy
- https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/roasted-brussels-sprouts-recipe2-1941953
- Kale Salad: As much as I love a warm, home-cooked vegetable, sometimes I crave something lighter. Kale salad requires no cooking, and you can add your favorite salad toppings for extra nutrients. During the winter, I love to add shredded carrots, cranberries, and toasted almonds tossed with a balsamic dressing. Kale is also great on its own with a drizzle of oil and a few seasonings. These are a few different recipes to fit your tastes:
- https://www.twopeasandtheirpod.com/simple-kale-salad/
- https://www.spendwithpennies.com/easy-kale-salad-with-fresh-lemon-dressing/
- https://www.gimmesomeoven.com/kale-salad/
These simple yet sophisticated sides will make you feel like a pro in the kitchen. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or a crowd, these tasty recipes are sure to impress!
Sydney McCrone 
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