Whether it be a lavish brunch or a potluck dinner, we love a good Easter Sunday meal. Unfortunately, the same deadbeat dishes seem to make an appearance year after year. This time around, we’re giving the usual suspects (think scalloped potatoes and buttered peas) a bit of a makeover.
Here are five ways to turn those tired sides into something special:
Old Dish: Scalloped Potatoes
Makeover: Sweet Potato Gratin
Sweet potatoes aren’t just prettier than regular potatoes, they’re tastier, too. When tossed with heavy cream, fresh thyme, and a hint of salt, their sweet flavor really sings. Of course, a rich and nutty Gruyรจre cheese crust doesn’t hurt things, either. Find the recipe here.
Old Dish: Buttered Peas
Makeover: Pea Puree
Crรจme fraรฎche, dried mint, and grated pecorino take these peas to a higher level. The puree pairs beautifully with a rack of lamb, scallops and shrimp, roast chicken and more. For extra flair, use fresh peas and top with crisp pancetta. See more spring pea ideas here.
Old Dish: Roasted Asparagus
Makeover: Prosciutto-Wrapped Asparagus Bundles
Give regular roasted asparagus a boost with a crispy, salty prosciutto sleeping bag. Then top the whole thing with toasted breadcrumbs, Parmesan, fresh garlic, and lemon zest. Trust us, you’ll never look back. See the full recipe here.
Old Dish: Candied Carrots
Makeover: Curried Carrot Soup
Turn this too-sweet side dish into a bright and zesty first course. If it’s still cool out, try this hot soup made with fresh ginger, curry powder, and tarragon oil. If the weather is warm, this cold curried soup with coconut milk makes the perfect refreshing start to your meal.
Old Dish: Creamed Spinach
Makeover: Creamed Collards
Collard greens bring a much more distinct, slightly bitter flavor to the Easter dinner table. This recipe uses garlic, shallots, and a pinch of nutmeg to make a savory cream sauce that smothers the greens. If you want to be extra sinful, top it with chunks of crispy, thick-cut bacon.
This article appears in Apr 10-16, 2014.
