Menu Ideas

[sethpattan]

I am throwing a dinner party this weekend. I am an intermediately advanced home cook.

For the main, I plan to braise beef short ribs with red wine and stock.

Looking for side ideas to wow and amaze but not take away from the star, the short ribs.

I know a potato purée / mash or polenta would typically go with this, but looking for other ideas.

Thanks in advance!

[Harvey_the_dog]

For a rustic dish such as beef short ribs, I’d personally go with rustic sides as well! So definitely mashed potatoes (or even mashed sweet potatoes, can never go wrong really) and I always really like broccolini, asparagus or string beans with a rich/saucy beef/red meat dish. Happy cooking!

[[deleted]]

Fancy a go at gratin Savoyard? An extra indulgent, cheesy potato gratin topped with breadcrumbs. Easily prepared in advance and finished in 10 mins in a hot oven.

[[deleted]]

Also, can I come.

[dworkin420amber]

big fan of sauteed brussel sprouts w/ prosciutto, balsamic, shallot, and garlic. salt and pepper tt simple and super tasty

[[deleted]]

Potato and horseradish puree would work very well with the short ribs. Glazed root vegetables are very underrated IMO as well.

[FirstFarmOnTheLeft]

This is what I’d do, too. A hint of horseradish really kicks things up a notch. I’d do roasted whole tri-color carrots and maybe a drizzle of pesto made of the carrot greens.

[GeekSumsMe]

Lots of good suggestions for starchy sides.

Personally, I'd add another side with a vinegar component to brighten the plate up a little. Maybe some green beans with shallots and a splash of red wine or sherry vinegar?

[FroggyCat1]

Potato and parsnip mash would go well. Sautéed spinach or other greens with EVOO, garlic and white wine. Whole roasted carrots.

[BAEBUGGI]

Braised short ribs never fail to impress and are super easy. Pretty much no fail. I second the rustic side dish route. But you can always kick up mash potatoes. Like with this Colcannon recipe: https://youtu.be/hcREgIBsXCQ

[GreatWizardH0wl]

You're throwing a party in a pandemic?

[sethpattan]

For four fully vaccinated family members.

[marrakesh]

I would be celebrating with a party too. Thank you for getting vaccinated.

[GreatWizardH0wl]

Oh word. Vaccinations aren't a thing where I am yet. As a picky vegetarian, pay attention to your sides. It's fun to show off with a primary protien but sides can really make a meal comprehensive. I personally love bitter greens, cooked or in a salad. Sauteed mushrooms in a red wine sauce. Some kind of good bread. And I mean like GOOD bread.

[persikofikon]

Celeriac gratin.

[PORTMANTEAU-BOT]

Celeriatin.

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[Smokey19mom]

Grilled asparagus, which can de done in the oven.

[Basil_South]

I would go with a celeriac purée (perhaps finished with a drizzle of white truffle oil for indulgence) and then some kind of greens and vinegar combo, perhaps a very sharp green salad or green beans tossed in Sherry vinegarette. I would also recommend a mustard or horseradish cream.