Side Dish

Ham and macaroni salad

Boiled macaroni, cubes of salty ham and cheese, sweet crushed pineapple, pickle relish, sliced celery and chopped carrot are tossed with mayo to make this lovely pasta and meat salad.

Cook time: 10

Servings: 6 people

Sweet sour eggplants

Peeled eggplants are cubed, coated in batter, deep fried then braised in sweet sour sauce that thickens naturally as it reduces.

Cook time: 10

Servings: 4 people

Even carnivores will appreciate this side dish (or snack) for its subtle garlicky and herby tones, and its rich butter flavor. The pancakes are made with grated squash, zucchini, panko, salt, thyme and garlic, and fried in a mixture of butter and olive oil until both sides are golden brown and crisp.

Cook time: 12

Servings: 6 pancakes

Sichuan-style potato stir fry

Inspired by a dish we enjoyed at a restaurant in Osaka (yes, in Osaka!), this Sichuan stir fried potatoes has a bit of heat, plenty of crunch and a ton of flavors. A great side dish!

Cook time: 10

Servings: 4 people

Shiitake and broccoli in soy garlic sauce

Parboiled shiitake and broccoli florets are tossed in soy garlic sauce thickened with potato starch. The addition of mirin makes this side dish subtly sweet.

Cook time: 5

Servings: 3 people

Shiitake and asparagus stir fry

Salty and sweet with plenty of umami, this side dish cooks in eight minutes or less.

Cook time: 8

Servings: 2 people