491 card low recipes

Green beans amandine made in the microwave with toasted slivered almonds, melted butter, and a squeeze of lemon juice. A classic French side dish simplified for two, ready in 15 minutes flat.

Parmesan asparagus spears blanched crisp-tender and tossed in a balsamic-Dijon vinaigrette with shaved Parmesan. Low-fat vegetarian side dish.

Sesame spinach salad dressed with walnut oil, sesame oil, and reduced-sodium soy sauce, topped with sliced mushrooms and toasted sesame seeds. A light, nutty Asian-style side.

Homemade Sri Lankan curry powder blends dry-roasted coriander, cumin, fennel, fenugreek, cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves with curry leaves and cayenne. Stores for months in an airtight jar.

Marinated mushroom salad with vinegar-poached mushrooms, blanched carrots, celery, and bell peppers dressed in oregano olive oil. A make-ahead antipasto-style cold salad.

Chunks of tomatoes and lots of Italian spices make this a real winner.

Loaded avocado dip with bacon, sour cream, cucumber, and a kick of hot sauce. A no-cook party dip that's like guacamole's smokier, tangier cousin.

Broiled tomato halves stuffed with mashed avocado, melted Swiss cheese, and fresh basil. A spooky-themed Halloween appetizer for kids that's ready in 20 minutes with just 5 ingredients.

Wilted greens with a hot bacon vinaigrette, mustard, and horseradish, cooked in the microwave. A tangy, warm salad side dish ready in under 10 minutes.

Gourmet glazed nuts with peanuts and pecans, blanched then baked with sugar and butter until golden and crunchy. Sweet, salty, and perfect for holiday gift-giving.

Easy caramel chocolate sticky buns: a four-ingredient hack using refrigerated biscuits stuffed with chocolate kisses and baked over coconut-pecan frosting that turns into instant caramel when inverted.

Grilled tofu kebabs marinated in tamari, rice vinegar, garlic, and oregano, threaded on skewers with fresh vegetables. Simple vegetarian grilling.

Asparagus with a lemongrass and shallot vinaigrette with Dijon mustard and red wine vinegar. A Southeast Asian-influenced make-ahead side dish served at room temperature.

Pea purée can serve as a garnish, a side dish, or as a spread on crackers or vegetable sticks. Use it as a bed upon which the main item in your entrée can rest. For example, sauté some scallops and place them on a pool of the pea purée.

This simple dish has such a compelling taste, you'll never have leftovers.

Quick Asian stir-fry of cabbage with crumbled tofu and rehydrated shiitake mushrooms, seasoned with soy sauce and mirin. Vegan, low-carb, and on the table in under an hour.