Okay, so I’ve been trying to cut down on carbs, but I still love burgers. The bun is usually the killer, so I started looking for low-carb side dishes to make the whole meal healthier. It’s been a bit of a journey, so here’s what I’ve figured out so far.
My Low-Carb Side Dish Experiments
First, I ditched the usual fries. Sad, I know, but necessary. I started experimenting with veggies, because, well, that’s the obvious healthy choice, right?
- Roasted Broccoli and Cauliflower: This was my first attempt. I just tossed some florets in olive oil, salt, pepper, and some garlic powder, then roasted them at 400F until they were crispy. Pretty good, actually! The roasting brings out a nice sweetness.
- Zucchini Fries: Okay, these take a little more effort. I sliced zucchini into fry shapes, dipped them in an egg wash, and then coated them in a mixture of almond flour and Parmesan cheese. Then I baked them. They weren’t exactly like fries, but they were crispy and satisfying.
- Simple Salad: You can’t go wrong with a big salad. I use mixed greens, some chopped cucumbers, tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette. It’s refreshing, and it definitely fills you up. I always make my dressing with olive oil and balsamic vinegar – a little goes a long way.
- Coleslaw (with a twist): Regular coleslaw has a lot of sugar in the dressing. So, I found a recipe that uses a mayo-based dressing with a bit of apple cider vinegar and a touch of sweetener (I use a tiny bit of stevia). It’s tangy and crunchy, and it goes great with burgers.
- Avocado Slices: The good kind of creamy. When I find a good price, I bought them and then slice them to eat with the burgers. Simple is the best.
It’s still a work in progress, but I’m feeling pretty good about these options. I’m planning to try making some cauliflower “rice” next. I’ve heard that’s a good substitute for regular rice, and it might be good with some stir-fried veggies. I feel so good when I finally made it!
