Cooking with Karina: Simple Sides

Stringed Greens Side (Photo: Karina Arnold) 

Karina Arnold is a junior at the University of Oklahoma who’s passionate about healthy cooking. She provides creative, healthy recipes and tips on clean eating.

When I am thinking about fall, I imagine myself wrapped in a cozy sweater while nursing a hot chocolate and reading a book by the fire. In reality, I am knee-deep in stress from finals and hunting down the perfect Christmas present for my best friend. Despite the Pinterest pictures and cleverly-captioned images on Instagram, fall is not primarily pumpkin picking and carol singing. As the leaves start to pile on the ground, my to-do list piles higher.

The holidays can get stressful. Priorities shift and time seems to dissipate. This fall, stop and de-stress. Take time to enjoy what the earth has to offer: fresh air and fresh food.

Rather than making a hurried trip to the supermarket, take time to stroll through your local farmers’ market. Make grocery shopping a fun sociable event rather than another chore on the to-do list. Take a friend or family member and taste the seasonal produce. One of my favorite fall food finds are string beans. With these fall/winter greens, you can cook this 10-minute Stringed Greens recipe with your eyes closed. If you are not a fan of green beans, substitute with other seasonal veggies like broccoli, zucchini or Brussels sprouts.

In this recipe, you can use the same dressing from this Baked Chicken to coat your green beans. These green beans make a great side to pair with quinoa and chicken. Next time you host Friendsgiving, you can impress while not being stressed. Cooking a dinner of chicken breast, quinoa and a large bag of green beans for five people costs less than 20 dollars and takes less than an hour to prepare.

Despite what many experience, the holidays do not have to be an anxiety-ridden season. Simplify. Slow down. Smile. Make this simple side that is quick, easy and cheap so you can enjoy time with friends and afford that perfect gift for mom.

What are your favorite fall vegetables? How do you like to cook them? Comment below!