Diabetic Side Dishes

While side dishes might not make the meal, they can certainly enhance it. Sometimes it's hard to find diabetic sides that are flavorful and good for your diet. American Diabetes Services, a leading supplier for diabetic testing supplies, offers these recipes for diabetic side dishes to help you bring accents to your dinner that won't weigh down your meal.

Orange Rice
Banana Nut Bread
Pear & Apple Cobbler
Baked Onions
No-Sugar Custard

Orange Rice

Orange rice is mild, flavorful rice that goes great with fish or chicken. This diabetic side dish brings a unique taste that will convince your family and guests that you slaved over the stove. To make orange rice, you'll need the following ingredients:

1 c. rice, uncooked
1 c. water
1 c. orange juice
1 tsp. reduced calorie margarine
Dash of salt
1 tbsp. orange rind, freshly grated
1/2 c. fresh orange sections, seeded

In a 2-quart microwave safe casserole, combine the rice, water, orange juice, margarine and salt. Cover, microwave on High for 5 minutes. Stir in the orange rind. Turn the bowl 1/4 turn. Microwave on High for an additional 10 minutes, turning the bowl after 5 minutes. Do not uncover the bowl. Allow to set, covered for an additional 10 minutes or until all of the liquids have been absorbed. Immediately before serving, fluff with a fork, add orange sections and mix gently. Serve with pride.Top

Banana Nut Bread

Banana nut bread is a great side dish for any diabetes meal. Bake this diabetic side dish in a bread pan or for something different, use a muffin tin. To make banana nut bread, you'll need the following ingredients:

1 c. flour
1 tsp. soda
1 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. salt
7 pkts. Sweet and Low
1/4 c. butter, softened
1/2 tsp. vanilla
2 egg yolks, beaten
1/4 c. pecans
3 bananas, mashed
2 egg whites, beaten stiff

Mix together: Add: Fold in stiff egg whites last, bake in loaf pan at 350 degrees until done. Apples, raisins or other fruit may be added.Top

Pear & Apple Cobbler

Add a new twist to the traditional apple cobbler with this diabetic recipe for pear and apple cobbler. This diabetic side dish makes a great side for dinner or even alone as a dessert. To make pear and apple cobbler, you'll need the following ingredients:

1 qt. pears or apples
12 oz. can thawed unsweetened apple juice
2 tsp. butter flavoring
1 tbsp. liquid sweetener

Use a deep dish lined with pastry. Pour in fruit that has been sweetened with liquid sweetener. Pour in apple juice mixed with butter flavoring. If desired, sprinkle cinnamon over pie. Cover with pastry and bake at 350 degrees until golden brown.Top

Baked Onions

Simple and easy, baked onions is a great hassle-free side dish for individuals with diabetes. Eat alone or mix with baked potatoes, this diabetic side dish is sure to please. To make baked onions, you'll need the following ingredients:

Onions (cooking size, 2 - 3 per person)
1 tsp. margarine/butter (per onion)

Cover pie plate in foil (for easy cleaning). Do not peel. Place onions on pie tin and bake one hour at 400 degrees. When done cut root end off, squeeze stem end and it should come out whole. Spread margarine/butter over onions, season with salt and pepper to taste. Not for microwaves.Top

No-Sugar Custard

No-sugar custard makes an excellent diabetic side dish or dessert. Simple and sweet, this diabetic side dish will bring a continental flair to your meal. To make no-sugar custard, you'll need the following ingredients:

6 egg yolks
1/4 c. Fruit Sweet
1/2 c. flour
2 c. milk
1 tsp. vanilla
1 tbsp. butter

In a medium bowl, beat egg yolks and Fruit Sweet until thick and pale. While continuing to beat, gradually sift in flour. Pour into a saucepan and place over low heat on the stove and gradually add milk and vanilla. Cook, stirring constantly, until mixture has thickened to a custard consistency, about 15 minutes. Remove from heat. Melt butter and pour over custard to prevent a skin from forming while it cools. Makes 3 cups. Top