Ina Garten, the beloved cookbook author and TV personality, is known for her elegant yet approachable approach to cooking. When it comes to hosting a special occasion, she is the go-to source for elegant yet simple recipes that are sure to impress. One of her most popular recipes for entertaining is prime rib, a classic main course that is perfect for festive gatherings.
However, the question remains: what does Ina Garten serve with prime rib? While the main course is undoubtedly the star of the show, Garten’s expert taste and attention to detail mean that she always has a perfectly coordinated menu in mind. In this article, we’ll explore some of the side dishes and accompaniments that Ina Garten suggests for serving with prime rib, so you can host a dinner party just like the Barefoot Contessa.
Traditional Sides for Prime Rib
When it comes to prime rib, it is often served on special occasions. And no special occasion is complete without some traditional sides. Ina Garten, renowned celebrity chef and author, has some classic side dishes that pair perfectly with prime rib.
One of the most popular traditional sides for prime rib is roasted potatoes. Ina Garten’s recipe calls for Yukon Gold potatoes, which are roasted with garlic and rosemary. The result is a crispy and flavorful side that complements the richness of the prime rib. Another classic side dish is creamed spinach. Ina Garten’s recipe uses fresh baby spinach, heavy cream, and grated Parmesan cheese. The creamy and cheesy spinach dish is the perfect complement to the meaty prime rib. Other traditional sides that Ina Garten serves with prime rib include buttered green beans, roasted carrots, and mashed potatoes.
Ina Garten’s Go-To Side Dishes
Ina Garten is well-known for her elegant and delicious recipes, and her side dishes are no exception. When it comes to serving prime rib, she has a few go-to side dishes that are sure to please.
One of her favorite side dishes is roasted vegetables. She suggests using vegetables like carrots, parsnips, and Brussels sprouts, which can all be roasted together with olive oil, garlic, and herbs. Another popular option is her creamy cheesy grits, which are made with heavy cream, cheddar cheese, and a bit of cayenne pepper. These grits go perfectly with the rich and flavorful prime rib. Finally, Ina often serves mashed potatoes alongside her prime rib. She recommends using Yukon Gold potatoes, as they create a smooth and creamy texture when mashed with butter and milk.
Overall, these side dishes not only complement the prime rib perfectly but also add some variety to the meal. With Ina Garten’s go-to side dishes, your prime rib dinner will be a hit with everyone at the table.
Unexpected Pairings with Prime Rib
When it comes to pairing sides with prime rib, many cookbook authors and chefs opt for traditional accompaniments such as mashed potatoes, creamed spinach, or roasted root vegetables. However, Ina Garten, the popular Food Network star, is known for her ability to push the boundaries of traditional pairings and create unexpected flavor combinations.
One of Garten’s surprising pairings with prime rib is a side dish of roasted Brussels sprouts with bacon and balsamic vinegar. The sweet-tart acidity of the balsamic vinegar pairs well with the rich, fatty flavor of the prime rib, while the smoky bacon adds a delicious savory note. Another unexpected pairing from Garten is a creamy horseradish sauce to accompany the prime rib. The sharp, tangy flavor of the horseradish cuts through the richness of the meat, making for a well-balanced meal. Garten’s inventive approach to pairing sides with prime rib proves that there are no rules when it comes to delicious flavor combinations.
Vegetable Sides to Complement the Main Course
Ina Garten is known for her simple, yet elegant approach to cooking. When it comes to serving prime rib, she suggests including a variety of vegetable side dishes to complement the main course. One of her go-to options is roasted vegetables, such as carrots, parsnips, and Brussels sprouts. She likes to toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper before roasting them in the oven until they are caramelized and tender. This not only adds color and flavor to the meal but also provides a healthy balance to the rich prime rib.
Another side dish that Ina recommends is a fresh salad with a simple vinaigrette. A salad made with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and cucumber offers a refreshing contrast to the hearty prime rib. Ina suggests dressing the salad with a basic vinaigrette made with olive oil, vinegar, and Dijon mustard. This light dressing provides a tangy flavor that complements the earthy flavors of the roasted vegetables and prime rib. These vegetable sides are perfect choices to round out a lovely, satisfying meal.
Sauces and Condiments to Elevate Your Prime Rib
Sauces and condiments are an essential aspect of serving prime rib. They enhance the flavor, texture, and overall dining experience. Ina Garten believes in keeping the flavors simple and elegant. She recommends serving prime rib with a horseradish sauce. The pungent and slightly spicy flavor of horseradish makes a perfect pairing with the richness and tenderness of prime rib.
For those who prefer a milder taste, Ina Garten also suggests serving the prime rib with a creamy mustard sauce. This sauce is made with Dijon mustard, sour cream, and chopped scallions. It complements the umami flavor of prime rib without overpowering it. Alternatively, a red wine reduction or port wine sauce can take the prime rib to a whole new level with its rich, savory, and slightly sweet taste. These sauces and condiments are an excellent way to elevate a prime rib dinner and impress your guests.
Wine and Beverage Pairings for the Perfect Meal
When it comes to wine and beverage pairings for a prime rib meal, Ina Garten has some great recommendations. For red wine lovers, she suggests serving a full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon, such as a 2010 Joseph Phelps Cabernet Sauvignon or a 2012 Caymus Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon. These wines have rich tannins and a deep flavor profile that pairs well with the bold flavor of prime rib.
If you prefer a lighter wine, Ina Garten suggests serving a Pinot Noir, such as a 2013 Decoy Sonoma County Pinot Noir. Pinot Noir has a lighter body than Cabernet and a fruit-forward flavor profile, making it a great choice for those who prefer a less intense wine. In terms of non-alcoholic beverage pairings, Ina Garten recommends serving a sparkling water or lemonade to complement the flavors of the meal. Whether you prefer red or white, alcoholic or non-alcoholic, Ina Garten has some great suggestions to help you create the perfect pairing for your prime rib meal.
Desserts to End Your Meal on a Sweet Note
Ina Garten is a pro when it comes to entertaining, and her prime rib dinner menu is no exception. To end the meal on a sweet note, she offers a variety of desserts that are sure to please any guest’s palate.
One of her go-to desserts is a classic fruit tart with a buttery crust and a luxurious vanilla pastry cream. She also likes to serve a rich chocolate cake, usually topped with a creamy ganache frosting for an indulgent finish. For something lighter, she may offer a fruit sorbet or a refreshing lemon tart. Whatever dessert she chooses, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser and leave guests with a satisfying end to their meal.
The Bottom Line
Ina Garten is a renowned chef, famous for her creative recipes and delectable dishes. Her prime rib recipe is a must-try for meat lovers, and she has shared a few side dishes that go perfectly well with it. From creamy mashed potatoes to roasted vegetables and horseradish sauce, Ina has given us an array of sides to choose from, which can elevate the flavor of prime rib.
While serving prime rib, it is essential to choose the perfect sides that can complement its rich and savory taste. Ina Garten’s sides not only add depth and flavor to the meal but also give a colorful and appetizing appeal to the plate. So, if you are planning to indulge in some prime rib, don’t forget to accompany it with the right sides to enhance your dining experience, and who better to take inspiration from than the Barefoot Contessa herself!