Iβm a fan of the 30 minute meal (dinner). Eating healthy can be easy if you make a plan . Left overs and whatβs in your refrigerator can make some amazing meals.
Having some staples on hand is the key to pulling off a last minute 30 minute meal.
I would define a
Staple
as:
π
Stock chicken, vegetable, and/or beef stock
π
Spices to keep on hand: garlic (or fresh garlic; can be in jar form in olive oil), Adobo seasoning, oregano, basil, salt, pepper, onion powder (or a supply of fresh onions), ect.
π
Chicken in family pack β frozen instead of fresh and ready when in a pinch for time; or other meats of your choice even frozen shrimp.
π
Stock your favorite and variety of pastas. Ditalini and Pastina for soups, Rotini, Angel Hair, Fettuccine, etc.
π
Stock brown rice β slow cook in a bag β not instant: slow cook is healthier.
π
Stock oatmeal β slow cook not instant: slow cook is healthier for you.
π
Fresh variety of greens β romaine, spinach, arugula. These varieties usually come in a variety package or container now in the grocery store. Could also pick up Endive, Collard greens.
π
Frozen green peas β for a kick of sweetness
π
Fresh broccoli β comes in a family size now already cut and ready to use. I wash or rinse and use broccoli in almost everything. Itβs green, delish, and healthy. Great for snacking raw or cooked βal Denteβ (means steamed but still slightly crunchy β¦ yum?).
π
Fresh carrots β you can get these already prepared and bagged in many ways now. I like the carrots cut like chips. Great for snacking, dipping, and the right size to include in your dishes.
π
Green beans, snow pea pods
π
Lemons and Limes β cut these up and put in your water glass. Keep a bag of both cut up in the frig. and ready to use. Add one lemon or lime or both to a glass of water and let the glass sit on your counter with the lemons and/or limes in the water to infuse the juice in the water β¦ drink. Fill your glass several times when empty and repeat drinking. The lemons and limes will last about a day reusing them. GREAT way to get your water in. Tastes great, hydrates you, and healthy.
π
Salad dressing β I like the β7 Seasβ box of mixable make-your-own dressing where you add olive oil, balsamic, water, and the seasoning packet. Great for salads, topping veggies (cooked or raw), and marinades.
π
Assortment of cheese β I like the Italian mix of Parmigiano and Reggiano. Also, Romano and/or Asiago. I love the sheep cheese Manchego β¦ itβs buttery and great on crackers!! (great for snacking while cooking .. lol).
I love making a quick, last minute meal with whatβs in my refrigerator β one pan meal!
Idea:
- Start with coating bottom of pan with olive oil, add a fresh onion, garlic, and saute browning slightly.
- Add your meat choice and put a lid on it, turning down your heat.
- Turn meat over and brown other side, stir.
- Once meat is browned on both sides add whatever else to your pan: peas and/or lettuce/spinach greens, could add pasta that was prepared ahead (leftover) or brown rice prepared ahead (left over), or diced potatoes β¦ your choice.
- Make sure you get plenty of veggies in there.
- Add you spices and cover to finish cooking through but also for the flavors to infuse into one another.
A lot of times these one-pan dinners can be really good the next day !!
β 
β 
β 
β 
β 
β