Thank you for all of your really nice comments on my blogging anniversary earlier this week, they meant so much to me. I do hope for many, many more years of blogging and all of the challenges that come with it. In fact, I’ve been thinking a bit about the nature of my recipes here, and I’m okay that most of my recipes are really simple. As much as I like cooking, I don’t have a ton of time and, quite frankly, I get bored if I’m in the kitchen for longer than an hour or so. I think that’s why I have a fascination with kitchen appliances like the pressure cooker and such, because I’m always looking for efficiency in the kitchen.
On that note, I’ve had a couple of people ask me about making healthy food when they don’t have a lot of time or resources. I’ll list a few of my other easy, go-to meals at the end of this post, but last night I made a meal that came together from the pantry plus an onion, zucchini and fresh baby spinach.
I started dinner with these four ingredients:
I water-sauteed the zucchini and onions in a large pan and added a teaspoon of garlic powder and a tablespoon of no-salt seasoning:
Next, I added the beans, tomato sauce and a bunch of nutritional yeast:
The last step was to throw in baby spinach, chopped parsley and two tablespoons of tahini:
This came together in less than 30 minutes. I served my concoction over a sweet potato:
Alan had his food side by side:
Gourmet? No. Delicious and healthy? Yes!
A few other recipes that come to mind that are really quick and no-fuss include:
my Lazy Woman’s Kale Salad (seen here eaten on my lap in the car):
my In-A-Hurry Tempeh Scramble:
Or, if all else fails, a simple green smoothie made with strawberries, bananas, and a handful of greens:
As much as we all want to eat healthfully, we could all use more time, right? Life is crazy and unexpected, but I do think a little planning goes a long way in the kitchen. Besides, who wants to cook when this is calling my name?
Have a happy, healthy day and I’ll see you back here on Friday!
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I feel you on being efficient in the kitchen. I think you put it best when you said you get bored after an hour…I get impatient as well. Quick but flavorful meals are the best!
What brand of no-salt seasoning do you use and where do you get it?
Hi Laura! I buy no-salt seasoning at both Trader Joe’s and Costco. I think most brands are very similar and just use a blend of dried herbs and sometimes garlic and some spices.
Easy enough, thanks!
I love your simple approach to healthy cooking, don’t ever change! I am the same way- I love eating and cooking, but when it comes to making meals on a daily basis, I want them to be quick and easy. As long as it tastes goods and is nutritious, it’s a-okay with me!
Thanks Gabby, we have so much in common!
Quick and easy is where it’s at, especially when the weather is warmer and I’m wanting to spend less time in the kitchen. Your simple dinner over the sweet potato looks so delicious!
Hey Carrie, just curious how you cook your sweet potatoes. I have always just wrapped them in foil and placed in crockpot for the day.
Hi Beth! I love your idea of cooking sweet potatoes in the crock pot, I had never thought of that. I do mine in the oven. I just prick them with a fork and then bake them for an hour on 400 degrees, turning once.
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