Do you know what you’re having for dinner tonight? That’s what I thought.
Most of us are so busy that by the time we start thinking about the answer to this question, it is already too late to cook something or we are too tired to think about cooking something.
Here you will find a few suggestions on how make dinnertime a success, instead of an irritating and stressful chore.
· Start thinking about dinners at the beginning of the week
On Monday, come up with five meal plans for the week. Get creative inspiration by looking through cooking magazines like Bon Appetite.
· Write a detailed grocery list
Take note of all the ingredients you will need to make the week’s recipes. Keep in mind that some of the leftovers, like rice or steamed veggies, can be re-presented the next night in a new dish---so you may not need to buy many different items for every night of the week.
· Take inventory before leaving the house
Double-check your grocery list to make sure you haven’t missed anything or that you don’t already have something that was on the list. Also, consider what fresh ingredients you could buy that would go well with pantry items that you already have---such as canned beans, rice, or pasta.
· Prepare a dish or two in advance
If you fix lunch at home some days, consider making one dinner dish at lunchtime. Then you have one less thing to think about until dinner, and you can simply re-heat it (if necessary) when the time comes.
· Ask for suggestions from family members
Take suggestions from your spouse or children. Find out what dishes they enjoy the most, and do your best to include them in your meal plans. Then, on the night’s you make these dishes, recruit your family to help you out in the kitchen. Not only will they will learn how to make their favorite recipes, but dinner will get on the table more quickly.
Do you have a favorite "busy weeknight" recipe that uses less than 10 ingredients? Please share this recipe with us in the comments of this post!
Note: If you think you don’t have time to share the recipe, it’s probably too complicated. I’m talking about one of those recipes you know off the top of your head that takes all of about 30 seconds to type out.
Punjabi Chole
1 Punjabi Chole spice packet*
¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
¼ chopped fresh ginger
½ cup chopped white or red onion
2 diced plum tomatoes
¼ cup chopped cilantro
Optional chopped green chilies
Heat oil in a pan over medium heat for 1 minute.
Add ginger, ¼ cup chopped onions (half the onion), 1 tomato, and green chili (if using).
Let simmer for 1 minute. Add chick peas and stir constantly for 2-3 minutes.
Then add spice packet and continue stirring for 2-3 minutes.
Mix in remaining chopped onion and tomatoes, and stir until combined.
Remove from heat and serve with cilantro and brown rice, as shown in the above picture. J
*Can be purchased at local health-food store. This recipe is taken from Arora Creations Authentic Indian Spice Blends packet.
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