Wholesome Goodness

Over at Keeper of the Home, one of my favorite blogs, Stephanie is hosting a “Say No to Kraft Dinner” recipe carnival.  The idea is to contribute healthy recipes that come together in 30 minutes or less for those days when everything goes wrong. 

Back in April, I discussed this issue briefly, dedicating a post to my favorite last-minute meal, Busy Day Mexican Chicken Soup.  I try to keep this recipe’s ingredients on hand at all times.  It takes around 20 minutes to prepare the soup.  I put the broth, chicken, tomatoes, and beans in the pot and turn it on high while I chop up the veggies.  That way no time is wasted.

Here are some of my other favorite quick and healthy meal ideas:

1.  Kale and Aduki Beans

This is a great, satisfying, vegetarian entree that I simply adore.  Check out the recipe here.

2.  Taco Salad

Browned ground beef, turkey, or bison seasoned with homemade gluten free taco seasoning
Canned black or kidney beans, rinsed and drained
Salad greens
Chopped vegetables (cucumber, red or yellow bell peppers, shredded carrots, tomatoes, etc)
Chopped cilantro
Avocado
Salsa
Cheese and chips (for J only)

3.  Omelets or Scrambled Eggs with Sauteed Veggies on Top

You just can’t beat eggs for a quick, delicious meal.  I like to make my omelets with cilantro in the vegetable filling and a little cayenne pepper in the egg.  It’s really delicious that way!  Personally, though, I prefer scrambled eggs with veggies on top of them.  This keeps the eggs more moist.  These are great ways to rid the fridge of leftover vegetables.  As I have explored “alternative” omelet fillings, I’ve discovered that diced broccoli works just as well as bell peppers, and asparagus is as tasty as mushrooms.  My latest favorite combination is asparagus, green onion, garlic, and fresh basil.  Mmmm…

4.  Cheat Spaghetti

My dear husband introduced me to this last-minute wonder.  I admit that I was highly skeptical and more than a little snobby about it in the beginning, but, after all, it isnice to have something so easy to throw together.  Just brown 1 pound of ground turkey, beef, or bison and rinse and drain it.  Add a jar of high-quality, organic spaghetti sauce (at least get one that’s free of GM ingredients, MSG, and preservatives) and season to taste with garlic and onion powder, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and oregano.  Serve over whole wheat or, as in our home, gluten-free pasta.  I like gluten-free quinoa-corn pasta myself.

5.  Chicken Caruso

I don’t know where on earth this recipe came from, but my mom has been making it since I was a little girl.  I love it.  A lot.  For no apparent reason.  I try not to cook it too often because rice is not my tummy’s best friend.  I have a sensitivity to it.  Nevertheless, Chicken Caruso is comfort food for me, so it sounds just right when I’m tired.  Start by putting some brown rice on to cook.  Then, chop up some chicken breast and brown it in a pan with garlic.  After a couple of minutes, add 1/2 to 1 bunch of sliced celery and saute.  Pour a jar of high-quality spaghetti sauce into the pan and simmer until the celery is just tender (not mushy).  Season to taste with garlic and onion powder, salt and pepper, and Italian seasoning.  Serve over rice.

Go check out the carnival for more healthy ideas contributed by Keeper of the Home readers.