Welcome to the weekend, friends. How is it March? I’m a little bit in love with this week’s line-up, particularly the dinners that take under 15 minutes to make. Plus, it’s a great week for leftovers, since most of the mains are excellent on day two (or three). Also, don’t miss the Morning Mocha Smoothie…your kick of coffee and breakfast smoothie all wrapped up in one.
Easy Moo Shu Vegetables
This recipe is my homespun take on Chinese takeout that satisfies a craving every time. The recipe calls for a few convenience items, including pre-shredded carrots and cabbage, and pre-sliced mushrooms, which means the hands-on time is very little and it takes all of 12 minutes to cook.
Cajun Fish with Lemon Caper Sauce
The best way I know to dress up a mild white fish, such as sole or tilapia, is with a favorite spice blend, lemon, with a creamy dressing on the side. This recipe has all three. It cooks up in a matter of minutes and is perfect paired with a butter lettuce salad (maybe with sliced tangerines or orange tossed in) and this dressing. Lightly buttered whole grains, such as brown rice or farro, or little roasted potatoes would round out the meal.
Instant Pot Chicken in Salsa Verde
Pull out your Instant Pot and get a batch of this savory chicken going. It’s tasty tucked into blistered corn or flour tortillas with all your favorite taco fixings. This Mexican Street Corn Salad would be terrific as a side dish.
Red Lentil Coconut Curry Soup
Definitely one of my top soups of all time, this is both filling and incredibly nourishing. If you happen to have homemade broth in your freezer, pull it out. There is nothing like your own stock for making a terrific pot of soup!
Steak on Arugula with Balsamic and Parmesan
This is a steak dinner you can bang out in 15 minutes or less. It’s just three core ingredients, plus olive oil and balsamic for dressing the greens. Flank steak is a relatively lean cut that cooks quickly. Leftovers make a great sandwich the next day. The Parmesan Polenta Fries below are a perfect side dish.
Parmesan Polenta Fries
These are a tasty alternative to traditional fries built on polenta rather than potatoes. You begin by making a batch of cheesy polenta, cut it into “fingers”, and bake it in the oven until golden and crispy. So good, you could make them for a pre-dinner party nibble. Need I say more?
Good Morning Mocha Smoothie
You can enjoy your morning coffee and get breakfast under your belt in one fell swoop with this creamy Mocha Smoothie. It’s as nourishing as it is creamy and delicious.
SHOPPING LIST
Easy Moo Shu Vegetables
4 eggs (use 8 ounces soft tofu for a vegan version)
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, plus a few pinches
1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil, divided
2 large cloves garlic, minced
One 8 to 10 ounce-package sliced white/cremini mushrooms (about 2 cups sliced)
5- ounces packaged shredded carrots, ½ bag or 2 cups
16- ounces packaged shredded cabbage/coleslaw mix (doesn’t need to be exact)
5 scallions, thinly sliced white and light green parts
2 teaspoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
3-4 tablespoons hoisin sauce, plus more to add at the table
¼ cup chopped cashews (roasted or raw)
4 to 6 whole-wheat or white flour tortillas
Cajun Fish with Lemon Caper Sauce
1 cup plain yogurt
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons capers
1 tablespoon fresh chives
1 large lemon
1/2 cup all-purpose flour (gluten-free flour if desired)
2 tablespoons Cajun spice mix
1 1/2 pounds thin, skinless white fish fillets, such as petrale sole, flounder, fluke, perch, or tilapia
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
Instant Pot Chicken in Salsa Verde
1/2 large yellow onion
1 1/2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 large garlic cloves
1/2 small jalapeño pepper
3/4 pound tomatillos
1 lime
2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
1/2 cup cilantro
Any optional ingredients for serving such as taco fixings or cooked rice
Red Lentil Coconut Curry Soup
2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 medium yellow onion
2 cloves garlic
1 tablespoon fresh ginger
4 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth (32 ounce box)
One 13.5-ounce can light coconut milk
1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon red curry paste
1 1/4 cups split red lentils
2 tablespoons packed brown sugar
2 tablespoons fish sauce (or 3/4 teaspoon salt)
3 medium carrots
1 large zucchini
1 lime
1/2 cup cilantro for garnish
Steak on Arugula with Balsamic and Parmesan
1 ½ pounds flank steak
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
5 cups baby arugula
2 tablespoons aged balsamic vinegar
1 small chunk Parmegiano Reggiano cheese
Polenta Parmesan Fries
1 cup instant polenta
3 tablespoons butter
1 cup grated Parmesan
Good Morning Mocha Smoothie
1 frozen ripe banana
2 tablespoons hemp seeds
1 tablespoon cashew butter (or almond, peanut, or any seed butter)
1 one-ounce shot espresso
1 ½ teaspoons unsweetened cacao/cocoa powder
1 pitted Medjool date
3/4 cup low-fat milk or unsweetened plant milk (for a protein-rich plant-based option, use soy or pea milk)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Comments