January is tough for a lot of us when it comes to meals. After an often indulgent holiday season, I want to eat healthy, clean foods but don’t want to diet or deprive myself in any way. I like to focus on hearty meals that are as healthy as they are filling. Here are a few of my faves!
1. Detox Lentil Soup: I am in love with this Pinch of Yum recipe when I’m feeling blech or sick or just off. It is full to the brim with veggies and protein and nutrients, and is so warm and comforting. I haven’t made it in a while but adding it to this list reminded me that I need to pull it out again.
2. Grilled Steak with Chimichurri: I make this chimichurri recipe (that may or may not be in my book!!!) on repeat. I want to bathe in this herby, tangy, delightful sauce made with herbs from Anel’s garden. I usually throw in parsley and cilantro, but you can go wild with whatever you have on hand. Fresh mint? Sure! Basil? Go for it! The sky is the limit, my friends. Most often, we eat it with grilled steak. Anel is the main griller in our house but I’ve learned a thing or two so I included our tips for that as well. You can make this chimichurri ahead of time and serve it up all week. I love having it in my fridge for lots of recipes and snacking.
3. Kitchen Sink Stir Fry: I made this stir fry the other night with random fridge and pantry staples and it came out so delicious, I had to share it ASAP! It was a great way to use up extra veggies I already had and only used the pantry staples I also already had on hand. This recipe is great for a quick and super tasty weeknight meal. Luca, Anel, and I all had seconds!
4. White Chicken Chili: I’ve never made a recipe list without one of my all-time faves. Everyone always loves it, it’s packed with protein and flavor.
5. Chicken Piccata: This restaurant-quality Italian classic is a breeze to make at home. It’s great for family dinners or make it in a larger batch for a dinner party. I like to serve this with a side of lemon pasta (just pasta with lemon, olive oil, Parm, and parsley) and a simple arugula salad.
6. Cheesy Tomato Greens & Beans: I love an easy and flavorful vegetarian dinner moment and this recipe will give you just that. I made it a few weeks ago then again a week later to shoot and it’s going on the menu this week too. It’s one of those dishes that you can eat every week without getting sick of it. I usually make it half-covered in mozz for Anel and half without the mozz but with extra parm or pecorino for me.
7. Sheet Pan Salmon: This one is a go-to weeknight meal in my house because it’s easy, healthy, and Luca will crush it. Amalia is a picky eater so she won’t go for this but I love seeing my little guy eat two servings of salmon for dinner. The best part about this recipe is that you basically throw everything in the oven and go about your business. I usually serve it with a cooked vegetable or green salad. Green beans or broccoli are my favorite to pair with this.
8. Lentil Bolognese: Lentil bolognese? Sounds gross, truly. As an Italian girl, I was on the fence about this one when I first started experimenting but it ise hearty, filling, yummy, and vegetarian!
It turned out so great! I recommend not skipping the wine or vinegar steps, they make a world of difference. As does the pinch of nutmeg, an important ingredient in traditional bolognese.
9. Easy Chicken Tortilla Soup: Another staple in my house, I love this soup because it’s so delicious, full of veggies and broth, and makes the whole house smell amazing. Plus it’s easy prep because you don’t have to chop or mince the onion and garlic.
10. 20-Minute Sweet Potato & Chicken Sausage Skillet: I’ve been making this for years and every single time, Anel gets excited for how and clean and delicious it is.
11. Easy Rice Bowls with Peanut Sauce: I could eat these every single day and never get sick of them.
