It doesn’t matter how much work you have to do or errands you have to run, there are only 24 hours in any given day. You have a job to go to, kids to chauffeur, dry-cleaning to pick-up, an unpredictable cable guy to meet, calls to answer, emails to return AND you are supposed to provide a healthy meal free of gluten at the end of every day? Feeling overwhelmed yet? Stop stressing. Easy dinner recipes can help you get things under control—at least in the dinner department.
1. Stock the Basics
There are a few staples that should live in your pantry and freezer at all times to buffer you from those nights you think will end up at a drive-thru window. Ground beef can hang out in your freezer for a couple months at a time just waiting to save the day. Hamburger stroganoff calls for onion, garlic, butter, mushrooms, parsley, pepper, sour cream and a can of chicken soup over a bed of gluten-free noodles, and you are set. If you only have eggs in the fridge and spices in your pantry, hamburger meatballs can be thrown together in about 45 minutes and served with a basic tomato sauce.
Nowadays you can get gluten-free Mac n' cheese and fancy it up with herbs or pesto, or take a tip from Food and Wine and add carrot for a reduced fat option. Protein is important too, and if you want something a little more adult than sliced hot dog, try shrimp and scallops or splurge on some lobster.
2. Let the Machines Do the Work
Get yourself a crock pot; it will be worth every penny. Throw fresh or frozen veggies, a can of beans, stew meat, spices and a can of tomato sauce or stock, turn the dial, and go live your life for a few hours. Crock pots are like garbage disposals; you can put pretty much whatever organic material you want in it, flip the switch, and not have to worry about it again. Check out the Food Network’s savory Texas Chili.
Need to whip up something in 30 minutes or less, try a wok. Stir-fry makes great leftovers too. Use a high-heat oil (peanut, corn or soybean), throw in your protein first, and then add whatever veggies you want. All you need for this healthy chicken and broccoli stir-fry is chicken, scallions, garlic, soy sauce, sesame oil and broccoli. Serve over brown rice and viola!
3. Let Someone Else Do the Work.
Healthy, fresh, ready-to-go meals are staples at high-end grocery stores now. Grab a rotisserie chicken, a side of green beans, and rosemary potatoes and head home to enjoy a homemade meal made by somebody else.
Dinnertime does not have to be major stressor in your life. Make dinnertime healthy and easy by keeping the basics around, using kitchen tools, and enlisting the helping hand of professionals, so you can get on with your life!
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