Eating healthy doesn't mean that you need a pantry filled with different and exotic ingredients. Many deliciously healthy meals can be made using just a handful of ingredients, and it's all about finding a balance of taste and nutrition. The value of using fewer ingredients not only simplifies your shopping list but also makes cooking a less daunting task. In this blog, we are going to explore ten tempting, healthy meals that you can prepare using limited ingredients.
BREAKFAST
Firstly, let's get creative with breakfast, an essential meal of the day. A three-ingredient banana pancake made with bananas, eggs, and whole grain oats is a fantastic way to start your day. Blend these together and cook on a skillet like traditional pancakes. If you're looking for something savory, consider a simple avocado omelet. Take two eggs, a ripe avocado, and seasonings like salt and pepper. Whip the eggs, cook on low heat, add avocado slices, fold, and serve.
LUNCH
Next, let's explore lunch options. A Roasted Bell-Pepper and Black Bean Quesadillas requires just whole-wheat tortillas, bell peppers, black beans, and low-fat cheese. Roast the peppers, mash black beans, and layer them on the tortilla with grated cheese, then grill. Another quick recipe: Tomato Basil soup, needing canned tomatoes, chicken broth, garlic, and fresh basil. Sauté garlic, add tomatoes and broth, simmer, and add chopped basil leaves. Blend for a smoother consistency if desired.
DINNER
Onto dinner, where we can incorporate more proteins. For vegetarian options, Spaghetti aglio e olio is a classic Italian dish that requires spaghetti, garlic, olive oil, and red chili flakes. If you fancy seafood instead, Lemon Butter Cod can be made with cod fillets, butter, garlic, and lemon juice. Sear the cod, and make the sauce by combining melted butter, garlic, and lemon juice. Drizzle it over the cooked cod, and you have a flavorful, protein-packed dinner.
10 DELICIOUS RECIPES TO TRY THIS MONTH
1. Grilled Salmon with Spinach and Tomatoes
Grill a salmon fillet with a little olive oil, salt, and pepper. Sauté spinach in oil and garlic, and top with chopped tomatoes.
2. Baked Tilapia with Quinoa and Mushrooms
Bake a tilapia fillet with a little olive oil, salt, and pepper. Cook quinoa according to package directions and stir in mushrooms.
3. Roasted Vegetable and Chickpea Salad
Toss vegetables of your choice (e.g. bell peppers, zucchini, onions, mushrooms) with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast in the oven and toss with cooked chickpeas and a light vinaigrette.
4. Grilled Chicken with Sweet Potatoes and Broccoli
Grill a chicken breast with a little olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast sweet potatoes and broccoli with olive oil and your choice of seasonings.
5. Lentil Soup
Sautee onions and garlic in a pot. Add vegetable broth, lentils, and your choice of vegetables (e.g. carrots, celery, potatoes). Simmer for about 20 minutes until lentils are tender.
6. Quinoa and Black Bean Stuffed Peppers
Halve bell peppers, remove the seeds, and stuff with cooked quinoa, black beans, and seasonings of your choice. Bake in the oven until peppers are tender.
7. Baked Eggplant Parmesan
Slice eggplant and layer it in a baking dish with marinara sauce, shredded mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese. Bake in the oven until cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Mediterranean Salad
Combine cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, feta cheese, and cooked quinoa in a large bowl. Drizzle with olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, and pepper and toss to combine.
9. Vegetable Stir Fry
Heat a wok or large skillet and add a little oil. Add your choice of vegetables (e.g. broccoli, carrots, mushrooms, bell peppers) and stir fry until tender. Stir in cooked rice and season with soy sauce.
10. Chickpea and Spinach Curry
Heat a pot and add a little oil. Add onions and garlic and cook until softened. Add canned tomatoes, chickpeas, and spinach. Simmer until spinach is wilted and curry is thickened. Serve over cooked rice.
It's absolutely possible to enjoy a variety of delicious meals with a healthier touch, even when your ingredient selection is limited. From the simplest breakfast pancakes to mouth-watering dinner options, the ten meals suggested here are packed with nutrition and flavor, yet devoid of unnecessary complexity. So why not give it a try and enjoy healthy, tasty food with less fuss, fewer ingredients, and more satisfaction?