Hey there, busy professionals! I get it – after a long day at the office, the last thing you want to do is spend hours in the kitchen, right? But fear not, because I'm here to share some tried-and-true tips that will help you get delicious, unprocessed meals on the table without breaking a sweat. Let's dive into these 11 game-changing strategies for simplifying your unprocessed dinner routine.
1. Create Your List of Go-To Meals
The first step to conquering dinnertime chaos is to create a list of simple, go-to meals that can be easily assembled or require reasonable oven time. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
Warm (or cold) salads with roasted vegetables and homemade dressing/sauce
Rice bowls or hearty grain bowls
A frittata
Pizza
I like to keep this list generic to use whatever ingredients I have on hand or what my CSA provides that week. For inspiration, you can check out my recipes page or explore my previous blog posts for more tasty ideas.
2. Embrace Food Prep
While it's not always possible to spend hours prepping, do your best to prep as much food as your schedule allows. Cooking black beans, roasting vegetables, chopping broccoli into florets for quick steaming, and whipping up homemade sauces can save you precious time during the week.
3. Master the Art of Double Duty Ingredients
When striving for simplicity in your busy professional life, thinking about ingredients that can do double duty is a game-changer. Here's how you can make the most of versatile ingredients:
Slaw or Pickled Vegetables: Consider making a batch of slaw or pickled vegetables that can be used in different ways. Use them as a topping for tacos one night to add a refreshing crunch, and then repurpose them as the base for a flavorful salad on another evening. This not only saves you time but also minimizes food waste.
Mushroom Soup: Make a hearty mushroom soup that can be enjoyed as a comforting bowl one night. Then, transform it into a creamy sauce by adding a touch of cream or cheese, and serve it over elbow macaroni for a completely different dining experience on another night. It's all about creativity and maximizing the potential of your ingredients.
Butternut Squash: Roast a batch of butternut squash cubes, and you've got a versatile ingredient that can shine in various dishes. Use it to elevate a salad one night by adding roasted butternut squash for sweetness and texture, and then incorporate the remaining squash into a frittata for a savory, satisfying breakfast or dinner option on another evening. This shows how one ingredient can effortlessly transition between sweet and savory dishes.
By incorporating these double-duty ingredients into your meal planning, you'll simplify your cooking process and add variety to your meals without spending extra time in the kitchen. It's a win-win for busy professionals aiming for delicious, unprocessed dinners.
4. Stock Your Refrigerator with Homemade Staples
Having homemade, unprocessed staples like marinara sauce and vegetable broth on hand can be a lifesaver. These versatile ingredients form the foundation of countless dishes and can transform a simple meal into something special. Consider getting into the habit of adding the following to your weekly food prep practice:
Marinara sauce
Vegetable broth
Cooked rice
Shredded cheese
5. Stock Your Pantry Smartly
A well-stocked pantry is your secret weapon for versatile cooking. Keep key items such as rice, canned tomatoes and tomato paste, dried beans, and a variety of spices on hand. These staples can help you create a variety of dishes in a pinch. You can find beginner and amateur grocery shopping lists in our Kitchen Routines & Habits section.
6. Be Realistic About Your Cooking Goals
Be honest about what you're realistically willing to cook on a busy weeknight. If your kids have different preferences, think about how you can adapt your meal to accommodate their tastes. Flexibility is key!
7. Invest in Time-Saving Kitchen Tools
Consider arming yourself with efficient kitchen tools. A tortilla press, for example, can speed up the process of making homemade tortillas, and an electric shredder can make tasks like grating cheese a breeze. These investments can save you time and effort.
8. Designate a Delivery Night
We all have those evenings when cooking feels like a chore. Don't be too hard on yourself; designate a Door Dash or delivery night, like a Thursday, to give yourself a break and enjoy a well-deserved night off from the kitchen.
9. Embrace Non-Traditional Dinners
Gone are the days when dinners had to be perfectly balanced and square-shaped. Some nights, a comforting bowl of soup and crusty bread can be a satisfying meal. For kids, offer a selection of prepped fruits or steamed veggies they can choose from to make it fun and interactive.
10. Start Small and Build Up
If this unprocessed eating journey feels overwhelming, start small. Try one or two go-to meals, or prep a few veggies beforehand. As you become more comfortable, you can expand your repertoire and experiment with new recipes. Check out this recent blog post for more tips.
11. Celebrate Your Progress
Remember, it's a journey, not a sprint. Not every night will be a culinary masterpiece, and that's perfectly okay. Whether you whip up a quick homemade meal or opt for the occasional convenience food, celebrate what you accomplish and remember that there's always another chance to try again tomorrow.
With a little planning, some helpful tools, and a dash of flexibility, you can savor delicious, real meals even on your busiest days. Here's to a healthier and more satisfying dinner routine!