I really love days like today when I have a mile long list but a list that is doable! 2-3 big things and 10 small things. The small things give me so much satisfaction of accomplishment that I am motivated to do the big things! I finishing an article for Breathe (I have two in the Nov-Dec issue!) and my recipe for Jefferson Vineyards. Plus tons of small things related to the bakery, the blog and our move. Less than 2 weeks to go and I haven’t packed a single thing!
I wrapped up work just before dinnertime. Love that!
Matt had a great day at the bakery and came home just when I was putting the finishing touches on dinner.
I have a mental list of quick dinners that I turn to when I have no plan. Pretty much every meal we make at home is a wing-in meal! Although I usually have a small plan that starts cranking in my head after breakfast, but sometimes that changes at the last minute.
Here are things that are easy to keep on hand for quick dinners in order of importance
Vegetables = limitless, obviously. Try to have something green for every night of the week. Frozen veggies work well!
Proteins = beans, legumes, frozen fish (requires a day of advance planning), tinned fish, bacon, eggs, tofu <—many of these are easy to keep on hand verses buying “fresh” meat/fish
Grains = easy to keep in dry storage, and of course, bread!
Garnishes = cheese, nuts, sun-dried tomatoes, eggs, capers, pesto, sauces, and more. They give the meal flava!
Quick Dinner Staples
- Bean burgers made from canned beans, veg on side
- Salads with protein on top like eggs or fish, bread on side
- Omelets or frittatas
- Warm lentil salad
- Pizza (dough needs some prep in advance)
- Mexican bowl with beans + grain or chips, cheese yogurt
- Savory pancakes
- Anything sardines/tuna from a can
- Soups with leftovers/beans/grains/veggies mixed in
- PASTA
So tonight we had pasta with zucchini, sun-dried tomatoes, sun-dried tomato pesto and feta cheese. Matt gave it rave reviews and dinner was ready in about 15 minutes!
It was quite delicious if I do say so myself! Thanks to the delicious Whole Foods herbs de province sun-dried tomatoes and that feta cheese!
We ate inside – mosquitoes are still a problem…evidently bees too. Pee-pie!
Cheddar garlic toast Matt prepared on the side. And you see that beer ^^ I had a few sips of that too. Pasta and water just don’t taste good together!! 99% of the time the reason I want alcohol with dinner isn’t the buzz, it’s the wonderful way it goes with food. I need to come up with better things to drink during dinner!
Tomorrow’s my long day at the bakery, but at least I know I’m starting the day with an awesome bowl of overnight oats!
juan says
I want to learn all the beuty you made
Annette @ EnjoyYourHealthyLife says
Wow, what a gorgeous pasta dinner! I think pasta and strong cheeses go amazing together 🙂
Have a fun, long day at the bakery tomorrow!
maria @ Chasing the Now says
Thanks for the ideas. I’ve been so stuck in a food rut lately and I hate it.
Brittany @ Itty Bits of Balance says
Love that the pasta matches the veggies 🙂
Rosa - Fitness, Food, Fulfilled says
Love the one bowl dinners.
I really like the way beer goes with food. I’m not a wine drinker, but find that you can find similar pairings with most beers. I could for one now!
Lauren @ Lawfully Wedded Wife says
That’s such a great and handy list of staples! Keeping things on hand for an easy dinner is definitely something I need to work on. I know what you mean about drinking with food, I like to have either diluted juice on ice or iced tea with my dinner! And every once in a while some wine of course. 🙂
Molly @ RDexposed says
I was craving beer like no other tonight! Then the boy comes to dinner and spills about all the new additional beers to his upcoming beer fest. Oh the torture!!
Holly @ The Runny Egg says
Mosquitos are no fun and neither are bees — is there a nest in your mailbox?
Love the easy pasta dish — and you are so right about booze + food 🙂 Although I prefer wine over beer when it comes to pasta.
Cat @Breakfast to Bed says
A: that looks sooo good and I am sooo hungry right now!!
B: I need some of those bowls, soooo great!
Cait's Plate says
Oooh, you may have just convinced me to throw together some overnight oats for tomorrow! Good call on that 🙂
Our “quick” dinners are very similar! I too have that same mental list – a lot of veggie burgers, beans, pre-cooked sausages, always veggies and pizzas!
Baking N Books says
What a great list!
I get stuck in ruts though. Typically loads of veggies, some type of meat/fish and then quinoa/rice or beans or squash. Covered in marinara sauce – and cheese.
I wish I’d take the time to do more creative things, but always get tired at the end of the day.
Kath – when you do your articles – do you allot the time you spend on them according to pay in return? i.e = if your not being paid much, do you still spend a lot of time on them? Even if it only worked out to a few bucks/”hour”??! Curious as to my own situations at times…thanks.
Katya says
I woud say always give your best and put substantial time and energy into EVERYTHING that you are paid to write, regardless of how much the payday is! Thta’s how you build integrity and credibility as a professional writer!
Baking N Books says
Thank you for answering! Lovely response. Yes, I guess you have walk through the rain before you find the rainbow…right?
Julie H. of Spinach and Sprinkles says
Finishing up before dinner is tht ebest, so you can just let go & relax! 🙂 Enjoy Kath…
Rhodey says
What about drinking seltzer with a squeeze of lemon and a mint leaf? It’s very refreshing. I also like seltzer with a maraschino cherry. It tastes decadent without adding too much sugar or calories.
Krissy - Shiawase Life says
This post might not have been about office supplies, but it sure was a virtual “easy button” when it comes to thinking about preparing meals! 😀 Bravo, Kath!!!
KathEats says
HA!
Katie @ Peace Love and Oats says
Great dinner ideas! I seem to have a hard time working protein into my meals!
[email protected] says
If you can unpack your house in 1 day, you can pack it in 1 day :).
KathEats says
Hahah – good point!
Chloe (In Fine Feather) says
That’s my kind of dinner! Goat cheese is now added to my grocery list 🙂
Gina @ Running to the Kitchen says
I’ve just read 3 posts all about pasta dinners and now I wish I had that tonight! Definitely making pantry pasta tomorrow 🙂
[email protected] healthy helper blog! says
I always like making quick dinners too! Ya still feel like you’re cooking but without the long process. The sooner I get to eat the better!
Nikki @ The Legalista says
That dinner combo sounds delish!! And it looks just amazing. I wish I had a Whole Foods close by 🙁
Thanks for posting that list of quick dinners! I’m so bookmarking this post –> law student with no time, so I cherish quick and nutritious meals!
Sweet and Savvy says
Mosquitoes are awful! I was outside for 20 minutes and got at leassttt a bug bite a minute!
Jil @ Big City, Lil' Kitchen says
Beauutiful dinner – and love the go-to stuff…it’s so true, it’s easier to eat healthfully and wholly when you are stocked to make good choices
Kinley @ Better Off Barefoot says
That is the whitest feta I have ever seen! It looks go pretty! (if cheese can look pretty I guess?!?)
Shaya (Eye Girl Eats) says
YUM! Dinner looks delish!! Have you tried iced tea perhaps? Or less healthy and more delicious- 1 part Fanta orange soda and 1 part red wine, over ice– like the Spanish do!
PS, what does ‘Pee-pie’ mean? Is it a southern thing? haha or is it something really obvious and I’m just obtuse for not getting it….
KathEats says
Oh gosh I don’t think I could drink Fanta – I hate their commercials!!
I pee-pie is kinda like “i see you peeking out”
Kelly (meatlesswithaman.blogspot.com) says
I was gonna ask what pee-pie meant too! Heheh
Mom says
I think it’s like” peek-a-boo.” I’ve seen my southern friends saying it to their babies.
Lorin says
Thanks for showing how you think with regards to meals. I’m pretty much the same way as you! Veggie? Check. Grain? Depends what I had earlier. Protein? Check!
ang says
Hi Kath,
just thought i would pass along a recent post from carrie vitt over at deliciouslyorganic…it is a quick whole wheat crust pizza in a skillet, has beer in the crust, and is quick and yum!:) …for those days when you want something quick, but don’t have time for the dough to take its time to rise.
http://deliciouslyorganic.net/quick-skillet-whole-wheat-pizza/
KathEats says
Cool! Love it!
Danielle says
Thank you for this! I was so frustrated in the grocery store tonight because I feel like I am constantly needing to cook new things every week. I blame it on the fact I have a slight cook book obsession and have about 100 of them. This reminded me that I need to re-visit some of the staple meals we used to enjoy on a weekly basis! xo
Baking N Books says
I’m the same but opposite…I have a million cookbooks – but don’t hardly use them and just resort to routine staples!
JenATX says
pizza + beer always a must..
Deva (Voracious Vorilee) says
I love quick-to-table dinners. Most nights I am not home until well past the “normal” dinner hour, so having dinner from stove to table in 20 minutes or less is high on my list of priorities! Your list of staples is excellent – I love mix and match lists like that one, and it will be very helpful.
Ashley says
Ooooh, I’ll take a hunk of that feta!!! The pasta veggie dish looks perfect!
Michelle (The Runner's Plate) says
It always makes me happy when I complete a lengthy to do list. It is one of the best feelings!
Oh, I also tried a Dough Boy Smoothie the other day and loved it!
courtney (pancakes and postcards) says
pretty pics!
Isabel says
I probably missed this post but where and why are y’all moving?!
KathEats says
You missed this!
https://www.katheats.com/house-hunted
Lindsay @ bike before bed says
What great suggestions! Where did you get your pasta? Looks amazing!
KathEats says
It’s from WF – spinach flavor?
Lisa says
A meal without a complimentary beer or glass of wine? Things that make me go “hmmmm?”
Christine (The Raw Project) says
Great quick dinner suggestions, thanks. And your dinner looks gorgeous!
lynn @ the actor's diet says
for some reason i only put feta on my salads. i bet they’re great in pasta!
Hannah says
Amen to feta and goat cheese as staples!
Khushboo says
Pasta for dinner= always a win!
Averie @ Love Veggies and Yoga says
Love that you have a rough mental list but that you’re willing to improvise and wing-it, as needed, with meals.
I was just commenting on another blog that most days are versions on a theme for us here but that I always!! have a well-stocked supply of fresh produce b/c without that, I am nothing. Cannot get anything going it seems!
Then I just start adding beans, tofu, edamame, dressings, sauces, and pretty soon, something materializes 🙂
Aine @ Something to Chew Over says
Yum they are great flavour combinations! 🙂
Sara says
I do the same thing – I always have a bunch of tinned beans on hand for a quick veggie burger, as well as salad fixin’s, eggs and milk. And tons and tons of pastas and grains 🙂
Jumanah @ Healthy Living in the Middle East says
My easy go to dinner when Im short on time is usually a salad or eggs! Thanks for the list- definately gives me some good ideas.
Your pasta dinner looks amazing! Especially with that feta! YUM!
Alex says
I recently discovered sweet potatoes as my go to quick dinner. I just pop it in the microwave for 5 minutes on each side and serve with whatever veggie leftovers I can find in the fridge. Sprinkled with some feta and I have some yummy eats in less than 15 minutes 🙂
cathy says
congrats on getting through your to do list, kath! i can relate: my dad and i are masters of creating outlines of tasks to accomplish all in one day – the list gets so long, it’s seemingly impossible to get everything done. our family even calls that “pulling an erv day” (my dad’s name). it’s so satisfying at the end of the day to see all you’ve done!
Marijke says
I love pasta, veggies & feta for a quick evening meal that I know my husband will eat too!
Lauren says
I have such similar go-to dinners I keep on hand. I also think Egg Sammies fit well into that category. In fact, that is exactly what I have on the menu for tonight.
Cait @ Beyond Bananas says
Totally agree with all of your staples. We definitely use pizza as a staple as well as stir fry and tacos. I’ve just started using Spaghetti Squash – and have used it in a meal two times in aless then a week. I see it being a part of the regular rotation.
Diana @ frontyardfoodie says
We’ve been eating outside a lot lately and have been struggling to deal with the mosquitoes too. Also flies haven’t been scarce which is gross. Not bad enough that we don’t still try on a daily basis but bad enough that sometimes we hurry a little. hehe
Lauren @ What Lauren Likes says
Great ideas! I can’t wait to try these all out 🙂 Enjoy the overnight oaties!
[email protected] and spice says
I’m getting better at the whole “throw things in a pan for dinner” now that summer is coming to an end and we’re back in the swing of things! Meal prep doesn’t have to be time consuming every night.. thanks for the great inspiration!
Sally Anne @ PaleoRunnerGirl says
Hi Kath!
I have just re-discovered the joy of iced tea (de-caf) with dinner. It is far more fun than water, but no hangover the next morning!
KathEats says
Yes, tea would probably work well. But then I have to make it! (or buy it..)
And 3 sips of beer do not give me a hangover 🙂
Sally Anne @ PaleoRunnerGirl says
Haha! I meant it is a good non-alcoholic option in general, not specifically for your three sips last night! 🙂
If you make sun tea it is SUPER easy–the sun does all of the work! 🙂
KathEats says
🙂
Do you have a link for sun tea?
Sally Anne @ PaleoRunnerGirl says
I am doing a post on it tomorrow so stay tuned! 🙂 🙂
John Gorss says
Dinner looks great! Paired with the Basil IPA…?…because it was super tasty! Looking forward to reading your atricles.
Hope all is well!
Allison L. says
I love iced tea with dinner!
Kelly says
I’m so that way with alcohol too, I’m a “matcher” and somethings just go together (like wine w/pasta). Excellent comment about the sun tea. I had some sun tea this summer, it wasn’t brewed at full strength so it was very light tea and it hit the spot! Also, I’m going to revisit sun-dried tomato’s. You guys have had them lately, I just used to not like them at all, though I like tomato’s? So I’ll give it a shot if it is going to add some nice flavor to simple meals. Thanks!
Angel7 says
Mosquitos will be gone soon!
However, my mom said that stinkbugs are still a problem where they live–something needs to be formulated to get rid of them! Per their name, they stink/smell horrible!
http://faithfulsolutions.blogspot.com/
Shana says
I take the same approach to cooking dinner. I keep plenty of fresh produce and staples in the house and find its just as easy to throw those things together as it would be to pull out a frozen meal or go through the drive thru. We end up with a lot of mexican dishes because there is nothing easier than bean and rice bowls!
Abby @ Abz 'n' Oats says
That looks like an amazing pasta bowl! 🙂 Great list of quick throw together meals. I will be needing those more and more now that school is in full swing.
Ashley says
I envy your skillz at coming up with meals on the fly. I usually just stick to recipes cause I get nervous about combining different ingredients. Thanks for the tips. 🙂
Dina says
Tons of great tip! It’s ironic that I am reading this on my lunch break and eating the whole grain couscous with sardines and greens I dumped together because it was on hand and I was running late.
Having the right ingredients can even keep you from being late to work.
Dee says
Oh thank you for this list. I’ll be bookmarking! 🙂
Emily says
You can easily defrost frozen fish (or any meat, but fish is extra quick) under running cold water for about 15 minutes. I just set it to a trickle and place the fish in a bowl. Then use the water to water plants or something. Just thought I would share in case people didn’t know this trick.
KathEats says
That way never seems to work well with me – except for shrimp. I feel like fish is always too thick?!
Hillary says
I do the same thing! It works well for most fish fillets, and it’s ready in just a few minutes!
Loved this post, Kath. I’ve never thought of making savory pancakes! YUM.
Ashley @ Coffee Cake and Cardio says
Awesome dinner!! I love doing “throw together pasta dishes”. They tend to be my favorite! Feta on pasta is soooo great too. I think it’s the salt.
Chelsea @ One Healthy Munchkin says
I’m actually having pasta for dinner right now! I love that it’s such a fast meal to prepare on busy days.
Alan Finkelstein says
Hi Kath, what an amazing blog you write. Great article. I have been eating well and exercising for 6 mos now and have lost 50 lbs. Trying to not eat processed food as much as possible. That pasta looks way good. Question: Pasta from WF-Check, Sun-dried tomatoes from WF-Check. How about the pesto? Did you create that or buy that?…from WF, too? And, is this pasta hot or cold…I bet I could figure it all out. Only, this is how I eat these days and that looks amazing. I’m gonna have try it. Keep up the good work. It looks like you have a whole base of fans and me who appreciate all your efforts.-al
KathEats says
Thanks Alan! Congrats on your weight loss!!
The pesto was Karen’s homemade recipe. It’s sun-dried tomatoes, parm cheese, garlic and some oil whirred in a food processor (she doesn’t have an official recipe). It’s great!
We served the pasta warm, but cold would work too!
Alan Finkelstein says
Aren’t you so nice for writing back. I made those strawberry n banana overnight oats…pretty good! I mean very good! I found your blog thru Carrots & Cake I love reading food blogs and learning something new everyday. My food blog into was through Kalyn’s Kitchen. I wanted a south beach diet blog and she was it. I have something like 900+ Facebook friends. I’ll do my best to promote your site by reposting some of your posts…giving you credit, of course. I really like what you do here. Healthy food blows away all the bad food any day of the week…It’s very good work you do here…I am inspired…ok ok, I’ll settle down.-al
Shayla @ The Good Life says
Great dinner suggestions, thanks! And that pasta looks delish!
I too always have trouble finding a good drink besides a tasty beer or wine to have with dinner…if you come up with one let us know, in the meantime I’ll keep stealing sips from my hubby’s wine/beer too 😉
Allison says
Mmm, iced tea or ginger ale are some of my summer go-to drinks, so refreshing with a squirt of lemon!