justalittlebite recipes: 5 Quick & Easy Meals

Ever feel like dinner is a puzzle you just can’t solve after a long day? Do you stare into the fridge, willing ingredients to magically turn into a delicious, healthy meal? Well, what if I told you that tasty, home-cooked goodness doesn’t have to take hours? Get ready to say goodbye to dinner dilemmas!

Overview

These justalittlebite recipes are your secret weapon for crazy weeknights. I’m talking about meals that are:

• Quick: Ready in 30 minutes or less!
• Easy: Simple steps, no fancy cooking skills required.
• Delicious: Packed with flavor your whole family will love.
• Healthyish: We’re focusing on good stuff, with options to customize!

These five meals are designed to be stress-free. The difficulty level is beginner-friendly, and you’ll be amazed at how much flavor you can pack into a short amount of time. Now, let’s dive in!

Meal #1: Speedy Veggie & Chickpea Curry

This curry is bursting with flavor and fiber and is super satisfying.

Essential Ingredients

• Canned chickpeas: The star of the show! Chickpeas are packed with protein and fiber, keeping you full and energized. You can substitute with other beans like lentils or kidney beans.
• Canned diced tomatoes: Adds a tangy, saucy base. Look for “no salt added” to control sodium.
• Frozen mixed vegetables: Makes life so easy! Use any mix you like – peas, carrots, corn, broccoli. Fresh veggies work great too; just chop them small.
• Coconut milk: Makes the curry creamy and rich. Try using “lite” coconut milk if you want to cut down on the fat.
• Curry powder: This spice blend is where the magic happens! Adjust the amount to your taste – start with less and add more as you go. Turmeric powder also adds a yummy taste!
• Rice or quinoa: Serve the curry over grain for a complete meal.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Sauté: In a pot, start by heating a little oil (like olive or coconut oil) over medium heat. If you like, add some chopped onion and garlic for extra flavor. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Spice It Up: Add the curry powder (and turmeric if using) to the pot and cook for another minute, stirring constantly. This helps to release the flavors.
3. Add the Goodies: Pour in the canned tomatoes and coconut milk. Stir well.
4. Chickpeas & Veggies: Add the chickpeas (drained and rinsed) and frozen vegetables to the pot.
5. Simmer: Bring the curry to a simmer (small bubbles), then reduce the heat and let it cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
6. Season: Taste and season with salt and pepper to your liking. You can also add a squeeze of lemon or lime juice for brightness.

Assembly

1. Cook your rice or quinoa according to package directions.
2. Scoop the rice or quinoa into bowls.
3. Ladle the veggie and chickpea curry over the rice.
4. Presentation Tip: Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley for a colorful and delicious touch. Sliced almonds or cashews add a nice crunch!

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

• Storage: Store leftover curry in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Make-Ahead: You can make the curry a day or two ahead of time. The flavors actually get better as they sit! Just reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Recipe Variations

• Add Greens: Stir in some spinach or kale in the last few minutes of cooking for extra nutrients.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for some heat.
• Extra Veggies: Toss in any leftover vegetables you have on hand, like bell peppers, zucchini, or eggplant.
• Tofu Twist: Add cubed firm tofu for extra protein. Press the tofu to remove excess water before adding it to the curry.

Meal #2: Black Bean Burgers on Sweet Potato Buns

Healthy and delicious, even the bun is made with sweet potato!

Essential Ingredients

• Canned black beans: Offers a great protein base. Be sure to rinse.
• Mashed sweet potato: This replaces the traditional bun.
• Oats : This makes the burger more compact, and not as moist.
• Seasoning : Salt, pepper, and chili powder makes it more exciting.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Create Base: In a bowl, mash beans together, then mash sweet potato.
2. Add Seasoning: Add oats, salt, pepper, and chili powder.
3. Form Patties: Form patties on a pan.
4. Cook: Cook your patties for 10-15 minutes.

Assembly

1. Start by washing your lettuce and tomato.
2. Place lettuce on the sweet potato.
3. Carefully place patty on lettuce.
4. Add tomato, avocado, and top sweet potato.
5. Presentation Tip: Serve with a side for added flavor!

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

• Storage: Store cooked or uncooked patties in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days.
• Make-Ahead: Prepare patties in advance for a family gathering.

Recipe Variations

• Add corn: Add canned corn for an added flavor.
• Use different seasoning: You can use a variety of different seasonings to add extra flavor to the patties.

Meal #3: Cheesy Fiesta Scramble

This simple, mouthwatering dish is filling and satisfying and is great for anytime of the day.

Essential Ingredients

• Eggs : Main protein source.
• Shredded Cheese : Makes the dish savory.
• Canned corn and beans : Offers great flavor and pairs great with seasoning.
• Seasoning : Salt, pepper, and paprika makes it more exciting.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Create Base: In a bowl, combine eggs and seasoning.
2. Cook eggs: Cook the scrambled eggs. If you like firm eggs, cook longer.
3. Add Goodies: Add corn and beans. Cook until eggs are done.
4. Cheese: Top with cheese and serve.

Assembly

1. Serve in a bowl or sandwich.
2. Place your favorite cheese on top.
3. Place a fork and knife in the bowl.
4. Presentation Tip: Serve with a side for added flavor!

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

• Storage: Store remaining scramble in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days.
• Make-Ahead: Prepare scramble in advance for less hassle.

Recipe Variations

• Meat it up: If you have extra deli meat cooked, cutting it up and adding it to the mix will add great flavor.
• Add spice: Add a few drops of tabasco or chili flakes for immense spice.
• Add a side: Serve with bread, salad, soup, or your side of choice.

Meal #4: Lettuce Wraps for the Win

Skip the tortilla, and you have a delicious and healthy alternative.

Essential Ingredients

• Ground turkey : A healthy substitute for beef.
• Lettuce : Replaces the tortilla, and is healthier.
• Soy Sauce : Adds great taste, use sparingly.
• Sesame oil : A few drops completes the dish!

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook Ground Turkey: In a pan, cook ground turkey until done.
2. Seasoning: Add soy sauce, sesame oil, and your favorite seasoning.
3. Serve: On a lettuce wrap, add some ground turkey.

Assembly

1. Serve cooked ground turkey on the lettuce.
2. Add seasoning and choice of sauce.
3. Presentation Tip: Serve with a side for added flavor!

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

• Storage: Store ground turkey in airtight container in the fridge
• Make-Ahead: This is easy to make, so just make it when you’re ready.

Recipe Variations

• Add a sauce: You can use a variety of different sauces to add an extra kick.
• Add a veggie: Add vegetables of your choice to elevate the flavors.

Meal #5: Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie

Easy to make on the go, it requires ingredients that are most likely already in your kitchen.

Essential Ingredients

• Banana : Frozen banana offers a stronger taste than fresh banana.
• Milk : You can use milk of your choosing.
• Peanut Butter : Creamy peanut butter is recommended.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Add to Blender: In a blender, start by pouring in the milk. Then add the peanut butter, followed by the frozen banana.
2. Blend: Blend until all contents are completely liquified.
3. Serve: In a 16 oz. glass, pour in the contents and serve.

Assembly

1. Grab your favorite smoothie glass.
2. Add the smoothie into the glass.
3. Add a straw.
4. Presentation Tip: You can decorate the rim with peanut butter, or add a variety of toppings.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

• Storage: This is easy to shake up and make daily.
• Make-Ahead: This is easy to shake up and make daily.

Recipe Variations

• Add ice: Add ice for extra flavor.
• Change peanut butter: You can use cashew butter, almond butter, or any nut butter of your choosing.

Conclusion

So there you have it – five amazingly quick and easy recipes to make your weeknights more manageable (and delicious!). Remember, cooking doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. These justalittlebite recipes are all about simple ingredients, easy techniques, and big flavors. Don’t be afraid to experiment with your own variations and make them your own! The most important ingredient? Having food ready when you’re in a pinch!

If you love this dish, you’ll also enjoy our recipe for Cajun Potato Soup.

FAQs

• Q: Can I use fresh vegetables in the curry instead of frozen?
  • A: Absolutely! Just chop them into small pieces so they cook quickly. You may need to add a little extra water or broth if the curry gets too thick.
• Q: Can I freeze the veggie and chickpea curry?
  • A: Yes, you can! Let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Q: Are these recipes healthy?
  • A: These recipes are designed to be a balance of flavor and nutrition. Of course, “healthy” is a personal thing! Feel free to adjust the ingredients to meet your specific needs and preferences. For example, use brown rice instead of white rice, or add more vegetables.
• Q: Can I use pre-cooked rice or quinoa to save even more time?
  • A: Definitely! Pre-cooked rice or quinoa is a great shortcut for busy nights. You can find it in the frozen food section or sometimes in pouches in the rice aisle.

I hope you enjoy these justalittlebite recipes! Happy cooking!