We are all different!
Of course we are all different, but what has that to do with cooking something easy? Well, for one, what I think is easy might be very complicated to you, likewise, what you think is quick, might take me forever!
Classifying easy
If I knew the answer to that, I would be able to complete everything in record time! However, several points make something easy – take learning to drive for example. You have a lesson, it’s difficult. You get it wrong. You try again. You’re told you need to do it a different way. You repeat this weekly until suddenly you’ve got it, you take a test, you pass… then it becomes second nature. So, repeated actions make something easy (or easier). Or, you do something one way, it fails. You try another way, it fails. You try the first way again with a few adjustments. It’s better. Trial and error makes things easier.
What’s your easy?
I have several foods which are easy to me. Any soup is easy. Any chickpea dish is easy. Pasta is easy. Pizza is easy. Fajitas and enchiladas are easy. Crumble is easy. Maybe one of those is your easy?
Why do I need an easy?
Sometimes we are busy. Frequently we are tired. Often we just have no energy and want an easy fix! If you know what your easy foods are, it makes it simple to prepare something almost on autopilot. Grab a pen, start making a list (I know right, a pen)! okay, use your phone if you must! Have a look in the cupboards and see what foods you always have in, for example, I always have pasta, chickpeas, tinned tomatoes, onions, potatoes, nutritional yeast, milk and frozen vegetables. Using these foods I know there is always a meal that can be made quickly and easily.
Can I cheat?
There’s nothing to cheat about! If you’re going to cook something from scratch, or even add something to a partially prepared meal (think adding extra veg to a frozen pizza) that is just called being prepared! Emptying a tin of tomatoes, adding a handful of frozen veg, or even leftover pre-cooked veg is a quick and easy way to make a soup, a sauce or a base for a curry, or a chilli.
Easy Meal Ideas
Everything is always customisable to you and your families tastes, but here are a few ideas to get you thinking:
- Pesto Pasta: Pasta & frozen veg with a spoon or two of pesto and a splash of milk
- Couscous salad: Couscous & frozen veg, a sprinkle of herbs and a dressing of your choice.
- Chickpea curry: Tinned chickpeas, coconut milk, and spices. Serve with a jacket potato.
- Stir-fried vegetables: Roughly chop your veg (broccoli, carrots, peppers, onions) and tofu if you have any, quickly stir-fry with soy sauce, ginger and garlic (add chilli if you like).
- Left overs fajitas: Grab your leftovers, heat them through, serve with wraps, sauce and salad.
- Bean chilli: Cook tinned tomatoes, kidney beans and vegetables with chilli flakes, serve with a grain.
- Pizza: Slice a baguette or chunk off an uncut loaf, or use a tortilla wrap, pitta or naan bread, add a layer of tomato puree or tinned tomatoes, a sprinkle of oregano/Italian/mixed herbs, a handful of leftover or frozen veg and a handful of cheese, bake until crispy.
Sharing
What is on your ‘easy’ list? Are your ‘easy’ foods shareable?
As always, I love hearing about any recipes of mine you try, any ideas you adapt or suggestions you have for future recipes. Please share and tag me @LifeDietHealth or using #LifeDietHealth on Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook or Twitter.
Leave me a comment below… I love to chat!
I hope to speak with you soon
Laurena x