Hopefully this back-to-school week has been off to a great start for you and your kiddos! I imagine with all that you’ve got going on in your busy schedule, you may feel too exhausted to cook dinner. Here are a few quick and easy recipes to prepare after a long day instead of opting for fast food:
- Hearty soup in 20 minutes
Chop 1 onion, 1 green bell pepper and 1 red bell pepper, then sauté in a 4-quart stockpot with 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil until onion is translucent. Add salt and pepper to taste, 1 tablespoon ground cumin and 1 teaspoon minced garlic and stir. Add 4 cups vegetable stock, 1 15-ounce can of diced tomatoes and 1 cup chopped mushrooms. Bring to a boil then simmer for 10 minutes. Stir in a 15-ounce can of drained and rinsed cannellini beans and simmer for another 2 minutes. For extra protein add frozen peas, 1 cup chopped roasted chicken, or 2 tablespoons of pea protein powder. Stir in ¼ cup chopped cilantro for added flavor. Pair with a few slices of whole wheat toast or whole grain crackers.
2. Tuna tostadas
In a bowl, mix one can of drained tuna canned in water, diced avocado, halved cherry tomatoes and the juice of one lime. Season with salt, pepper and garlic powder, then spoon mixture onto a baked corn tostada shell. Top with shredded cabbage and sliced pickled jalapenos, if desired.
3. Quick enchiladas
Shred about 2 cups cooked turkey and stir in a splash of taco sauce from a full bottle. Fill the rest of the bottle with water, shake and pour some of it in the bottom of a baking pan. Fill 9-in whole wheat tortillas with the turkey, roll up and place in a layer in the pan. Pour the rest of the sauce on top, cover, and bake at 325 degrees Fahrenheit for 30 minutes. Top with guacamole, chopped tomatoes, and cheese, if desired.
Written by Victoria Luera, Lone Star Circle of Care Registered Dietitian. Submitted by Ashley Wild
