Clean and convenient
There are few things better in the winter months than tucking into a comforting meal that satisfies us on all levels. During this time, with seasonal celebrations and gatherings often centred on heavier foods, our digestion works a bit harder. So, as we head into a new year, let’s welcome a refreshed outlook on our daily menus.
This collection of plant-based and plant-forward recipes offers twists on classics that family and friends will love to gather around, now and all year long. Cleaner comfort food classics such as mac and cheese (with a secret ingredient!) and khao soi (a Northern Thai coconut soup) offer nutrition without sacrificing flavour or satisfaction. Plus, they’re doable on a weeknight, make for delicious leftovers, and can be prepped ahead on the weekend—all with everyday ingredients.
Ring in the New Year with healthier swaps for convenient, healthy main courses that are big on flavour and nutrition. You may just find a few new recipes that will end up in your weeknight rotation this year and beyond.
This nourishing Northern Thai coconut soup has brown rice standing in for noodles. Vegans can enjoy the meal with chickpeas or tofu, while omnivores can enjoy it with chicken. Colourful toppings soak up the spicy, soupy base. Swaps from traditional khao soi ingredients have been made for convenience, allowing this to be assembled on a weeknight.
Canned beans are braised with cherry tomatoes, fennel, and health-boosting spices, making for a satisfying topping for whole grains, sprouted wheat pasta, or sourdough bread. A refreshing side of creamy cucumber salad makes this meal feel whole. This is a great excuse to experiment with a new-to-you spice.
Sprouted tofu and mushrooms soak up a delicious tamari marinade before being baked along with prepared vegan potstickers and bok choy. A tasty sauce, sesame seeds, and a bed of whole grains to serve tie everything together. Adjust the heat level of this dish in the sauce or at the table so kids can partake.
Allison Day, RHN, is a nutritionist, blogger, and cookbook author. Check out her cookbooks, Whole Bowls and Purely Pumpkin (Skyhorse Publishing, 2016).
