I’m looking forward to a new year filled with good friends, good times and good health. How about you? Since New Year’s Day is a lazy day of recovery and fresh starts for many of us, consider making an easy healthy meal that allows for both. For me, there is nothing easier or more satisfying than making a pot (or crockpot) of soup or stew to enjoy on a winter day. It’s also a great way to start your year with an easy meal (or 2) that are chocked full of vegetables. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Use leftover turkey or beef from holiday meals to make a great soup. Start with a chicken or beef broth (I love the organic varieties that come in cartons). Add LOTS of fresh or frozen chopped vegetables (carrots, broccoli, celery, onions, peppers, green beans, peas, corn, turnips, or ???). Add diced leftover meat or poultry and a few seasonings (garlic, bay leaf, salt & pepper, and ??? ). If you want to add rice or barley, simmer it with everything else until fully cooked (~60 min); if you prefer to add pasta or quinoa, add these at the end because they only take 7-10 minutes to cook. That’s it! Enjoy.
- Add a ham bone to a pot of split peas, lentils or white beans (along with sautéed garlic & onions, diced carrots, a bay leaf, salt & pepper) and simmer until done. The beans need to be soaked over night, the peas or lentils do not.
- Make a pot ratatouille for an easy, satisfying meal full of healthy veggies and flavor. Click hear for a recipe for Ratatouille.
What a great way to start the new year: an easy healthy meal, warmth on a winter day, and a house filled with delicious aromas that point to a year of healthy habits. Bon Appetite!
Happy, Healthy New Year to All!
