Seasonal Is Better
Have you heard that somewhere before? Hmm. Seasonal food is a great way to keep your meals simple, focused, fresh, and local. Use the seasonal guide from September to get you started, then go do a little shopping.
Use your pantry stock to supplement your seasonal purchases. That dried pasta you keep overlooking, that can of mushrooms, that bottle of clam juice: these can be the ingredients that, combined with a few, fresh, seasonal ingredients, make healthy and satisfying meals.
Make your meal plan based on what is on sale and seasonal (usually the same thing) and what you have in your pantry. Try buying as few “extras” as possible for the week. Let your snacks be those fresh fruits in season, or a few fresh veggies sliced with dip.
Think simple for your seasonal eating. You don’t have to make meals complicated to make them good. Let go of the idea that you have to have a meat, a starch, and two other sides as every dinner. Remember that meals don’t have to be complicated. Take a little less time cooking up endless side dishes and a little more time making something simple, fresh, and filling.
Lunch doesn’t have to be a sandwich. Breakfast doesn’t have to be cereal or toast and eggs. Here are a few ideas to get you started.
Breakfast, lunch, dinner and beyond. They don’t have to be complicated. Check out the list at the end of the September Seasonal post for some ideas, and peruse the ones below.
Breakfast
Oatmeal with fresh berries
Yogurt with fresh berries
Omelet with tomatoes and onion
A slice of spinach quiche (make it ahead of time and reheat for breakfast)
Lunch
Fresh sliced fruit and vegetables, a few hunks of good cheese, and a slice of bread and butter
Fresh green salad with beans
Baked potato
Tomato, cucumber, and onion salad in pita
Dinner
Spinach salad with strawberries, baked potato, and apple pie for dessert
Roasted root vegetables (carrots, parsnips, etc.), mashed potatoes
Gazpacho, grilled onions and chicken, tortilla chips
Pureed carrot and cauliflower soup with fresh bread
Image Credit: L. Marie.
Have any more ideas? I’d love to hear them.
