Low Effort Dinners

Photo by Jean-claude Attipoe on Unsplash

Recently, I made a spectacular meal. It took over an hour to make the bacon, saute onions and garlic, then the Lion Head’s mushrooms in small batches, (you’re not supposed to crowd them), make the pasta, then the sauce. It was delicious. It’s a recreation of a meal Mr. J and I used to enjoy at one of our favorite restaurants, before it closed. This small miracle of a dinner is brought to you by a very slow week at work, Mr. J functioning well all week, and my craving for said dish. Rarely do all three of those come into focus at the same time.

In Another Life

I used to make dinners like this four or five times a week. Because I love to cook. And I love to eat. Mr. J was my sous chef most nights, although he did have a few specialties of his own. I never said “no” to his offer to make fettuccine alfredo. But the days of Mr. J in the kitchen appear to be over. I decide, every night, what we are going to have for dinner. Then I make it.

Go To Dinners That Require Very Little Effort

So what do we eat when things are overwhelming? I have some go tos, and some tricks up my sleeve. Below are some of my favorites.

• Scrambled eggs and toast

• If I’m feeling ambitious, I saute bread cubes in butter or olive oil, add whatever onions, peppers, tomatoes, (or whatever I have on hand) and a can of rinsed drained black beans, then douse the whole concoction with scrambled eggs. We call that “Mess.”

• French toast with fruit

• Frozen fried rice I buy in individual packages at Costco

• Chick peas roasted in oil with salt and pepper, 5 spice, seasoned salt, zatar, or everything bagel. Add a couple of handfuls of greens, such as arugula or spinach for an even healthier dish

• Black beans with a bag of microwave rice. Add sauteed onions. Sex it up with taco seasoning, feta cheese, or goat cheese

• Refried beans on nacho chips. Add shredded mozzerella or cheddar, a can of diced tomatoes (drained), purple onions, or jarred jalapenos

• Gnocci with jarred pesto

• Pasta with jarred sauce (Note: normally, I hate processed foods, but sometimes getting Mr. J fed is a more important goal.)

• Roasted veggies – potato, onions, mushrooms, carrots, broccoli, brussel sprouts, and/or cauliflower. Finish with balsamic vinegar and olive oil.

• Chicken tenders airfried (or chicken fingers baked from frozen) with a jar of Thai peanut sauce (Note: I actually make a pretty good Thai peanut sauce, but it’s not worth the effort on a night when I am looking for an easy go to.)

• Aldi’s salmon (sprinkle with salt and pepper and bake at 425 for 15 minutes) with veggies such as green beans, added to the same cookie sheet for the last 8 minutes or so

• Boneless chicken breast dipped in plain yogurt and cornflake crumbs/bread crumbs, baked at 350 degrees for 20 minutes

• Pork loin in crock pot/oven/pressure cooker

• Grilled cheese/grilled peanut butter/grilled ham and cheese (If you’ve never had a grilled peanut butter sandwich, you are missing out!)

Making the Best Choice

Sometimes, the best choice is the one you can accomplish. That is a form of self care. It took me more than a year after Mr. J was diagnosed before I learned to forgive myself for not cooking an elaborate dinner most nights during the week. As time has gone on, I am more comfortable with a simpler approach.

What are your “go to” dinners?