(NC) This time of year can be hectic with family obligations, invites from friends and seasonal concerts and pageants. But dinners don’t have to be a source of stress.
From simple shortcuts to sheet-pan dinners, Ingrid Fan, a Loblaws registered dietitian, shares her tips to make December meals a breeze.
The ready-made section is your friend
When in a rush to get dinner on the table, the ready-made section of your local grocery store is usually a great place to start. Rotisserie chickens have endless possibilities including serving for dinner with a side salad or quick green beans sautéed with garlic and a touch of olive oil.
You can also make quick homemade chicken noodle soup by sautéing carrots, celery and onions in a pot, adding sodium-free chicken broth and removing the chicken from the bones to add to the soup with your favorite pasta noodle or rice. Tip: Add pre-cooked noodles or rice to ensure they don’t soak up all of your broth.
Don’t be afraid of the freezer aisle
There is nothing wrong with leaning on the freezer aisle to help make dinners quick and easy. Look for items that are lower in sodium and void of added sugars. This includes frozen chicken breasts and fish fillets, as well as many plant-based options. Frozen vegetables and fruits are also great options for a quick side dish, especially on those busy nights, as they have similar nutrients to their fresh counterparts.
Sheet-pan meals
Being able to cook an entire meal on one sheet pan is incredibly satisfying and makes clean up a dream. Try tossing a protein like salmon or chicken breasts plus loads of veggies and potatoes with olive oil. Set it and forget it as it bakes in the oven, and enjoy a simple cleanup.