Getting the whole family together for a nutritious dinner is a tradition that seems to be slipping away in this era of mobile phones and other electronic distractions. But good planning and good food can still create fun meals that draw the family together. Here are five healthy meals to start with.
1. Jambalaya
The best thing about this New Orleans-style dish it is that it can be cooked with whatever leftover meats or seafood you have on hand, such as chicken, sausage, or shrimp. It’s a great way to use up leftovers. Add vegetables with chopped okra, peppers, celery, and onions, then stir in your chicken broth or soup stock along with chili powder, paprika, thyme, and hot sauce. Use healthier brown or wild rice that also lends more authentic flavors.
2. Three-bean chili
Beans of all kinds are healthy, and combining them into chili is a treat. Grab a few cans of garbanzo beans, black beans, and red kidney beans. Cook the usual ingredients in a large frying pan – peppers, onions, and lean ground beef. Meanwhile simmer tomato sauce, spices, and diced tomatoes in a large pot. There’s really no wrong way to make it.
3. Pulled pork sandwiches
This is a little work but always worth it. Get a pork roast and cook until it’s very tender at a low temperature or in a crock pot. Shred it, mix with barbecue sauce, and you’re in business. You can add extras like cheese, onions, or dill pickles. Let the family serve themselves with the right Kaiser rolls, like those from the Klosterman Baking Company, along with healthy coleslaw.
4. Breakfast for supper
One favorite idea is an omelet bar. Eggs can be prepared so many different ways. All you need is egg batter, an assortment of fillings, and a frying pan. Consider healthier ingredients like spinach or cottage cheese. Serve with whole grain toast, and some berries or melon on the side.
5. Spaghetti
This doesn’t have to be the usual carb-laden pasta and meatballs. Try healthier whole-grain pastas, and use less meat by adding healthier options such as mushrooms, peppers, or black olives. A nice salad and a loaf of garlic bread round out a feast the whole family will look forward to.
Finding inventive ways to combine healthier ingredients into a family meal, along with a fun atmosphere, is the best way to pamper your family. And they don’t even have to know they’re eating healthy.
