Category: Kale


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Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

These easy Stuffed Sweet Potatoes are the perfect quick meal for fall. They come together in under 30 minutes and are great for meal prep!

The post Stuffed Sweet Potatoes appeared first on Budget Bytes.

It doesn’t get much easier or budget-friendly than these vegan Stuffed Sweet Potatoes loaded with tangy dressed Kale and tart Cranberries. Everything is cooked in a microwave, the dishes are minimal, and the potatoes are ready in about 15 to 20 minutes. Oh, and they are perfect for meal prep. This one is going into heavy rotation!

Three stuffed sweet potatoes on a wooden block with cranberries and pepitas on the side.

What Is a Stuffed Sweet Potato?

It’s all in the name. You can stuff a sweet potato with pretty much anything, but here, I’ve kept things plant-based by filling microwaved sweet potatoes with massaged kale and dried cranberries rehydrated in a citrusy sauce. These Stuffed Sweet Potatoes come together in no time and hold incredibly well, making them perfect for a work or school lunch.

Ingredients For Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

Here’s what you’ll need to make my easy recipe for Stuffed Sweet Potatoes:

  • Sweet Potatoes: Look for evenly shaped potatoes that are heavy for their size. You can, of course, go with a regular potato, but the cranberry flavors don’t pair as well.
  • Kale: This is the base of our filling. You can use any sturdy green here, as long as it’s not too peppery.
  • Cranberries: Rehydrated cranberries lend excellent tart flavors and chewy textures. If you only have sweetened, rinse them well and omit the honey in the recipe. Golden raisins and chopped prunes work as a substitute.
  • Apple Cider Vinegar: The base for our dressing, it adds zesty notes and helps rehydrate the cranberries.
  • Honey: Honey creates a subtle sweetness for the dressing. If you need to substitute it, use 1/4 teaspoon brown sugar. Make sure the sugar has dissolved in the dressing before using it to hydrate the cranberries.
  • Lemon Zest and Juice: The light citrus notes pair incredibly with cranberries and add dimension to the dressing. If you don’t have any lemon, substitute it with equal parts of apple cider vinegar.
  • Pepitas: AKA Pumpkin Seeds, add a necessary crunch to the final recipe. I used roasted pepitas, but raw ones are fine. Feel free to substitute with your favorite nut, especially peanuts, walnuts, or almonds.

What To Serve With Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

While they are a perfectly filling meal on their own, these beauties pair well with Roasted Chicken, Meatloaf, or Sausage Kebabs. If you want to add a little heft, top them with our Slow Cooker Chili Rubbed Pulled Pork.

How To Store

Sweet potatoes can be made ahead and stored in an air-tight container for up to 3 days. To reheat them, microwave until they are steaming and then stuff. The kale stuffing can also be made ahead and mixed with rehydrated cranberries. It will keep refrigerated in an air-tight container for up to 3 days. I do not recommend freezing the potatoes or the kale, as their textures will be compromised as they thaw.

Close up of a forkful of stuffed sweet potato with the plate in the background.
Three stuffed sweet potatoes on a wooden board.
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Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

These easy Stuffed Sweet Potatoes are the perfect quick meal for fall. They come together in under 30 minutes and are great for meal prep!
Course Main Course, Side Dish
Cuisine American
Total Cost $6.60 recipe / $1.65 each
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 16 minutes
Total Time 26 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 383kcal
Author Monti – Budget Bytes

Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup unsweetened dried cranberries $0.44
  • 2 Tbsp apple cider vinegar $0.09
  • 1/2 Tbsp honey $0.07
  • 1 lemon, zested and juiced $0.79
  • 4 large sweet potatoes $2.96
  • 2 cups chopped kale, packed $1.29
  • 1/2 Tbsp olive oil $0.06
  • 1 pinch salt $0.01
  • 1/4 cup pepitas $0.89

Instructions

  • In a microwave-safe bowl, add the cranberries, apple cider vinegar, honey, and the juice of the lemon. Microwave for 1 minute. Let the cranberries steep while you prepare the sweet potatoes.
  • Rinse the sweet potatoes well. Pierce the surface of the potatoes a few times with a fork and then microwave for 10 to 15 minutes, or until cooked through. They are done when a fork can easily pierce through them. The cooking time will vary depending on your microwave's strength and size of the potatoes.
  • In the meantime, use a fork to smash the rehydrated cranberries to help thicken their sauce.
  • Add the kale to a large bowl along with the olive oil and salt. Massage the kale for about 30 seconds until tender. Mix the pepitas and the undrained cranberries into the kale.
  • Once the potatoes are done, slice the potatoes in half (but not all the way through) and fluff the insides with a fork.
  • Divide the kale between the four potatoes. Finish with a sprinkle of lemon zest on each potato.

See how we calculate recipe costs here.

Nutrition

Serving: 1potato | Calories: 383kcal | Carbohydrates: 81g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 5g | Sodium: 216mg | Fiber: 13g

How to Make Stuffed Sweet Potatoes – Step by Step Photos

Cranberries marinating in a bowl.

In a microwave-safe bowl, add 1/4 cup cranberries, 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, 1 teaspoon honey, and the juice of 1 lemon. Microwave for 1 minute. Let the cranberries steep while you prepare the sweet potatoes.

Sweet Potatoes being pierced with a fork.

Rinse the 4 sweet potatoes well. Pierce the surface of the potatoes a few times with a fork and then microwave for 10 to 15 minutes until cooked through. They are done when a fork can easily pierce through them. The cooking time will vary depending on your microwave’s strength and size and the potatoes’ size.

Soaked cranberries being smashed with a fork.

In the meantime, use a fork to smash the rehydrated cranberries to help thicken their sauce.

Kale being massaged by hand.

Add 2 cups kale to a large bowl along with 1/2 tablespoon olive oil and 1 pinch of salt. Massage the kale for about 30 seconds until tender.

Cranberries and pepitas added to the kale in the bowl.

Mix the 1/4 cup of pepitas and the undrained cranberries into the kale.

Cooked sweet potatoes opened and mashed.

Once the potatoes are done, slice the potatoes in half (but not all the way through) and fluff the insides with a fork.  

Sweet potatoes stuffed with kale on a wooden cutting board.

Divide the kale between the four potatoes. Finish with a sprinkle of lemon zest on each potato.

Three stuffed sweet potatoes on a wooden board.

More Sweet Potato Recipes

The post Stuffed Sweet Potatoes appeared first on Budget Bytes.

Coconut Curry Chickpeas

Coconut Curry Chickpeas are flavorful and filling easy weeknight dinner packed with chickpeas, kale, and a flavorful creamy curry sauce!

The post Coconut Curry Chickpeas appeared first on Budget Bytes.

Quick curries are my favorite kind of weeknight dinner because they’re incredibly flavorful, require very little effort, and the leftovers are even better the next day. Plus, that creamy curry sauce makes everything taste good, so you can pack them with all sorts of nutrient-dense goodies, like chickpeas and kale. So basically, what I’m trying to say is, you need to make these Coconut Curry Chickpeas ASAP!

Close up overhead view of a bowl full of coconut curry chickpeas with naan bread on the side.

What’s in Coconut Curry Chickpeas

You’ll only need a handful of ingredients to make this warm and hearty dish, most of which you can keep on hand for last-minute dinners. Here are the ingredients you’ll need to make coconut curry chickpeas:

  • Aromatics: onion, garlic, and ginger create a powerful flavor base for this dish.
  • Spices: Curry powder and cumin. If you want a hot curry, you can always add a bit of cayenne pepper, too!
  • Tomato sauce: a little bit of tomato sauce adds just the right amount of acidity to the dish to balance the creamy coconut.
  • Coconut milk: full-fat coconut milk gives the curry sauce a ton of body and provides a creamy base to balance the potent flavors of the spices and aromatics.
  • Chickpeas: Inexpensive chickpeas fill out this dish, providing tons of belly-filling power and good-for-you fiber.
  • Kale: kale adds a little more variety in texture, color, and flavor to this dish. If you’re not into kale, you can substitute with fresh spinach.

What Kind of Curry Powder to Use

Curry powders can vary quite a bit in flavor from brand to brand, so make sure you experiment to find one that you enjoy. I’ve never met a curry powder that I didn’t like, so I don’t have one particular brand to suggest, but you definitely want to make sure it’s fresh! Old spices that have been sitting in your pantry a while begin to lose flavor and become dull and bland with time.

You also have the option to use either hot or mild curry powder. If you enjoy spicy foods you can use a hot curry powder, OR simply add some crushed red pepper or cayenne pepper to the dish when adding the curry powder and cumin.

How to Serve Coconut Curry Chickpeas

This warm and saucy dish is great over rice, or crusty bread or naan for dipping. You definitely want some sort of starchy goodness to soak up all of that sauce! You can also experiment with topping your chickpeas with fresh cilantro or even a squeeze of lime. Something light and refreshing, like Creamy Cucumber Salad, would also pair nicely with these curry chickpeas.

Overhead view of a skillet full of coconut curry chickpeas with a wooden spoon.
Overhead view of a bowl full of coconut curry chickpeas with a piece of naan.
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Coconut Curry Chickpeas

Coconut Curry Chickpeas are flavorful and filling easy weeknight dinner packed with chickpeas, kale, and a flavorful creamy curry sauce!
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine Indian
Total Cost $7.44 recipe / $1.86 serving
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings 4 1.5 cups each
Calories 615kcal
Author Beth – Budget Bytes

Ingredients

  • 1 yellow onion $0.38
  • 2 cloves garlic $0.16
  • 1 tsp grated fresh ginger $0.10
  • 1.5 Tbsp curry powder $0.45
  • 1 tsp cumin $0.10
  • 2 15oz. cans chickpeas, drained $1.58
  • 1 8oz. can tomato sauce $0.50
  • 1 13.5oz. can full-fat coconut milk $2.99
  • 4 oz. chopped kale (about 3 cups) $0.75

Instructions

  • Dice the onion, mince the garlic, and grate the ginger. Add the onion, garlic, and ginger to a large deep skillet along with the olive oil. Sauté the aromatics over medium-low heat for about five minutes, or until the onions are soft and translucent.
  • Add the curry powder and cumin to the skillet and continue to stir and cook for about one minute more to toast the spices.
  • Drain the chickpeas, then add them to the skillet along with the tomato sauce and coconut milk. Stir everything to combine.
  • Turn the heat up to medium-high to bring the sauce up to a simmer. Once simmering, turn the heat back down to medium-low and allow the curry to continue to simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • Add the kale and stir it into the sauce. Continue to cook and stir until the kale has wilted to your desired tenderness (I cook for about 5 minutes more). Finally, taste the curry and add salt to taste (about ½ tsp). Serve hot with rice or bread for dipping!

See how we calculate recipe costs here.

Nutrition

Serving: 1.5cups | Calories: 615kcal | Carbohydrates: 73g | Protein: 23g | Fat: 29g | Sodium: 316mg | Fiber: 22g
Close up side view of a bowl full of coconut curry chickpeas.

How to Make Coconut Curry Chickpeas – Step by Step Photos

Diced onion, minced garlic, and grated ginger in a deep skillet.

Dice one yellow onion, mince two cloves of garlic, and grate about one teaspoon of fresh ginger. Add the onion, garlic, and ginger to a deep skillet along with 2 Tbsp olive oil. Sauté the aromatics over medium-low heat for about five minutes, or until the onion is soft and translucent.

Spices added to the skillet with onions, garlic, and ginger.

Add 1.5 Tbsp curry powder and 1 tsp cumin to the skillet. Continue to stir and cook for about one minute more to toast the spices.

Chickpeas, tomato sauce, and coconut milk added to the skillet.

Drain two cans of chickpeas, then add them to the skillet along with 8 oz. tomato sauce and a 13.5 oz. can of coconut milk (full fat).

Simmered chickpeas in curry sauce.

Stir until everything is evenly combined, turn the heat up to medium-high, and allow the sauce to come up to a simmer. Once simmering, turn the heat down to medium-low and let it continue to simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Fresh kale added to the skillet.

Add 4 oz. (about three cups) of fresh chopped kale to the skillet. I buy the pre-chopped bagged kale to make this easier.

Finished coconut curry chickpeas with wilted kale.

Continue to cook and stir until the kale has wilted to your desired tenderness. I enjoy the kale with a bit more texture, so I only simmer for a few minutes more. Taste the curry and add salt to taste to help the flavors pop (about ½ tsp).

Finished skillet full of coconut curry chickpeas with naan and a wooden spoon.

More Easy Chickpea Recipes

The post Coconut Curry Chickpeas appeared first on Budget Bytes.

Sausage Meatballs and Kale Sheet Pan Meal

This hearty, tangy, and succulent Sausage Meatball and Kale Sheet Pan Meal is perfect for busy days when you just don’t feel like cooking.

The post Sausage Meatballs and Kale Sheet Pan Meal appeared first on Budget Bytes.

This hearty Sausage Meatballs and Kale Sheet Pan Meal is chock full of deep, tangy flavors and succulent textures! It’s perfect for those days when you don’t feel like cooking. And if you’re at the point where you can’t bring yourself to make a meatball, just slice sausage in its casing to get this meal in the oven even faster. PS This sheet pan dinner meal preps excellently. Quick cooking, super filling, no fuss, and you can make it for the week! What’s not to love?

Overhead shot of Sausage Meatball and Kale Sheet Pan Meal.

What You’ll Need

This Italian Sausage Meatball and Kale Sheet Pan Meal is quick, easy, and endlessly versatile! Here’s what you’ll need to make it:

  • Italian Sausage– I use ground spicy Italian sausage but you can use sweet Italian or any of your favorite ground sausages, including plant-based ones. You can also remove the sausage from its casing or skip making meatballs altogether and just slice it in its casing. Fat adds flavor and delivers a tender meatball, so skip low-fat sausages or ground meats.
  • Milk– adds moisture to the sausage and helps create depth of flavor. If you are cooking dairy-free, try using almond milk or coconut milk. If you’re really watching your pennies, just use water.
  • Panko Breadcrumbs– add texture and keep the meatballs from drying out (after a soak in milk). You can substitute Panko with regular breadcrumbs or crushed crackers.
  • Egg – helps to bind the meatballs so they keep their shape. Substitute the egg with 3 tablespoons of plain yogurt, 1/4 ricotta cheese, or 1/3 cup of unsweetened apple sauce.
  • Kale– is hearty and can stand up to a high-heat roast. You can substitute it with other hearty greens like Collards or Swiss Chard.
  • Cherry Tomatoes– deepen in flavor when roasted, but feel free to sub with other fresh elements like bell peppers, mushrooms, and onions. In a pinch, used canned tomatoes. Just make sure to drain them and give them a rough chop.
  • Potatoes– add bulk to this easy meal and soak up all the flavors from the drippings—sub with sweet potatoes or other root vegetables like carrots, radishes, or parsnips.
  • Spices and Seasonings– smoked paprika, chili flakes, garlic powder, brown sugar, dijon mustard, red wine vinegar, and olive oil dress the veggies and greens in robust flavors.
  • Grated Parmesan Cheese– is the chef’s kiss in this dish. The cheese adds umami (AKA savoriness) and a touch of creamy saltiness. Omit it if you like, or substitute it with nutritional yeast.
Overhead shot of Sausage Meatball and Kale Sheet Pan Meal.

What Can I Serve With It?

Make this Italian Sausage Meatball and Kale Sheet Pan Meal even more filling by serving it with Homemade Garlic Bread, Easy Soda Bread, or Hot Honey Cornbread. You can also pair it with a light dessert like Chocolate Mousse, Vanilla Pudding, or No-Churn Strawberry Ice Cream.

How To Store Leftovers

Store leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to four days. If meal prepping, add fresh kale on top of the roasted ingredients to keep it from wilting. You can freeze in an airtight container for up to a month with a sheet of plastic or parchment on the surface to prevent frostbite. Thaw in your fridge overnight. You can eat leftovers cold or warm them in a microwave until steaming.

Overhead shot of Sausage Meatball and Kale Sheet Pan Meal in a white bowl with a hand holding the bowl and a wooden spoon serving a portion into the bowl.
Overhead shot of Sausage Meatball and Kale Sheet Pan Meal in a white bowl.
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Sausage Meatball and Kale Sheet Pan Meal

This hearty Italian Sausage Meatballs and Kale Sheet Pan Meal is chock full of deep, tangy flavors and succulent textures! It's perfect for those days when you don't feel like cooking.
Course Brunch, Dinner, Lunch
Cuisine American
Total Cost ($15.57 recipe / $3.89 serving)
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings 4 bowls
Calories 928kcal
Author Monti – Budget Bytes

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 1 lb red potatoes, quartered $1.25
  • 3/4 cup olive oil, divided $1.44
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika $0.10
  • 3 1/2 tsp kosher salt, divided $0.28
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper $0.02
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes $0.08
  • 1 pint cherry tomatoes $3.49
  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs $0.50
  • 1/4 cup milk $0.06
  • 1 lb Italian Ground Sausage $4.99
  • 1 large egg, beaten $0.17
  • 1 1b kale, chopped $2.49
  • 3 Tbsp red wine vinegar $0.42
  • 2 tsp Dijon mustard $0.06
  • 1 tsp brown sugar $0.02
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder $0.08
  • 2 Tbsp Parmesan cheese, grated $0.12

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 450°F. Place quartered red potatoes in a large bowl and drizzle with 1/4 cup olive oil. Mix smoked paprika, 2 teaspoons of salt, black pepper, and chili flakes. Sprinkle over the potatoes and toss. Place the potatoes in a sheet pan.
  • In the same bowl, add the cherry tomatoes and sprinkle with 1/4 teaspoon salt. Scatter them over the potatoes.
  • Soak the breadcrumbs in milk. Break up Italian sausage in a large bowl. Mix in breadcrumbs and egg. Wet your fingers with a bit of leftover oil from the bowl the tomatoes were in. Roll 16 meatballs and place them on the sheet pan between the potatoes and tomatoes.
  • Bake for 10 minutes, then turn the meatballs and bake for another 10 minutes.
  • While the meatballs bake, add 1/2 lb of the kale to the same bowl the potatoes and tomatoes were in. Mix red wine vinegar, 1/2 cup olive oil, Dijon mustard, brown sugar, garlic powder, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Toss the kale in the dressing, massaging it into the leaves.
  • Remove the sheet pan from the oven, and scatter kale all over.
  • Roast for 3 to 4 minutes until the kale has charred in spots. To serve, split raw kale between 4 bowls. Top with charred kale and tomatoes and mix. Finally, top with meatballs and potatoes. Garnish with parmesan cheese.

See how we calculate recipe costs here.

Nutrition

Serving: 1bowl | Calories: 928kcal | Carbohydrates: 32g | Protein: 24g | Fat: 79g | Sodium: 3048mg | Fiber: 3g
Side shot close up of a wood spoon holding a portion of Sausage Meatball and Kale Sheet Pan Meal.

How to Make Sausage Meatballs And Kale Sheet Pan MeAL – Step by Step Photos

Overhead shot of potatoes being dressed in a white bowl.

Preheat the oven to 450°F. Place 1 pound of quartered red potatoes in a large bowl and drizzle with 1/4 cup olive oil. Mix 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, 2 teaspoons of salt, ¼ teaspoon of pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon chili flakes. Sprinkle over the potatoes and toss. Place the potatoes in a sheet pan.

Overhead shot of tomatoes being dressed in a white bowl.

In the same bowl that you dressed the potatoes, add the sliced pint of cherry tomatoes and sprinkle with 1/4 teaspoon salt. Scatter them over the potatoes.

Overhead shot of ground Italian Sausage, breadcrumbs, and egg in a white bowl.

Soak the breadcrumbs in milk. Break up Italian sausage in a large bowl. Mix in breadcrumbs and egg. Wet your fingers with a bit of leftover oil from the bowl the tomatoes were in. Roll a 1-ounce meatball and place it on the sheet pan between the potatoes and tomatoes. Repeat with the remaining sausage until you have 16 meatballs.

Overhead shot of meatballs, potatoes, and tomatoes in sheet pan.

Bake for 10 minutes, then turn the meatballs and bake for another 10 minutes.

Overhead shot of kale being massaged.

While the meatballs bake, add 1/2 pound of kale to the same bowl the potatoes and tomatoes were in. Mix 3 tablespoons of red wine vinegar, 1/2 cup olive oil, 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon brown sugar, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Toss the kale in the dressing, massaging it into the leaves.

Overhead shot of kale being placed in the sheet pan.

Remove the sheet pan from the oven, and scatter kale all over.

Overhead shot of finished Sausage Meatball and Kale Sheet Pan Meal.

Roast for 3 to 4 minutes until the kale has wilted and charred in spots. To serve, split the 1/2 pound of leftover raw kale between 4 bowls. Top with charred kale and tomatoes and mix. Finally, top with meatballs and potatoes. Garnish with parmesan cheese and chow down!

Overhead shot of Sausage Meatball and Kale Sheet Pan Meal in a white bowl with a wood spoon serving a portion into the bowl.

More Easy Sheet Pan Meals

The post Sausage Meatballs and Kale Sheet Pan Meal appeared first on Budget Bytes.


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Nourishing Cabbage, Fennel & Lentil Soup (1 Pot!)

We know what you’re thinking: Cabbage soup isn’t sexy. But is it? Cabbage and fennel just met and they’re now inseparable. This soup is just the beginning of their love affair! Made with Italian seasonings, fresh fennel, and lentils, this soup is savor…

Nourishing Cabbage, Fennel & Lentil Soup (1 Pot!)

We know what you’re thinking: Cabbage soup isn’t sexy. But is it? Cabbage and fennel just met and they’re now inseparable. This soup is just the beginning of their love affair! Made with Italian seasonings, fresh fennel, and lentils, this soup is savory, nourishing, subtly spicy, and light yet satisfying!

Made in just 1 pot, it’s the perfect easy meal for a cozy weeknight in!

Nourishing Cabbage, Fennel & Lentil Soup (1 Pot!) from Minimalist Baker →

Smoky Black Bean & Quinoa Chili Bowl

When everyone in the test kitchen agrees a new recipe will be on dinner rotation, it’s a winner! This hearty and nourishing chili bowl is inspired by the Chipotle Chili Bowl at Harlow in Portland. We love them, and we love this bowl! 
Not only is …

Smoky Black Bean & Quinoa Chili Bowl

When everyone in the test kitchen agrees a new recipe will be on dinner rotation, it’s a winner! This hearty and nourishing chili bowl is inspired by the Chipotle Chili Bowl at Harlow in Portland. We love them, and we love this bowl! 

Not only is this plant-based meal full of fiber and protein — it’s also easy to assemble and perfect for meal prep! Let us show you how it’s done!

Smoky Black Bean & Quinoa Chili Bowl from Minimalist Baker →

Crispy Quinoa & Roasted Vegetable Kale Salad

This salad is winter comfort in a bowl. Warm roasted root veggies, crispy quinoa, and a tangy balsamic dressing combine for a nourishing salad so tasty it’ll make you crave kale!
Bonus? It comes together in just 30 minutes when using pre-cooked grains….

Crispy Quinoa & Roasted Vegetable Kale Salad

This salad is winter comfort in a bowl. Warm roasted root veggies, crispy quinoa, and a tangy balsamic dressing combine for a nourishing salad so tasty it’ll make you crave kale!

Bonus? It comes together in just 30 minutes when using pre-cooked grains. Let us show you how it’s done!

In the spirit of keeping things COZY, this quinoa and kale salad begins with roasting veggies to add warmth and sweetness.

Crispy Quinoa & Roasted Vegetable Kale Salad from Minimalist Baker →

Super Nourishing Beans & Greens (1 Pan!)

At the end of a long day, it’s hard to find the energy to make a nutritious meal (we get it!). Inspired by our fiber-loving pal Dr. Will Bulsiewicz (@theguthealthmd), these super nourishing beans and greens combine two of our favorite budget-friendly f…

Super Nourishing Beans & Greens (1 Pan!)

At the end of a long day, it’s hard to find the energy to make a nutritious meal (we get it!). Inspired by our fiber-loving pal Dr. Will Bulsiewicz (@theguthealthmd), these super nourishing beans and greens combine two of our favorite budget-friendly foods in a quick and easy dish! 

While delicious on its own, we recommend pairing with grains or protein for a satisfying meal! Savory, comforting, and just 8 ingredients, 30 minutes, and 1 pan required.

Super Nourishing Beans & Greens (1 Pan!) from Minimalist Baker →


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Easy Gnocchi Zuppa Toscana

This easy Zuppa Toscana recipe, inspired by the Olive Garden version, uses store-bought gnocchi as a shortcut to bring this creamy sausage and kale soup together in just 30 minutes. Raise your hand if you grew up loving the Olive Garden’s famous zuppa toscana! Well if you happen to have a nostalgic craving for this […]

This easy Zuppa Toscana recipe, inspired by the Olive Garden version, uses store-bought gnocchi as a shortcut to bring this creamy sausage and kale soup together in just 30 minutes.

Easy Zuppa Toscana Soup with Gnocchi

Raise your hand if you grew up loving the Olive Garden’s famous zuppa toscana! Well if you happen to have a nostalgic craving for this cozy soup, but are perhaps a bit pressed for time, here is my “shortcut” version that I honestly love just as much. ♡

It’s made with store-bought potato gnocchi that only take a few minutes to cook to pillowy perfection, saving us the step of having to dice and boil the traditional pound of potatoes. And when combined with the classic combination of zesty Italian sausage, creamy garlic broth, and loads of fresh kale, this delicious soup tastes as cozy and comforting as ever. Plus it can be ready to go in just 30 minutes using just 7 main ingredients!

Feel free, of course, to customize this recipe by adding in any extra veggies, tomatoes, beans, bacon, or other add-ins that happen to sound good. And if you prefer to make this soup vegetarian, we often make ours nowadays using plant-based Italian sausage (either sliced or ground) which works just as well. I recommend serving it with a simple arugula salad and maybe a quick batch of roasted veggies on the side. And especially on chilly nights, a warm bowl of this zuppa is sure to warm you right up.

Let’s make a quick batch together!

(more…)

Simple But Perfect Vegetable Soup

Introducing a simple and reliable vegetable and bean soup recipe you can make with what you have on hand! Don’t have a leek? An onion will work beautifully. No celery? Use more carrots! No white beans? Throw in some chickpeas. Not a fan of kale? Skip i…

Simple But Perfect Vegetable Soup

Introducing a simple and reliable vegetable and bean soup recipe you can make with what you have on hand! Don’t have a leek? An onion will work beautifully. No celery? Use more carrots! No white beans? Throw in some chickpeas. Not a fan of kale? Skip it or sub another green! 

As long as you have something aromatic for flavor (leeks, onions, garlic), a handful of non-starchy veggies (carrots, celery, tomatoes, zucchini, green beans), some starchy veggies (potatoes, rutabagas), and some legumes (beans, lentils, peas) you’re GOLDEN!

Simple But Perfect Vegetable Soup from Minimalist Baker →

Creamy White Bean Chicken Chili (1 Pot!)

So you want the creamy comfort of a soup and the hearty satisfaction of a chili? We got you. This white bean chicken chili is the best of both worlds.
Tender chicken gets simmered in a creamy, subtly spiced, flavorful broth. And mild green chiles, corn…

Creamy White Bean Chicken Chili (1 Pot!)

So you want the creamy comfort of a soup and the hearty satisfaction of a chili? We got you. This white bean chicken chili is the best of both worlds.

Tender chicken gets simmered in a creamy, subtly spiced, flavorful broth. And mild green chiles, corn, and kale add plenty of fiber and gorgeous color.

The best part?

Creamy White Bean Chicken Chili (1 Pot!) from Minimalist Baker →