Quick Fix Meals

Effortless Broccoli and Pasta

1 lb. spaghetti

2 lbs. broccoli, washed and cut into 1 inch florets

Garlic oil (see picture below)

4 cloves garlic, thinly cut lenghthwise

½ C. extra virgin olive oil

2 t. salt

1 t. red pepper flakes, opt.

zest of one lemon, opt.

Heat sauté pan for 30 seconds. Add oil immediately followed by garlic, salt, pepper flakes and lemon zest. Allow the garlic to sizzle for about one minute, then turn heat off.

Boil pasta following the box instructions. During the last 4 minutes of cooking time, add prepared broccoli. Drain pasta and broccoli and toss with garlic oil.

I am adding some quick fix meal ideas that you can put together from basic Trader Joe's ingredients.

Carton of Organic Tomato Soup with:

Bag of pre-washed spinach

Canned cannillini or small northern white beans

1/2 C. grated parmesan cheese

Whole Wheat Instant Cous Cous

Dressing: zest and juice of one lemon, ¼ C. extra virgin olive oil, salt and pepper

Canned garbanzo beans

½ C. chopped parsley

feta cheese

cherry tomatoes

Store Bought Roast Chicken

Whole wheat pita bread

Blender raita: 1 C. greek yogurt, 1 peeled cucumber, 1 glove garlic. Salt and pepper, blend smooth. Mint if you’ve got it.

Blender hummus: 1 can drained garbanzo beans, 2 T. fresh lemon juice, 1 clove garlic, 1/3 C. hot water and ¼ C. extra virgin olive oil. Blend smooth.

Can of All White Water Packed Tuna

Dressing: 1 minced shallot, 1/3 C. balsamic vinegar, 2 T. extra virgin olive oil, salt and pepper.

2 T. capers opt.(I always have capers in my frig.)

Hard boiled eggs: Cover eggs with cold water, bring to boil, cook for 3 minutes. Cool.

Pre-washed, mixed baby greens

Can of Black Beans-Can of Corn-Can of Green Chilis. Heat together

1 cup cherry tomatoes, cut in half

Cotija or feta cheese

Corn tortillas

Canned Turkey Chili (good quality)-Box of Corn Bread Mix

Cabbage salad: ½ head cabbage shredded, 2 carrots peeled and grated, 2 T. mayonnaise, ½ C. greek yogurt, 1 T. honey, agave or sugar, 2 T. white vinegar, 1/2 t. salt. Combine.

Can of Vegetarian Refried Beans

Grated sharp chedder (sharp so that the flavor goes a long way. Try to use a minimal amount of cheese per quesadilla)

Flour tortillas, whole wheat if available

Good quality pre-made salsa

1 avocado, peeled and sliced

Spread beans evenly on one tortilla. Sprinkle with cheese. Sandwich another tortilla on top. Heat on both sides in a dry pan/skillet. Serve with sliced avocado and salsa.

*Can be served open face with a fried egg on top