I don’t know about you, but I have to make a conscious effort to work fresh produce into my diet. In case we’re in the same boat, I’m sharing seven dinners to cook this week that are designed to make our mission easier to achieve. They’re plant-based and put seasonal, satiating vegetables in the spotlight, because no one wants a cold salad in the dead of winter. Read on for my favorite recipes, ranging from chickpea-topped sweet potatoes to slow cooker soup.
Here’s What to Cook Every Night This Week (January 27 – February 2)
Bring on the veggies
Shopping List
Produce
2 heads cauliflower
15 garlic cloves
One 1-inch piece ginger
5 carrots
4 celery stalks
1 red bell pepper
1 onion
1 large shallot
6 limes
1 head iceberg lettuce
2 cucumbers
2 ounces arugula
1 pound Brussels sprouts
2 pounds sweet potatoes
1 small red chile
1 sweet onion
3 bunches scallions
3 bunches cilantro
1 bunch chives
1 bunch thyme
1 bunch rosemary
1 bunch Lacinato kale
1 bunch parsley
Dairy
8 large eggs
10 ounces plain Greek yogurt
1 Parmesan rind, plus more for serving
Grains
4 ounces gluten-free pasta
10½ ounces rice noodles
8 ounces short pasta (such as ditalini)
Canned and Packaged Goods
8 ounces frozen peas
Sesame seeds
Yellow curry paste
One 14-ounce can coconut milk
Natural unsweetened peanut butter
10 ounces firm tofu
2 ounces roasted unsalted peanuts
Harissa
White chia seeds
One 14-ounce can chickpeas
One 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes
10 ounces dried white beans
4 ounces dry white wine
32 ounces low-sodium vegetable broth
Pantry Ingredients: neutral oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce, sriracha, kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, coconut oil, toasted sesame oil, brown sugar, extra-virgin olive oil, apple cider vinegar, buckwheat flour, tomato purée, ketchup, maple syrup, honey, crushed red pepper flakes, cayenne, bay leaf
Monday: Cauliflower Fried Rice
Crowned with an egg and ready in 25 minutes flat, this low-carb riff on a takeout classic is sure to deliver. Start with pre-shredded cauliflower rice to cut back on prep time (or make your own, if you feel so inclined). As for the marinade, it’s nothing but pantry staples that you likely already have on hand.
Tuesday: Cauliflower Curry with Crispy Shallots
For my favorite cruciferous vegetable’s next trick, it’ll transform itself into a soul-soothing, Thai-inspired curry that’s begging to be served atop a bed of fluffy steamed rice. It’s finished with sharp scallions and aromatic cilantro, but I wouldn’t blame you for drizzling it with hot sauce for good measure.
Wednesday: Warm Sesame Noodle Salad
It only takes 20 minutes to pull off this refreshing dish of lettuce, cucumber, herbs and noodles. (The recipe calls for a gluten-free variety, but you can use whatever kind you have on hand if you aren’t allergic to wheat.) Make a double batch of the peanut butter dressing for future meals and thank me later.
Thursday: Egg and Veggie Breakfast Bowl
Fact: This hearty dish is just as tasty in the morning as it is at night. Roast any less-than-perfect vegetables you forgot about in the fridge alongside the spuds and Brussels sprouts to minimize waste, and top the bowl with cheese, yogurt or sour cream for a decadent protein boost.
Friday: Vegan Sriracha ‘Meatballs’ with Noodles and Grilled Vegetables
Tofu and chia seeds make these plant-based meatballs as filling as they are durable. Prepare a double batch of the tangy, spicy three-ingredient sauce; it’ll pair beautifully with all sorts of proteins, starches, sandwiches and vegetables.
Sunday: Slow Cooker Pasta e Fagioli Soup
I’m going to Tuscany, wanna come with? For this seasonal staple, you’ll start with dried white beans instead of canned, since precooked beans will turn mushy in the Crockpot after seven hours. All they need is a hands-off, overnight soak ahead of cooking.