Now that the chaos of September has passed, the first week of October provides a little more breathing room – I played around with this meal plan a little, adding Korean and east Indian flavours. You’ll also find quinoa – a popular new ingredient that’s actually a nutrient-dense seed, but is treated as a grain. And the simple potato gnocchi with browned butter and sage is quintessential fall comfort food. All together this meal plan will keep things interesting for the first week of October – and staying away from chicken and turkey will ensure an appetite for the Big Bird this weekend!
| MONDAY |
Inspired by the menu at an LA taco truck, these homemade Korean-style tacos feed my need for real street food when I can’t hop a jet to California. They’re perfect when you need something to grab and go, or if the plan is to plant yourself on the couch in front of a movie or hockey game.
Photo Copyright Food for my Family
| TUESDAY |
Quinoa (pronounced KEEN-wah) is gaining popularity partly because of its tastiness and versatility, but mostly because it’s a complete protein in itself, delivering a full set of amino acids. (Most grains must be combined with legumes or other protein sources to provide a complete protein.) Its light texture is ideal for a bowl of tabouleh, which is traditionally made of far denser bulgur wheat. This version is light and fluffy; easier to eat, a good source of protein, and gluten-free! Your week is off to a great start.
Photo Copyright Patent & The Pantry
| WEDNESDAY |
There’s a permanent place in Aimee’s pantry for lentils of all kinds – red, French, green and brown. This should be the case in every household – dry lentils are the ultimate convenience food – cheap, easily stored and good for you, lentils provide a nutrient boost in the form of fibre, protein, vitamins and minerals. They’re a significant Canadian crop, with the vast majority grown in Saskatchewan. There are hundreds of fantastic lentil soups out there – I love this creamy curried coconut version, which can be made milder or spicier according to your taste.
Coconut Curried Green Lentil Soup
Photo Copyright Simple Bites
| THURSDAY |
This is a recipe from Kelsey’s “power nap series”, in which she shares quick, easy food for all situations – powernaps are short and sweet, and so are these recipes. I know – potato gnocchi isn’t what comes to mind when I think short and sweet, but it is simple comfort food that’s perfect for a fall Thursday night.
Potato Gnocchi with Sage Browned Butter Sauce
Photo Copyright The Naptime Chef
| FRIDAY |
Fridays call for end-of-the-week-and-don’t-feel-like-cooking-but-very-much-feel-like-eating comfort food sort of dinner. Pasta with cheesy peas is one of my favourites – and faster to pull together than spaghetti with bottled sauce – inspired by Jamie Oliver’s recipe for Cheesy Peas.