I’ve got my eye on several of the recipes in this week’s line up, most notably the Greek Chicken and Potatoes (which I haven’t made in ages) and the Tender Banana Bread (which I love with dark chocolate chips). I hope you find a few recipes that grab your eye, too. Enjoy!

Instant Pot Farro Risotto with Mushrooms

This is a nourishing and very tasty vegetarian dish that you can make in the Instant Pot if you have one or on the stove top if you don’t (instructions are in the headnote of the recipe).

Tomato Soup and Waffle Iron Grilled Cheese

If you need something simple and comforting, this is it. Get the kids to help with the sandwiches, since making them in the waffle iron is pretty fun. The soup recipe makes just enough for four bowls, but feel free to double it for lunches the next day..

Gorgeous Greek Chicken and Potatoes

This six-ingredient dinner is not to be missed. It’s all done on a single sheet pan and loaded with flavor thanks to the magical mashup of olive oil, garlic, lemon, and oregano. All you need is a veggie side or salad (I’d go with this crunchy one) for a very tasty dinner.

Sweet Potato Black Bean Bowls

White bowl with sweet potato black beans avocado and a green sauce with a blue napkin

A relative newcomer to the blog, these nourishing bowls are a fan favorite in my house. Roasted sweet potatoes, brown rice, black beans, and avocado get dressed up with a tangy, slightly spicy cilantro sauce. Add pickled jalapeños, Cotija cheese, toasted pepitas or whatever else strikes your fancy.

Slow Cooker Lentil Tacos with Indian Spices

Get lentils going in your slow cooker with Indian spices and you’ve got a mega nourishing filling for a twist on traditional tacos. Pile the lentils onto corn or flour tortillas and finish with yogurt, cilantro, and if you have some on hand, a favorite Indian chutney.

Celery Salad with Dates and Pecorino

Celery, nut, date, and cheese salad on a plate with a striped napkin and forks

Poor celery is a bit of an underdog in the kitchen, which is why I love this salad so much. It shows off celery at it’s best. It’s paired with salty Pecorino, slivers of Medjool dates, chopped nuts, and a dressing with a spicy kick. Bright, refreshing, and an easy side to so many mains.

Tender Banana Bread with Walnuts and Chocolate Chips

Thick slices of banana walnut bread on a piece of parchment with a bread knife and a checked cloth

This has become my go-to banana bread since I published the recipe Make it with chocolate chops or walnuts (or no adornment at all) to enjoy for breakfast, snack, or dessert.

Shopping List

Instant Pot Farro Risotto
1 cup pecan halves
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
1 large yellow onion
3/4 pound cremini or white mushrooms
½ cup dry white wine (substitute low-sodium vegetable broth, if preferred)
2 sprigs thyme
1 ½ cups farro
3 to 4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
3 cups stemmed, chopped hearty greens, such as kale, collards, or chard
1 small chunk Pecorino or Parmesan cheese to grate over the top

Tomato Soup and Waffle Iron Grilled Cheese
4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
1 large yellow onion
1 large clove garlic
1/2 teaspoon ground fennel
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
Pinch red pepper flakes
One 28- ounce can diced unsalted tomatoes
One 3/4- inch thick slice crusty French or Italian bread that’s about 4 inches long (stale is fine)
8 slices whole-grain sandwich bread
6 ounces sharp Cheddar cheese (or other favorite cheese)

Greek Chicken and Potatoes
1 whole chicken (3 to 3 1/2 pounds)
3 lemons
1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons dried oregano
11 cloves garlic
8 medium white or red potatoes

Sweet Potato Black Bean Bowls with Glossy Green Sauce
2 medium to large sweet potatoes
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1 cup uncooked long grain brown rice
11/2 cups cooked black beans (one 15-ounce can)
1 large ripe avocado
1 bushy bunch cilantro (2 cups chopped)
1 1/2 tablespoons lime juice
1 1/2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
1/4 teaspoon red chile flakes
Optional additions: pickled jalapeños, crumbled Cotija, roasted pepitas

Slow Cooker Indian-Style Dal Tacos
1 ½ cups French green lentils
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 medium onion
2 medium carrots
2-inch piece fresh ginger
2 cloves garlic
1 small jalapeno pepper (optional)
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1 teaspoon ground turmeric
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 tablespoon curry powder
1 tablespoons tomato paste
3 cups vegetable or chicken broth
8 Corn or small flour tortillas
Garnishes: roughly chopped cilantro, plain yogurt, favorite Indian chutne

Celery Salad with Pecorino and Hazelnuts

1 1/2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 1/2 tablespoons white wine or champagne vinegar
1/8 teaspoon sriracha or other hot sauce
6 stalks celery
1/4 cup toasted hazelnuts, roughly chopped
4 Medjool dates, pitted, halved, and sliced thin
Pecorino cheese (about 1 ounce)

Tender Banana Bread with Walnuts or Chocolate Chips
4 medium ripe bananas
2 eggs
1/3 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 cup pure maple syrup
1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3/4 cup whole-wheat flour
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 cup chopped walnuts or dark chocolate chips (optional)

Weeknight Rescue//Fall 2022/IP Farro Risotto, Tomato Soup, Sweet Potato/Black Bean Bowls, Greek Chicken and Potatoes, Lentil Tacos w/Indian Spices