Before I launch into the meal plan, I want to take a hot second to give a shout out to all the mamas today. Whether you are new to the game or have been at it for decades, I hope you have lots of love and appreciation coming at you today. As for the line-up this week, I’ve got my eye on the Pork Chops with Rhubarb Compote, since it’s so darn seasonal, the Moo Shu Veggies (yummy + easy), and I highly recommend having a loaf of Adventure Bread on hand. Enjoy and Happy Mother’s Day to us!
Easy Moo Shu Vegetables
This recipe is my homespun take on Chinese takeout that satisfies a craving every time. The recipe calls for a few convenience items, including pre-shredded carrots and cabbage, and pre-sliced mushrooms, which means the hands-on time is very little and it takes all of 12 minutes to cook.
Pork Chops with Rhubarb Ginger Compote
I love rhubarb in tarts and pies, but it’s just as good for savory dishes. Serve these juicy chops with roasted asparagus or arugula salad (plus some little boiled or roasted potatoes on the side) for a balanced supper.
Baked Tofu Parmesan
Here’s a good one for meatless Monday. The tofu is breaded and baked until crispy and then layered with sauce and cheese. Add steamed or roasted broccoli and dinner is done. Leftovers are tasty a day or two later.
Weeknight Spaghetti and Clams
This is sort of an heirloom recipe, since it was inspired by the pasta my grandfather made us growing up. It’s simple, affordable weeknight cooking that relies on canned clams and spaghetti. Add a green salad (with this dressing) and dinner is done!
Grilled Chicken Kebab Wraps
A spiced yogurt marinade makes this chicken flavorful and fork-tender. Do these skewers on the grill and then tuck into warm flatbread with tomatoes, cucumbers and crunchy lettuce. You could skip the vegetables here and make Fattoush Salad to serve on the side and tuck into the wraps.
Pineapple Orange Green Smoothie
This luscious smoothie is full of green goodness and a snap to make. Frozen pineapple makes it quick to whiz up in a blender and the recipe includes plenty of ideas to boost the nutrition over the top.
Adventure Bread
This is a homemade bread like no other. It’s very easy to make…you just dump all the ingredients into a bowl and stir. No yeast, no rise. The result is a dense, hearty, and mega nutritious loaf that is excellent when toasted.
SHOPPING LIST
Pork Chops with Rhubarb Ginger Compote
4 boneless pork chops that are about 6 ounces each
4 small fresh rosemary sprigs for garnish (optional)
2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 small red onion, diced
1 clove minced garlic
4 large stalks rhubarb
Juice of 1 large orange
1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
2 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon honey
Oven Baked Vegetarian Tofu Parmigiana
14 ounces extra-firm tofu
¾ cup panko-style breadcrumbs
¼ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
1 ½ teaspoons Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 egg
1 ¾ cups marinara sauce
1 cup lightly packed shredded Mozzarella cheese
Easy Moo Shu Vegetables
4 eggs (use 8 ounces soft tofu for a vegan version)
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, plus a few pinches
1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil, divided
2 large cloves garlic, minced
One 8 to 10 ounce-package sliced white/cremini mushrooms (about 2 cups sliced)
5- ounces packaged shredded carrots, ½ bag or 2 cups
16- ounces packaged shredded cabbage/coleslaw mix (doesn’t need to be exact)
5 scallions, thinly sliced white and light green parts
2 teaspoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
3-4 tablespoons hoisin sauce, plus more to add at the table
¼ cup chopped cashews (roasted or raw)
4 to 6 whole-wheat or white flour tortillas
Spaghetti and Clams
1 pound spaghetti
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons butter
4 large cloves garlic, finely chopped
Four 6.5 ounce cans chopped clams in clam juice
1/3 cup finely chopped parsley
Zest of 1/2 lemon plus 2 tablespoons juice
Big pinch red pepper flakes
Grilled Chicken Kebab Wraps
1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 1/2 cups plain non-fat or low-fat yogurt
2 large cloves garlic
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1 teaspoon ground turmeric
1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
2 large handfuls hearts of Romaine lettuce
1/4 cup fresh mint
1 cup cherry tomatoes
1 cup English or Persian cucumbers
1/2 red onion
1 lemon
6 pieces lavash, naan, or other flatbread
Pineapple Orange Green Smoothie
1 cup fresh or frozen pineapple
1 seedless orange
1 banana
1 cup plain kefir
1 1/2 packed cups baby spinach
1½ teaspoons vanilla extract.
Adventure Bread
2 1/4 cups rolled oats
1 cup roasted sunflower seeds , salted or unsalted
1/2 cup roasted pepitas (hulled pumpkin seeds), salted or unsalted
3/4 cup roasted almonds , coarsely chopped
3/4 cup flax seeds
1/3 cup psyllium seed husks
3 tablespoons chia seeds
2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil