I’ve got my eye on several of the recipes in this week’s line up, most notably the Warm Spinach Salad 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 Italian White Bean Soup
This is yumminess in a bowl that’s been a hit since I first posted it. For a vegetarian version, simply leave out the sausage or swap in a cup or two of cooked grains or pasta for added heft once the soup is done.
Sweet Potato Black Bean Bowls
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.
Easy Pork Chops with Apples
This is the sort of supper my mom made on the regular every fall when we were kids. My version has a little something extra in the form of a quick pan sauce built on Dijon mustard and sour cream. It’s delicious with the chops.
Easy Noodles with Peanut Sauce & Veggies
An easy fix for dinner that’s good warm or cold. It’s flavors are reminiscent of the peanut sauce you might get in a Thai or Vietnamese restaurant, only tossed with noodles and crunchy vegetables. You could also add shredded chicken to the mix if you like.
Warm Spinach Salad with Balsamic Dressing
This warm spinach salad is one I’ve been makes since I was in my 20s. It’s makes a light supper or lovely lunch. For a vegetarian version, swap the prosciutto for roasted or sautéed mushrooms.
Celery Salad with Dates and Pecorino
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
This has become my go-to banana bread since I published the recipe. Make it with chocolate chips or walnuts (or no adornment at all) to enjoy for breakfast, snack, or dessert.
Shopping List
Instant Pot Italian White Bean Soup
1 1/2 cup dried cannellini beans
1 small chunk Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
1 large yellow onion
2 large carrots
1 rib celery
3 cloves garlic
One 15-ounce can diced tomatoes
8 cups low sodium chicken broth or vegetable broth
1 bay leaf
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon fennel seeds
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
3 links pre-cooked Italian sausage
1 large bunch kale
Easy Noodles with Peanut Sauce
12 ounces dried spaghetti, soba, or udon
1/3 cup creamy unsweetened peanut butter
3 tablespoons seasoned rice vinegar
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon white/mellow miso paste (optional)
2 1/2 cups diced crunchy raw vegetables, such as carrots, snap peas, cucumber, or bell pepper 3 scallions
1 1/2 teaspoons sriracha
Easy Pork Chops with Apples
4 boneless pork loin chops that are about 1-inch thick
2 tablespoons whole grain Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
1 tablespoon sour cream
1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
1 large apple
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
Warm Spinach Salad with Balsamic Dressing
4 thin slices prosciutto
4 eggs
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
1 medium shallot
1 large clove garlic
1 pound fresh spinach (not baby spinach)
1-2 teaspoons red wine vinegar
1-2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar
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)