What to cook in January: Feel-good recipes that are light on prep
18 simple, crave-worthy meals packed with restorative nutrients
I absolutely adore the holiday season and look forward to it all year, but I won’t pretend I’m not a little exhausted come January — and over the rich food. This is the time I look for recipes that are uncomplicated and low on prep, yet craveable and nutritious.
Taking a few minutes before bed to mix up overnight oats or a mango lassi-flavoured chia pudding for breakfast the next morning is an easy way to get some gut-friendly yogurt and fibre in your diet.
For lunch, you could make a double batch of red lentil soup and freeze some for later. Or try a sweet potato and lentil salad — save time by using canned lentils instead. Both recipes feature legumes, a humble ingredient that will fill you up and is often recommended by dieticians.
And don’t forget the snacks, like whole-grain chocolate chip cookies, with a twist that adds flavour and a touch more fibre. Freeze the dough and bake a couple fresh when you’re craving a sweet treat.
If you’re looking for something savoury, a white bean and artichoke dip, packed with protein and fibre, can double as a sandwich filling.
Dinner might be baked fish and “chips,” which swaps french fries for sliced roasted potatoes, or chicken with sweet potatoes and dates. Both meals are nutritious, filling and all you need is a sheet pan.
And finally, treat yourself to a relaxing apple-mint tea to wind down for the day, and congratulate yourself on eating well with no great effort.
Here are 18 recipes to start off your new year with ease.
White bean garlic artichoke dip
Kale salad with tahini ranch dressing
Soba salad with tahini dressing and roasted cauliflower
One-pan chicken with pearl couscous and Moroccan spices
Fish and ‘chip’ sheet-pan dinner
Celebration chicken with sweet potatoes and dates
Whole-grain dark chocolate chunk cookies
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