Food

12 Dinner Ideas When You Don’t Feel Like Cooking

When you’re busy or just not in the mood to cook, it can take effort to figure out what to make for dinner. Luckily, there are tons of convenient and delicious options that take very little prep time and will satisfy your hungry family.

Here are 12 ideas for dinner from The Kitchen Community that don’t require a lot of work:

Roasted Chicken Breast

If you have some protein leftover from cooking earlier in the week, this is an easy way to use it.

Roast some chicken breasts in the oven and serve them with whatever veggies you like – broccoli, Brussels sprouts, green beans, carrots, etc.

Season everything with salt and pepper or a simple spice blend like garlic powder and oregano.

Rice Bowls

If you have leftover rice, chicken, steak, pork chops or some other kind of meat on hand,

all you need to make a quick and healthy dinner is some chopped bell peppers, onions and mushrooms, along with your choice of toppings like shredded cheese and olives.

Baked Potato Bar

You can make baked potatoes in advance, so you only have to reheat them when it’s time for dinner.

Set out all kinds of different toppings – including chili, bacon bits, sour cream, salsa and more – so that everyone can build their customized meal based on their preferences.

Veggie Soup With Toasted Cheese Sandwiches

This is an easy meal to throw together with leftover veggies or ones that you pick up from the produce section of your local grocery store.

Simply toss your veggies in a pot, add some broth and water, and let it simmer until everything’s soft.

Toast some sliced bread on the stove or in the oven, then top with shredded cheese for a filling and satisfying meal.

Sandwiches or Wraps

If you need something quick and easy, meat-and-cheese sandwiches are always great options – mainly if you use high-quality ingredients like thinly sliced turkey breast or roast beef from the deli counter at your grocery store.

You can also take this further by filling your bread or wraps with hummus, guacamole and other condiments for extra flavor.

Pasta salad

Especially if you have leftover pasta on hand, this is a simple way to mix things up at dinnertime.

All you need is fresh veggies – like cucumbers, carrots, bell peppers, celery, tomatoes and more – and some greens (like arugula or spinach), plus a homemade dressing that is easy to make.

Soup with Whole Grain Crackers or Toast

Soup is an incredibly versatile food that can be enjoyed any time of year in countless variations.

If you have soup on hand from earlier in the week or are in the mood for something new, pair it with whole grain crackers or toast – which you can make in advance – to round out your meal.

Quiche with Cheese, Veggies and Eggs

You don’t have to be a pastry chef to make quiche since all you need is eggs, milk and cheese, and some fresh veggies that are sliced thin or chopped small.

This is another dish that’s easy to prepare ahead of time and enjoy at any time of day.

Salad with Protein-rich Toppings

Salads are perfect options if you don’t feel like cooking anything elaborate but want something nutritious and filling.

Toss together some greens (like spinach, arugula or a mix of different types) with your favorite vegetables and some protein-rich toppings like chickpeas or chicken breast slices, along with your choice of dressing.

Pork Chop Skillet Meal

Try out this simple one-pot meal if you have pork chops on hand and don’t feel like cooking anything too complicated.

Sear the pork chops in a pan until they’re golden brown on both sides, then add potatoes, onions and apples to the pan along with garlic powder and salt.

Add a bit of water to deglaze the pan if necessary, then let everything simmer until cooked through.

Stir-fried Meat and Veggies Served Over Rice Noodles

The nice thing about stir-fries is that they’re easy to make and can include any combination of different ingredients you desire.

If you have leftover rice noodles on hand, toss them with minced garlic, green onions, sesame seeds and your choice of meat (like ground turkey or beef), along with your favorite vegetables like broccoli tempura or zucchini.

Baked Potato Made in the Oven

This is a fantastic option for cold weather months when you only want to curl up under a warm blanket and eat something filling.

Bake potatoes until they’re cooked through – make sure to poke holes in them first so that steam can escape – then top them with chili, cheese and avocado slices or guacamole.

How Much Should You Eat for Dinner?

Your diet can have a big impact on your health. What you eat can affect your weight, your energy levels, and even your mood.

That’s why it’s important to make sure you’re eating the right amount of food at each meal.

But how much should you be eating for dinner?

The answer may depend on a few factors, such as your age, activity level, and weight.

In general, though, most adults should aim for about half a plate of fruits or vegetables, one quarter of a plate of protein-rich foods, and one quarter of a plate of whole grains or starchy vegetables.

This approach can help you get the nutrients you need while avoid overeating.

Of course, these guidelines are just a starting point.

You may need to adjust your portion sizes based on your own individual needs. And remember, listening to your body is also important.

If you’re feeling full, don’t force yourself to finish everything on your plate.

Trusting your hunger signals is an important part of eating mindfully and maintaining a healthy weight.

To that End

Now that you have some ideas to work with, remember the basics.

Set aside a certain amount of time every week to meal prep and write out all your recipes or ingredients in advance to take advantage of these 12 easy dinner ideas when you don’t feel like cooking.

For optimal results, designate one night per week as “cooking” night, where you make enough meals for your entire family so that you don’t have to cook again for at least a few days.

And be sure to keep all your favorite go-to ingredients in your pantry so that everything is convenient and ready when needed!

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Food

America’s French Fry King Sounds An Alarm

Americans are revolting against McDonald’s and other fast-food establishments. This is harming French fry suppliers like Lamb Weston.

Lamb Weston, North America’s largest manufacturer of french fries and a significant supplier to fast-food chains, restaurants, and grocery stores, is closing a production facility in Washington state. Last week, the company stated that it would lay off almost 400 employees, or 4% of its workforce, and temporarily shut down manufacturing lines in response to falling customer demand.

Lamb Weston (LW) shares have plummeted 35% this year.

America’s French Fry King Sounds An Alarm

The potato giant is oversupplied at a time when demand is low. In recent years, restaurant prices have risen faster than grocery store prices, prompting shoppers to avoid fast-food establishments.

This move has had an impact on Lamb Weston because individuals are less inclined to prepare French fries at home. According to Lamb Weston, fast-food restaurants account for around 80% of all french fries consumed in the United States.

Fast-food restaurants, such as McDonald’s, are offering bargain menus to entice customers back. McDonald’s has introduced a $5 meal that contains a McDouble cheeseburger or a McChicken sandwich, small french fries, four chicken nuggets, and a small soft drink. However, these promotions are not benefiting Lamb Weston because customers are purchasing fewer portions of fries.

“Many of these promotional meal deals have consumers trading down from a medium fry to a small fry,” Lamb Weston CEO Thomas Werner stated during an earnings call last week.

Lamb Weston did not immediately reply to CNN’s request for comment.

McDonald’s, Lamb Weston’s largest customer, accounts for 13% of revenue. As McDonald’s goes, so does Lamb Weston.

America’s French Fry King Sounds An Alarm

And McDonald’s is struggling. Sales at US restaurants open at least a year declined 0.7% last quarter compared to the same period a year ago, dragged down by fewer consumers visiting the brand.

Lamb Weston is also heavily exposed to other fast-food companies, according to analyst R.J. Hottovy of analytics firm Placer.ai, in a research note to clients last week.

Customer traffic to fast-food restaurants fell 2% last quarter and 3% the prior quarter compared to the same period last year, according to Lamb Weston.

SOURCE | CNN

Food

Logan Paul And MrBeast Have A Lunchables Competitor That They Say Is Healthy

YouTube’s top stars have launched their competitor to Lunchables.

MrBeast, Logan Paul, and KSI are collaborating on a “groundbreaking new better-for-you lunch option” called Lunchly, combining all their goods into a single meal geared at their younger fans.

The all-in-one meal includes a bottle of Prime Hydration, a sports drink alternative founded by Paul and KSI that has grown in popularity; a Feastables milk chocolate bar created by MrBeast, a popular YouTube star with over 300 million subscribers; and one of three processed food options, including pizza, nachos, or turkey aand cheese with crackers.

Logan Paul And MrBeast Have A Lunchables Competitor That They Say Is Healthy

“Our ultimate goal has always been to offer not only high-quality products, but also healthier alternatives,” Lunchly cofounder Logan Paul stated in a press release. He also stated that the school lunch industry has been “dominated by Lunchables” since he was a child, and that it is “time to provide a better option for those looking for a convenient, healthier choice.”

Lunchly promises to be “healthier” since Prime contains more electrolytes than a Capri Sun in Lunchables, and Mr. Beast’s chocolate bar contains less sugar than a Kit Kat or Crunch bar.

Lunchly’s launch comes after Lunchable, owned by Kraft Heinz, announced a huge initiative last year to participate in school lunch programs. However, the company had to reformulate the components first to guarantee that the items met regulatory rules, which included incorporating fresh fruit into their meals.

Consumer Reports reported in 2024 that it recently studied the nutritional profiles of two Lunchables kits supplied in schools and discovered that they contain significantly more sodium than the Lunchables kits available in stores.

Logan Paul And MrBeast Have A Lunchables Competitor That They Say Is Healthy

Of course, KSI, Paul, and MrBeast know how to create brands, thanks partly to their devoted following. Despite government worries about the caffeine content of some of its drinks, Prime sales have risen, threatening industry leaders such as Gatorade and BodyArmor.

“Prime brings a youthful buying cohort that hasn’t had a lot pitched their way beyond traditional kids’ drinks,” Jeffrey Klineman, editor-in-chief of BevNet, previously told CNN. “Paul is significantly more intriguing to a 13-year-old than a juice box.”

SOURCE | CNN

Food

Beyond Soups and Stews: Unexpected Ways to Utilize Your 5 Litre Pressure Cooker

Pressure cookers are very popular cooking utensils for preparing soups, stews, and tenderising meats in quick time. However, their versatility and uses go far beyond these traditional uses.

If you’re trying to use your 5 litre pressure cooker differently, you are at the right place, as we are going to explore unexpected and creative ways to use this essential kitchen utensil.

Infused oils and extract

You can use your pressure cooker to prepare infused oils and extracts. To do that, you have to put the herbs, spices, or citrus peels in a jar filled with oil or alcohol. Then, seal the jar and cook under low pressure for a short time to infuse the flavours uniformly.

By this method, you can extract intense flavours in a quick time as compared to what it takes through traditional infusion methods. You can also experiment with combinations like rosemary-infused olive oil or vanilla extract for baking.

Artisanal Curd Making

You can use your pressure cooker to prepare yoghurt. To do that you have to heat the milk to a proper and specific temperature, and then cool it down before adding yoghurt culture. After that, keep the mixture in jars, seal, and ferment in the pressure cooker with the use of the yoghurt setting. And yes, after that, you will have creamy, homemade yoghurt at a much lower cost than store-bought varieties. You can add up your yoghurt, various flavours and toppings for a healthy breakfast or snack option.

Quick pickling

You can also prepare quick pickles using your pressure cooker. For doing that combine the ingredients such as vinegar, water, salt, and your choice of vegetables or fruits in the cooker.

Now, after that, cook under pressure for a few minutes to infuse the flavours rapidly.

Once it is done and cooled, your quick pickles will be ready to eat and enjoy, giving a taste of tangy flavour to sandwiches, salads, or charcuterie boards. You can do this using different spices and herbs to prepare unique flavour profiles for your pickles.

Steaming vegetables and seafood

You can use your pressure cooker’s steaming capabilities to cook vegetables and seafood very easily and quickly. To do that, you have to place a steamer basket inside the cooker, add water, and put your ingredients.

Then, after that, cook under pressure for a few minutes to keep the nutrients intact and also get the perfect tenderness. From crisp-tender asparagus to succulent shrimp, the possibilities of preparing the dishes are many. You can add different flavours using aromatic herbs, spices, and citrus zest.

Homemade bread and desserts

You can amaze your family with freshly baked bread and delicious desserts that can easily be prepared in your pressure cooker. To do that, use the cooker as a makeshift oven by placing a trivet inside and also adding water to it.

After that, you have to place your bread dough or dessert batter in a heat-proof container, cover it, and then cook under low pressure. In very little time, you will get tender bread or delicious desserts without even messing up the kitchen. You can also try various other recipes like chocolate lava cake or savoury herb bread for a delightful treat.

One-pot pasta dishes

You can easily prepare one-pot pasta dishes that are cooked perfectly in your pressure cooker. To do that you have to combine pasta, sauce, vegetables, and protein in the cooker, and also remember to check and put enough liquid for cooking. Then, seal and cook under pressure for a few minutes. This will allow the flavours to get mixed beautifully.

And with this, from classic spaghetti marinara to creamy Alfredo, your pressure cooker can do it all. You can enhance your pasta with your favourite ingredients and garnishes.

Conclusion on a pressure cooker

Cooking indeed is a creative method. Do justice to your creative culinary spirit with your 5-litre pressure cooker. Bake bread, make homemade yoghurt, and make several main dishes as well as side dishes using a wide pressure cooker.

Impress everyone and yourself! Make the best out of your culinary instincts.

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