The challenge: Everything I make in the slow cooker turns into mush. Our solution: Choose ingredients wisely, understanding that some simply aren’t meant cook that long—especially delicate vegetables and many lean, boneless cuts of meat and poultry. Here, whole-grain hulled barley works perfectly, cooking to a pleasantly firm, chewy texture after eight hours. Pearled barley, […]
Curry powder adds warmth and earthiness to this speedy version of creamed spinach. Whole milk yogurt gives the side a luscious mouth feel and plenty of body. Serve with steak or with seared planks of spice-rubbed tofu. Ingredients 1 1/2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper 5 thinly sliced garlic cloves 1/2 […]
Creamy tahini and fragrant toasted sesame oil give this simple noodle dish a double dose of nutty flavor. The sauce is similar to Southeast Asian peanut sauce—but more allergen-friendly from being made of sesame seeds. A couple teaspoons of sambal oelek provide a hint of heat; use more or less according to your preference. Look […]
Job’s tears are a gluten-free whole grain, distinctly large, with a mild corn-rice flavor that’s versatile enough to use in countless dishes. Find it at health food stores and Asian markets. While the salad stands before serving, the warm vinaigrette will slightly tenderize the thinly shaved vegetables. If you use a mandoline to slice the […]
Spaghetti squash is a favorite ingredient for those seeking a lower-carb, gluten-free alternative to pasta. If you’ve cooked it before, you’ve likely cut it in half lengthwise to form two “boats.” And while that method works just fine, it disregards the way the strands grow inside the squash—in circles around the width of the squash. […]
This simple side plays up the brightness of fresh parsley. This unassuming herb is pleasantly verdant and pairs wonderfully with zippy lemon zest and nutty brown rice. Compared with unenriched white rice, brown rice is higher in fiber, protein, B vitamins, iron, and magnesium. New research shows that eating whole grains like brown rice daily […]
Bake the squash in advance to shorten prep time; squeeze the noodles dry, and store in a zip-top plastic bag in the refrigerator until ready to use. Ingredients 2 small spaghetti squash (about 1 1/2 pounds each) 2 teaspoons olive oil 4 garlic cloves, thinly sliced 1 (8-ounce) package fresh baby spinach 1/2 cup part-skim […]
Sneak another veg into the potatoes with our green dressing that has peas and spinach. This recipe’s a time-saver, too: A quick sear and a sprinkle of panko cuts prep and cook time in half compared to breading and baking. Serve with Chili-Lime Corn. Ingredients 4 (5-oz.) skin-on, bone-in chicken thighs 3 tablespoons canola […]
Raw beets add crunch and color to this salad. Lentils and spinach are a great source of protein and fiber. Toss in chopped walnuts and shaved carrots for added texture and a crisp bite every time. Ingredients 2 teaspoons tahini (sesame paste) 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice 1/2 teaspoon maple syrup 1 1/2 cups […]
Gnocchi are the base for a simple toss with sweet butternut squash, rich chicken thighs, spinach, and sage. Prepared gnocchi is a fast cook’s dream. They don’t need to be boiled separately, take on a beautiful sear, and will hold up after a thorough sauté and simmer with other ingredients. A dollop of prepared pesto […]