FAVORITE WEEKDAY RECIPIES

Today's blog is particularly exciting as I talk about one of my favourite things to do - cook and eat! As with every new year, my 2018 also started with a heavy emphasis on being healthy - both in my diet and exercise ( I must admit, I am not faring very well on the exercise front - but we will leave that for a different post) . On the healthy eating side however, I think I am definitely getting a hang of a routine that works for me without leaving me either starving or emotionally and mentally deprived :).

Wanted to share a few of my go to's here with you.

BREAKFAST

Now, I am not a fan of cold, sweet breakfasts which I find to be in abundance in the usual cafes and grocery chains all around. When it comes to food, I most certainly prefer it to be warm and comforting like a good ol hug - so there you go, no smoothies or yogurt parfaits and granola bowls for me.

Masala Omelette: Probably my most go-to breakfast and one that I truly can go on repeat for a couple of weeks without boredom. To make my omelette prep a breeze in the morning, I pre chop my onions, tomatoes and cilantro for the week ahead of time and store them in glass containers in the fridge. One addition I make to this dish is adding 1 tsp of turmeric for some added flavour, colour and immunity boost. I also quite enjoy this with the addition of some chopped spinach to make it more nutritious (tried it with kale and I would steer away from it). On extra hungry days I sandwich it between two slices of bread and it carries me right through till lunch!

Photo Credit: https://www.archanaskitchen.com/spicy-indian-style-masala-frittata-recipe

Sliced Boiled egg on toast: 2 ingredients and 6 minutes makes this recipe quick, simple, delicious and filling. I love dipping the finger sliced bread pieces into the rich runny gooey yolks of the soft boiled eggs and spooning the rest of the egg up when all the bread is gone. A favourite weekend breakfast that is a Wednesday must have to get over the hump day :)

Photo Credit: http://www.eatliverun.com/how-to-make-perfect-soft-boiled-eggs-eggs-soldiers/

Ricotta with Almonds / Almond butter on toast: I know, I know, I said I am not a big fan of sweet breakfast, but I do make an exception for this little beauty. A generous spread of creamy fresh ricotta, a sprinkle of sliced almonds and drizzle of sweet sweet honey and I am all ready for Friday and the weekend :). Sometimes I add chopped bananas on top to.... well fill me up, but let''s be honest it is mainly for that coveted instagram shot :P

Photo Credit: http://www.cocosbread.com/?p=3996

MID DAY SNACKS

This is where I go easy and rely on the ample goodness of our grocery chains for some handy healthy snacks

Kefir/ Almond milk: I buy the individual bottles for the Kefir or the small single packs of the almond milk to carry around for an easy quick and healthy snack. Alternately, I would pack a fruit/fresh pressed cold juice to carry along as a snack.

LUNCH / DINNER

Chicken Artichoke with Olives: This one pot recipe is an all time favourite and in rotation on my dinner plate every couple of weeks. Now I am personally not a big fan of chicken as a meat, but this is definitely one recipe where I would gladly make an exception. The chicken remains moist and juicy in the stock flavoured with herbs, olives and the tangy lemons....yum! Also, this was the first dish I cooked with artichokes and must I say, the artichokes are my favourite part of this dish; I like them extra grilled :)

Photo Credit: https://www.marthastewart.com/1140992/braised-chicken-artichokes-olives-and-lemon

White bean and kale soup: Simple, hearty, warm comforting and quite healthy... all this once again in the convenience of a one pot meal. I love the slight bite that the chorizo provides, making it a perfect dish for the cold winter days; also perfect for those nights when you are too hungry and perhaps want a lighter meal.

Photo Credit: https://food52.com/recipes/33605-white-bean-and-kale-soup-with-sausage

Vegetable Stew: This year I have been trying hard to have a lot more vegetables in my meals and this dish is right up my alley. A vegetarian stew with a surprise ingredient. Yes, this stew uses a generous helping of chunky peanut butter making it sweet, salty and thick, creamy and textured. With ingredients such as sweet potatoes, collard green, tomatoes and chickpeas it is also right up there on the health component. Think I am going to make this tonight :)

Photo Credit: https://www.budgetbytes.com/african-peanut-stew-vegan/