Meal Prep Made Easy: Healthy and Flavorful Recipes for Busy People

ByMercedes Diane Griffin Forbes

Do you meal prep? If you want to eat healthy but don’t have the time to cook every day, meal prepping could be the answer to your prayers! With just a few hours of preparation, you can save yourself time, money, and stress. Plus, you’ll be able to enjoy delicious and nutritious meals throughout the week.

One of my favorite meal prep recipes is a creamy lentil soup made with Farmer Direct Organic red lentils. Lentils are packed with protein, fiber, and essential nutrients, making them a great choice for a filling and satisfying meal. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a delicious and healthy soup that will keep you fueled for hours.

Another great meal prep option is overnight oats. By soaking oats in yogurt overnight, you can create a creamy and delicious breakfast that’s easy on the stomach. I love using Bob’s Red Mill’s thick-cut oats and Siggi’s plain yogurt for my overnight oats. Each morning, I just add fresh fruit and granola for a quick and easy breakfast that’s also healthy and satisfying.

Finally, if you have a sweet tooth, you can still enjoy dessert while eating healthy. Rice pudding is a great option for a sweet and satisfying treat. I like using Lotus Foods Jade Pearl rice to make my rice pudding. It’s a great source of fiber, protein, and other essential nutrients. Plus, it’s easy to make and tastes delicious!

Red Lentil Soup Recipe

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup of Farmer Direct Organic’s red split lentils
  • 1 tsp of pink Himalayan salt
  • 1 tbsp of fresh ginger, minced
  • 3 cloves of fresh garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp of curry powder
  • 1 fresh red onion, chopped
  • 1 sprig of fresh rosemary
  • 3 sprigs of fresh thyme
  • 1 fresh Roma tomato, chopped
  • 2 carrots, chopped
  • 1/2 tsp of black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp of red pepper
  • 1 tsp of Simply Organic all-purpose seasoning
  • 1 tsp of Simply Organic curry powder

Instructions:

  1. Rinse the lentils in a fine mesh strainer and remove any debris.
  2. In a large pot, combine the lentils, salt, ginger, garlic, curry powder, red onion, rosemary, thyme, tomato, carrots, black pepper, red pepper, all-purpose seasoning, and curry powder. 
  3. Add vegetable broth to the pot until all the ingredients are covered by about 1 inch.
  4. Bring the pot to a boil, then reduce heat to low and let simmer for 45-60 minutes or until the lentils are soft.
  5. Remove the rosemary sprig and thyme sprigs from the pot.
  6. Using an immersion blender, blend the soup until smooth. Alternatively, transfer the soup to a blender and blend in batches.
  7. Serve hot and enjoy your delicious and nutritious red lentil soup!

Overnight Oats Recipe

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup Bob’s Red Mill thick-cut oats
  • 1/2 cup Siggi’s plain yogurt
  • 1/2 cup milk of your choice (dairy or non-dairy)
  • 1 tablespoon chia seeds (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
  • Sweeteners of your choice, such as honey or maple syrup (optional)
  • Toppings of your choice, such as fruit or nuts (optional)

Instructions:

  1. In a bowl or jar, combine the oats, yogurt, milk, chia seeds, vanilla extract, and sweetener (if using). Stir until well combined.
  2. Cover the bowl or jar and refrigerate it overnight or for at least 4 hours.
  3. When ready to eat, stir the mixture and add additional milk if the oats are too thick. Add your desired toppings and enjoy!

Jade Pearl Rice Pudding Recipe

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup Lotus Foods jade Pearl rice
  • 4 cups milk
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • Optional toppings: dried blueberries, chopped nuts, cinnamon, whipped cream

Instructions:

  1. Rinse the rice in cold water and drain.
  2. In a medium saucepan, bring the milk to a boil over medium-high heat.
  3. Add the rice and reduce the heat to low. Simmer, stirring frequently, until the rice is tender and the mixture has thickened, about 25-30 minutes.
  4. Stir in the sugar, salt, vanilla extract, and cinnamon.
  5. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has dissolved and the pudding has thickened further.
  6. Remove the pudding from the heat and let it cool for a few minutes.
  7. Serve warm or chilled, topped with your favorite toppings if desired. Enjoy!

In conclusion, meal prepping is a great way to save time, money, and stress while still eating healthy and flavorful meals. With these easy recipes, you can get started on your meal prep journey and discover the joys of healthy eating!

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