Short on Time: Recipes to Make Your Life Easier

Pea Soup (only for those that eat Kitniyot)

Between work obligations, social plans and kids’ after school practices, we tend to run out of time and fall back on familiar, easy to prepare meals that don’t require much thought or effort. For some of you, cooking doesn’t come easily or isn’t a pleasure, so you rely on a handful of meal options, which are convenient and easy. You have to wonder about the nutritional value of meals pulled from the freezer, which are either nuked in the microwave or bunged in the oven. Yes, the packaging was appealing and you can have a meal in minutes, but what’s the pay off? And don’t even get me started on the ingredients list… some of which don’t even qualify as food. Say no more. I am not against frozen foods but it cannot be argued that fresh is best.

I’ve found the best way to ensure I have quick and healthy meals for myself and my family is by planning the weekly meals ahead of time, checking what food I have in my cupboard and taking a list to the supermarket to make sure I shop smart. This way I avoid throwing food away and it’s a great time saver.

Cooking healthy food doesn’t have to be complicated or time consuming. Make soups, double (or triple!) the quantity, portion it out and freeze for a time when you know you will have no time to cook or make a large amount of quinoa and store in the fridge for up to a week to add to any salad or side dish with cooked vegetables.

WATCH: Tips for Making Ahead and Freezing Recipes

ASIAN CHICKEN SALAD