Monday – Roasted Vegetable Lasagna
Start your week off with a comforting, vegetarian-friendly dish that is both colorful and delicious. Begin by roasting vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, onions, and eggplant in the oven they’re caramelized and tender. Then, assemble them into a lasagna with lasagna noodles, ricotta cheese, and tomato sauce. Bake until bubbly and golden brown on top. Serve with garlic bread for an added touch.
Tuesday – Chickpea and Sweet Potato Curry
Curries are a brilliant way of bringing warmth and depth to a cold winter’s day. Start by frying onions and garlic in a pan with olive oil. Add chopped sweet potato and some canned chickpeas to the mix, then stir in a can of coconut milk and your choice of curry paste. Let the curry simmer for around 20 minutes, or until thickened to your desired consistency. Serve with some rice or naan bread.
Wednesday – Beef Stew
A hearty beef stew made with root vegetables is the epitome of comfort food. Brown chunks of beef chuck or stew meat in a Dutch oven before setting aside. Fry onions, celery, and carrots in the same pot until softened, then add some garlic, herbs (like rosemary and thyme), and beef broth to the mix. Add the meat back in, along with diced potatoes and turnips, and let everything simmer for around two hours. The result should be a thick, meaty stew that warms you from the inside out.
Thursday – Salmon en Papillote
Thursday calls for a dose of healthy eating. Salmon en Papillote is a perfectly elegant and fuss-free way of enjoying fish. Preheat the oven to 375°F. Cut a square of parchment paper, place a salmon fillet in the center, and top with sliced lemon, thyme, and dill. Scrunch up the edges to create a seal and place on a baking sheet. Bake for around 20 minutes or until the salmon is cooked through.
Friday – Pizza Night
Celebrate the end of the week by making homemade pizzas with your family or friends. You can choose to make a pizza with your favorite toppings, whether that be cheese and pepperoni or roasted vegetables. Do not be afraid to venture into some unique toppings like arugula or bacon jam to give your pizzas a unique twist.
In conclusion, with various dishes like roasted vegetable lasagna, beef stew, chickpea and sweet potato curry, salmon en papillote and your very own pizza creation, the week of January 30th can be full of flavorsome delicacies that will warm you up amidst the winter’s chill. The trick is to experiment with different flavors, and never hesitate to use up any ingredients you have at home. Bon appetit!