Even when I have a lot of free time, I tend to get a little lazy with meals. So when my free time is nonexistent, meals have quick and simple. Complicated? No thanks. Obscure ingredients? Definitely not. Keep it simple and I am hooked. It’s a good thing that clean eating is so easy. If it weren’t, this lazy cook would be in a whole lot of trouble.
To those who think that clean eating is difficult (and to my old self – who thought the exact same thing), here a few simple meals that are clean, quick, and delicious.
The best thing about these meals? They all contain some combo of these healthy ingredients – beans, quinoa, sweet potato, and tofu (for my plant-based friends)!
So take a little time out to cook up a big batch of quinoa, rinse and drain a few cans of beans, bake some sweet potatoes, and drain/marinate a block of tofu over the weekend. That way, these meals will be a cinch to make during the week.
Meal 1: Quinoa, Black Bean, Veggie Stir Fry (add tofu or tempeh for extra filling protein)
What you’ll need:
- cooked quinoa
- rinsed black beans
- veggies (red pepper, broccoli, spinach, etc.)
- bragg’s liquid aminos or reduced sodium soy sauce
- olive oil
- salt and pepper
- drained and pressed tofu or tempeh
- optional: nutritional yeast
Like is spicy? Simply add some sriracha or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper!
COOK IT UP: 1.) Pour a bit of olive oil in a warm pan (or wok if you have one). 2.) Add your ingredients in layers—I typically start with the tofu, then add the black beans and quinoa. 3.) Lastly, I add the veggies (adding them last preserves their crispiness). Note: season (with salt, pepper, soy sauce/Bragg’s, etc.) as you go to get the best flavor.
Meal 2: Stuffed Red Pepper
What you’ll need:
- 1 fresh red pepper (cut off the top + deseed)
- cooked quinoa
- pinto beans
- edamame (frozen works)
- hummus
- salsa
COOK IT UP: 1.) Prep your red pepper—wash, cut off the top, and deseed. 2.) Mix together all of your ingredients. 3.) Bake for roughly 20 minutes on 350 degrees.
Want it cheesy? Add some nondairy Daiya cheese! It melts just like regular cheese—yum!
Meal 3: Turmeric Roasted Sweet Root Veggies (as a salad topper/side)
What you’ll need:
- 1 baked sweet potato
- 3 parsnips
- Brussels sprouts
- black beans
- turmeric
- salt and pepper
- cinnamon
- 2 T. coconut oil
GET COOKING: 1.) Wash and chop your veggies so they are all roughly the same size. 2.) Toss in a mixture of coconut oil, turmeric, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. 3.) Bake on a cookie sheet for roughly 30 minutes at 375 (or until they’ve reached your desired crispiness).
TIP: These are my favorite salad topper! Toss these with some fresh greens, hummus, and avocado for a filling meal.
Meal 4: Salad Dreams are Made Of
What you’ll need:
- Mixed greens (spinach, baby kale, arugula)
- red pepper
- black beans
- chickpeas
- avocado
- mango salsa
NO COOKING REQUIRED: Put all of your ingredients into a large mixing bowl and chop, chop, chop! Once your veggies are coated with creamy avocado and sweet mango salsa—you’re good to go. This is quick, healthy, and delicious (AKA the unbeatable meal combo).
Meal 5: Mexican Style Sweet Potato
What you’ll need:
- baked sweet potato
- quinoa
- black beans
- corn salsa
- spinach
- cumin
- fresh cilantro
- salt and pepper
COOK IT UP: 1.) Scrub/wash a large sweet potato, wrap in foil, and bake for about 40 minutes at 425 degrees. 2.) Sauté cooked quinoa, black beans, and spinach until warm. Add salt, pepper, cumin, and fresh cilantro to taste! 3.) Cut your sweet potato in half and load it up with your mixture!
Top it off with a more fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime for a quick and zesty meal!
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These meals are a STAPLE in my household because of their simplicity—but don’t mistake simplicity for lack of flavor! Each of these meals is bursting with taste, vibrant colors, and nutrients.
What are you waiting for? GET COOKING! :)
Stefanie
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