15 Minute Healthy Dinners

In our house, there are two favorite meals that are as fast as they are flavorful and nutritious.

Covering the Bases Couscous:

So many people are unfamiliar with couscous, which packs a heavier nutritional punch than pasta, but much like pasta, is available in a wheat option. 

2/3c+ of sweet onion
8+ medium to large white mushroom
1c+ frozen green peas
1T Olive Oil
Near East Roasted Garlic and Olive Oil Wheat Couscous
Parmesan Cheese

Dice onions and mushrooms and place with olive oil in a pan that has a lid.  Sweat the mushrooms for 5 minutes and add peas, liquid from directions on the box, and flavor packet.  Follow directions on box.  Serve with a sprinkle of shredded Parmesan on top.  Prep and cook time approx. 15 minutes.

This creates a nutritious and filling meal that mixes vegetables and grains, a dose of calcium and protein, and is an excellent source of Selenium, which acts as an antioxidant.  Please note that the instant couscous that I use is high in sodium, but as our family consumes very little sodium throughout the day and makes the couscous an entire meal, serving 4 people without adding salt anywhere else, we choose to use this recipe as it is what we enjoy.

Mac & Cheese with a Twist
1 Box Annie's Organic Shells with White Cheddar (Family Size)
11/2c fresh chopped spinach
1 can rinsed and drained low sodium black beans
3T goat cheese
11/2c fresh tomatoes

Prepare shells according to instructions on box.  Drain and rinse bean and shop spinach, leaving both in colander.  Dice tomatoes and set aside.  Drain shells over colander, reserving some 1/2c of liquid.  Place shells, beans, and spinach back in pot over low heat and add provided cheese mix and goat cheese.  Stir well until goat cheese is melted.  Served topped with fresh diced tomato.  Serves 3-4.  Prep and cook time 15 minutes.

At about 271 calories per serving and only 44 calories from fat, these simple and colorful addition to from-the-box mac and cheese turn it into a healthy meal that is a great source of dietary fiber, folate, Vitamin A, which helps support a healthy immune system, and manganese, which helps to keep young and growing bones strong.  It is also a drama-free way to help kids learn to like two great vegetables, tomatoes and spinach, as they are served in a familiar and well-loved comfort food.