Cooking healthily and on a budget should not mean canned beans, lettuce, overly expensive ingredients or trying to force feed your children vegetables night after night. Because of these reasons and (so many more) eating well can seem like a chore and unnecessary time spent in the kitchen, especially when the world is filled with chocolate, cheese and cake so why would we bother eating a salad, right?
However, my fellow readers not only is cooking healthy, nutritious food and eating well good for you, but it can also be easy and delicious too. If you don’t know where to begin and need a little inspiration, then look no further – here are a collection of some of our favourite tried and tested healthy and nutritious recipes that the whole family can enjoy. This is not about calorie counting but making a few healthy swaps or better choices. What have you got to lose? Go on, give them a go for an easy healthy re-boot!
1. Creamy Chicken Stew by Emily Bytes
A warm, satisfying comfort food recipe packed full of staple ingredients such as chicken, carrots, onions and potatoes – found in every kitchen and fridge. Cook on the hob or add to your slow cooker to make it even easier.
Try adding your favourite veggies to give it your own twist and to use up ingredients you don’t want to throw away. Or why not grab a blender, to turn this rustic and hearty stew into a delicious soup for lunch the next day.
Visit: https://emilybites.com/
2. American Style Overnight Blueberry Pancakes by Joe Wickes
Who knew pancakes could be healthy? This is one of my favourite recipes to indulge my sweet tooth without that dreaded voice of regret. It’s quick, easy and great for kids too. All you need is a measuring jug, non-stick frying pan, some measuring scales, a bowl and a few utensils and you are good to go.
Ingredients
- 160g rolled oats
- 40g vanilla protein powder
- 2tsp baking powder
- 4 eggs
- 240g blueberries, plus extra for scattering
- 340g zero fat Greek yoghurt, plus extra to serve with
- Coconut oil, for cooking
- Maple syrup or honey
Method
Step 1: Combine the oats, yogurt and protein powder in a bowl. Cover and place in the fridge overnight.
Step 2: When ready to make, add the eggs, baking powder and blueberries to the mixture. Add a little water to loosen if required.
Step 3: Melt a little coconut oil in a good non-stick frying pan over a medium to high heat. When it is hot, add 2 spoonfuls of the batter per pancake, cook for 1-2 minutes and flip over and cook for another minute or until golden brown. You’ll notice little bubbles forming when the pancakes are ready to flip over.
Step 4: Serve up stacks of your pancakes with a few extra blueberries, Greek yoghurt and a cheeky drizzle of maple syrup or honey.
Not a fan of blueberries? Simply swap for your favourite berries or add bananas instead for your own twist. For an added sweet kick and to make these pancakes into an indulgent weekend treat try adding a spoonful (or two) of dark chocolate chips. The blueberry version are typically better for you (without the added chocolate chips of course)! This recipe serves 4.
3. Tortilla Pizza by BBC Good Food
Enjoy a guilt free pizza by simply making a few healthy swaps. Swap thick and stodgy pizza dough for white or wholemeal tortillas and add your favourite topping for a quick supper for two.
Ingredients
- 4 tbsp passata
- 1 garlic clove , crushed
- ½ tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp dried herbs (mixed herbs, basil or oregano)
- 2 plain tortillas
- 50g grated mozzarella
- 6-8 slices pepperoni
- 6-8 pickled jalapeño slices
Method
Heat the oven to around 200c to 220c.
Step 1: Mix the passata, garlic, olive oil, herbs and season well.
Step 2: Put the tortillas onto one large baking tray, spread over the tomato sauce leaving a 1cm border around the edges.
Step 3: Scatter with the mozzarella, add the pepperoni and jalapeños (or your chosen toppings). Bake for 6-8 minutes until the edges of the tortillas are crisp and golden, and the cheese has melted and is bubbling.
Visit: https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/tortilla-pizza
4. Baked Peaches by Sainsburys
Try baked fruit for a sweet and sticky winter warming treat. This recipe by Sainsburys is an old favourite, and perfect for all the family including kids. All you need is 4 ingredients; 15-20 mins and you have dessert.
Ingredients
6 peaches
4 tsp light soft brown sugar or 3 tbsp runny honey
½ tsp vanilla
4 tbsp natural yogurt
Method
Step 1: Preheat the oven to around 180c.
Step 2: Cut the peaches in half, remove the stones and put the peaches into an oven proof dish, add a drop of vanilla extract to each. Sprinkle over the sugar or drizzle over the honey and bake for 10-15 mins.
Step 3: Serve with yogurt
For a little extra crunch, try adding a few toasted oats or chopped almonds! Or a sprinkle of chocolate chips for the little ones!
Visit: https://recipes.sainsburys.co.uk/recipes/baking/baked-peaches
5. Peanut Butter and Jam Smoothie by Joe Wicks
What could be more satisfying than a healthy smoothie that tastes like a peanut butter and jam sandwich? All you need are a few store cupboard staples and a blender and you have an irresistible and fibre rich breakfast or lunch at your fingertips.
Ingredients
140ml unsweetened almond milk (use soya milk or skimmed milk as an alternative)
70g fresh or frozen strawberries or raspberries
20g rolled oats
90g zero fat Greek yogurt
25g vanilla protein powder
40g peanut butter
Handful of ice
Add all of the ingredients to a blender, whizz it up and serve! Delicious!
Note: These recipes may contain nuts, lactose, wheat and gluten. Please be aware to check for allergies and intolerances.