How to Save Time + Make Delicious Dinners!
Between work, school, sports practice, and any other activities that may fall on your calendar, we know weekdays can get pretty hectic. The thought of cooking a nice meal with your veggies at the end of the day might feel overwhelming sometimes, but we promise it’s possible with a few simple tips! These ideas will help you make the most of your CSA and get some delicious dinners on the table in no time.
1.) Plan Ahead
Planning ahead gives you both peace of mind and avoids potential food waste! When you get your predicted CSA list each week, start meal planning for when you are going to use each ingredient on each day. We recommend starting with the more delicate items first that have a shorter shelf life (like greens or tomatoes). Then, work your way through the rest of the list and save the heartier stuff like root veggies, potatoes, or winter squash for the end of the week.
By: Something Nutritious
2.) Sheet Pan Meals are Your Best Friend!
One pan meals are a weeknight life saver! When you can throw all of the ingredients on one pan you save on time, space, and dishes. All you need to do is pair some veggies + a protein, pop it in the oven, and you’re done! You can also get creative and make a sauce or grain to pair with it. Need some recipe ideas? Try making Sheet-pan Tofu and Veggies or Loaded Potatoes with Spicy Beans!
3.) Batch Cook Ingredients
Does prepping full meals feel overwhelming? Prep ingredients instead! Make some time at the beginning of the week to make a batch of rice, hard-boiled eggs, or roasted veggies. Then, when it’s time to pack your lunch or throw together a quick dinner, you’re half-way there. Your future self will thank you when you see a bunch of prepped ingredients stacked up in the fridge!
4.) Use Simple Recipes
Cooking doesn’t need to be complicated - keep it simple! There are so many great recipes out there that are under 30 minutes and use just a few ingredients. Need some inspiration? Try this 15-minute Vegan Mac and Cheese (with some hidden veggies in the sauce!), Crispy Sesame-Infused Fried Tofu Stir-Fry, or Simple Carrot Pasta.
5.) Take shortcuts!
Short on time to prepare a full meal? Bake a frozen pizza and add some fresh greens from your CSA on top! Make a box of mac and cheese and add some roasted carrots or broccoli for a serving of veggies! Not many people have time to make a gourmet dinner every night, and sometimes you have to take some shortcuts to get there. We won’t judge! 🙂
Want to add more veggies to your weeknight dinners?
Join our CSA and get farm-fresh produce delivered straight from our fields to your door (or pick up location) every week or bi-weekly. We make it easy to eat local veggies and share tons of resources along the way to help you cook through your box each week!
Have any questions about our CSA? Email support@moonvalleyfarm.net!