Category: Dinner

Broccoli Cheddar Soup

I’ve always loved the Broccoli Cheddar Soup at Panera, so I was so excited to find this recipe to make it from scratch!

www.the-girl-who-ate-everything.com/panera-broccoli-cheese-soup

My review? This recipe is spot on.  It tasted exactly like the Panera soup to me – just as delicious.  (I used veggie broth instead of chicken broth)  However, when actually seeing the ingredients that go into this soup, I didn’t feel that great about it.  It’s largely cheese, half and half and broccoli.

So while this is great if the Panera soup is what you’re looking for, I’m going to hunt for a recipe that has some more nutrition in it – maybe more veggies – and maybe less half and half.   Stay tuned for a healthier alternative.

Baked Chicken

I am vegetarian, but my three boys and my husband all eat meat, so I am always looking for quick, easy and healthy recipes that don’t require a lot of handling of raw meat (which grosses me out!) .  This recipe is unbelievably easy and thankfully pleases everyone.  Marinate the chicken breasts in olive oil (I just fill a large ziploc bag with some olive oil and dip them in), pat them with some salt and pepper, and bake for 28 minutes at 400 degrees.   Done!

My husband likes to cut the chicken up and eat with cheese in chicken sandwiches, my middle son likes to eat them cut up with pesto and pasta, my other two like to put marinara or ketchup on them.    Or for the super healthy, simply serve the chicken with veggies on the side!

Broiled Salmon in Soy Sauce

My mom taught me this recipe, and it’s another super easy, healthy and fast one.  Have you noticed a trend that I like fast, easy and healthy?

I simply soak the salmon pieces in soy sauce, lay on parchment paper, and broil on high for about 5 minutes on one side and 5 minutes on the other.  More if you want more well-cooked.   So easy right?

The cauliflower I cooked by just boiling the cauliflower in some water for about 5 minutes and then adding salt.   Yum!

Lentil Soup

This one is a favorite with my husband and kids.  I estimate the calories per bowl to be about 300 calories.  It’s super easy and fast to make, and I often make double and freeze half of it.

LENTIL SOUP RECIPE

INGREDIENTS:

1 large white onion diced up

6-8 oz Strained Tomatoes (I use the jarred ones from Whole Foods)

4.5 cups of water

1.5 cups of red lentils (washed and rinsed)

1 teaspoon salt

Olive Oil

INSTRUCTIONS:

  1. Bring water to a boil in a medium pot; while that is warming up continue with steps 2 and 3.
  2. Sautee the diced up onion in olive oil in a pan for about 4-5 min.
  3. Add the strained tomatoes and let it boil for 1-2 minutes
  4. Add the onion/tomato mix and the washed lentils to the boiling water.
  5. Add 1 teaspoon of salt to the pot.
  6. Let the soup boil covered for 15 minutes
  7. Put the soup through the blender or food processor.
  8. Add salt, pepper and/or red pepper flakes to taste.