As I wrote about last night, I’m trying out a new semi-homemade meal service this week called Meez Meals. Last night’s dinner Brussels Sprouts and Pan Fried Tofu in a Sweet Chili Sauce took just 15 minutes of my time, but tasted like I had spent several hours prepping and cooking. Tonight’s menu of Spring Panzanella with Asparagus and White Beans was just as delicious and easy. Vivian was fussing and Evie and Mack were fighting as only siblings can, but I still managed to put a healthy and fresh meal together in about 20 minutes without going crazy. I consider this a small victory in my new life with three kids!
Spring Panzanella with Asparagus and White Beans
2 bunches asparagus, ½” pieces
2 cups peas
3 cups white beans
½ cups shredded Parmesan
8 cups whole wheat bread, cubed
Vinaigrette
½ onion, diced
4 T white wine vinegar
4 t lemon juice
2 tsp Dijon mustard
6 tablespoons olive oil
Preheat oven to 400.
Put the bread in a bowl and toss with 3 T olive oil, plenty of salt and pepper, as well as half of the Parmesan, if using. Put the mixture on a baking sheet in a single layer and bake for about 10 minutes, until they start to crisp. Don’t be tempted to overcook them, though.You want them to still be soft on the inside. Set aside until your veggies are cooked.
Put the vinaigrette ingredients in a small bowl, as well as salt and pepper to taste. Give it a good stir and set aside until it’s time to eat.
Heat 1 T olive oil and ¼ C water a large skillet over medium high heat. When the water starts to bubble, add a pinch of salt and
the asparagus / pea mix, then cover. Let the veggies cook for a minute, then add the beans. (We like our asparagus crisp tender. If you like yours softer, cook it for an extra minute or two.) Cook uncovered for another minute, until the beans heat up.
Put the croutons back into the bowl you tossed them and add the veggie mix, vinaigrette and remaining Parmesan. Toss everything and you’ve got dinner.
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I definitely agree that these semi-prepared meals are a great way to get healthy fresh dinners on the table when you have a little one to care for or are otherwise stretched thin. After our daughter was born, my parents went to Let’s Dish and made about a dozen semi-prepared meals to fill our freezer. We just finished our first batch, so when they came to visit last week, the filled our freezer again.
Let’s Dish is similar to Meez Meals – but you have the option to go the Let’s Dish location and do the prep work yourself (or have a generous friend do it for you), which reduces the price. They also offer an option to deliver everything pre-prepared for those who don’t have the time to make it to their store. It is so wonderful to know that you have those meals on hand for when you don’t have more than 15 minutes to pull a homemade meal together!