The Everyday Food TV show has become a staple for home cooks looking to bring restaurant-quality meals to their kitchen with easy, accessible recipes. Let's dive into seven must-try dishes from the series that not only promise to simplify your daily cooking but also to tantalize your taste buds.
Cauliflower Mac & Cheese
The first dish on our list is a healthier take on a classic comfort food - Cauliflower Mac & Cheese. Here's how you can make this decadent yet nutritious dish:
- Ingredients:
- 1 medium head of cauliflower, cut into florets
- 8 oz macaroni
- 4 tbsp butter
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 tsp mustard powder
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- Preparation:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the cauliflower in boiling salted water until tender, about 5-7 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Cook macaroni to al dente according to package instructions.
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat, whisk in flour, and cook for about 2 minutes.
- Gradually add milk while continuously whisking. Once thickened, add mustard powder, and cheeses. Stir until melted.
- Combine macaroni and cauliflower with cheese sauce, season with salt and pepper, and transfer to a baking dish.
- Top with breadcrumbs and bake until golden and bubbly.
🧀 Note: For a gluten-free version, simply substitute the macaroni with gluten-free pasta or increase the amount of cauliflower.
Chicken Parmigiana with Greens
Chicken Parmigiana is given a fresh twist with the addition of greens. This version not only adds a nutritional boost but also enhances the flavor profile:
- Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella
- Mixed greens like spinach or kale
- Olive oil, salt, pepper
- Preparation:
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Combine breadcrumbs and parmesan, season with salt and pepper.
- Dip chicken in egg wash, then in the breadcrumb mixture.
- Place chicken on baking sheet, bake for 20-25 minutes until golden and cooked through.
- Add a spoonful of marinara sauce on top of each chicken breast, followed by mozzarella. Return to oven until cheese melts.
- Sauté greens in olive oil until wilted and season with salt and pepper.
Black Bean & Corn Salsa
A vibrant, fresh, and easy-to-assemble side dish or dip, this Black Bean & Corn Salsa is perfect for any occasion:
- Ingredients:
- 1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 2 cups frozen corn, thawed
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 jalapeño, seeds removed, finely diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- Juice of 2 limes
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Salt, pepper, olive oil
- Preparation:
- Combine all ingredients in a bowl.
- Season with salt, pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil.
- Let sit for at least 30 minutes to marry flavors.
🌿 Note: For a spicier version, keep the seeds in the jalapeño or use extra jalapeños.
Balsamic Roasted Chicken with Vegetables
Want a simple, flavorful, one-pan meal? Try this Balsamic Roasted Chicken with Vegetables:
- Ingredients:
- 4 chicken thighs or breasts
- 1 lb potatoes, halved
- 1/2 lb carrots, cut into chunks
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 tsp thyme, dried or fresh
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- Salt, pepper
- Preparation:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Toss vegetables in olive oil, balsamic vinegar, thyme, garlic, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet.
- Season chicken with salt, pepper, and arrange on top of the vegetables.
- Roast for 35-40 minutes, until chicken is fully cooked and vegetables are tender.
Avocado Citrus Salad
For a refreshing and light meal, this Avocado Citrus Salad is perfect with its tangy dressing:
- Ingredients:
- 2 avocados, sliced
- 1 grapefruit, segmented
- 1 orange, segmented
- Mixed greens
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard
- Salt, pepper
- Preparation:
- Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, honey, mustard, salt, and pepper for the dressing.
- Toss greens in dressing, arrange avocado slices, and citrus segments on top.
- Serve immediately to keep avocado from browning.
These recipes from the Everyday Food show exemplify how simple ingredients and straightforward techniques can yield stunning and delicious results. Each dish brings its unique flavor to the table, ensuring variety in your weekly meal plan. From comforting dishes like Mac & Cheese to fresh salads, you'll find something that suits every palate and occasion.
Incorporating these recipes into your cooking routine not only adds variety but also introduces healthier options into your diet without sacrificing taste. These dishes remind us that good food can come from simple, everyday ingredients when prepared with care.
Can I modify these recipes for dietary restrictions?
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Absolutely! For example, use gluten-free pasta in the Cauliflower Mac & Cheese, or make the Black Bean & Corn Salsa spicier or milder by adjusting the jalapeño amounts. Many of these recipes are versatile and can be adapted to fit various dietary needs.
What are some good substitutes for hard-to-find ingredients?
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If an ingredient is not available, consider using this table for substitutes:
| Ingredient | Substitute |
|---|---|
| Balsamic vinegar | Red wine vinegar with a touch of honey |
| Mustard powder | Dijon or ground mustard seeds |
| Chicken | Tofu, tempeh, or other meat substitutes |
How can I make these dishes more kid-friendly?
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Reduce or omit spicy elements like jalapeños or hot sauce. Also, involve children in the cooking process to make them more enthusiastic about trying new dishes. For example, let them mix ingredients for the salsa or breadcrumb the chicken.
Are these recipes budget-friendly?
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Yes, many of these recipes are designed with budget considerations in mind, using common pantry staples and seasonal produce to keep costs low while maintaining nutritional value.
