From Salon · Ashlie D. Stevens · · 2m
Grocery shortcuts for quick weeknight dinners
Frozen chicken cutlets and saucy beans simplify dinner prep without takeout.
In brief
Frozen chicken cutlets and saucy beans simplify dinner prep without takeout. Ashlie Stevens recommends frozen chicken cutlets, saucy beans and other quick groceries for under-hour dinners that taste great. Originally reported by Salon.
My autumn dinner routine
I finish work, head to dance class or gym, then open the fridge to cook dinner.
The problem with weeknight cooking
Dirtying three bowls for chicken cutlets or peeling vegetables when hungry is time-consuming.
My grocery philosophy
I can’t be a domestic goddess for everything, convenience is part of healthy cooking.
The things that do the heavy lifting
Whole Foods frozen chicken cutlets and frozen meatballs simplify dinner prep without extra chopping.
Heyday saucy beans
Canned beans with velvety sauces are easy to heat and eat without extra work.
Laoban popcorn chicken
Frozen chicken with soy garlic sauce cooks light and crisp for quick takeout-style meals.
Jenny’s smoked tofu
Tofu made 10 minutes from Chicago apartment is great for sandwiches and wraps.
Frozen scallion pancakes
Scallion pancakes with toppings are easy to make without chopping vegetables.
The 'why the hell not?' vegetables
Pre-shredded cabbage and carrots add crunch and color without extra effort.
Pre-shredded cabbage
Cabbage adds crunch to tacos, rice bowls and steak chili with minimal effort.
Pre-shredded carrots
Carrots blend into sauces and curries for quick, flavorful meals.
Frozen vegetables
Frozen veggies like corn, peas and edamame add fiber without extra chopping.
The things that make everything taste better
Sauces and pastes like pesto add flavor without extra shopping.
Sun-dried tomato pesto
Sun-dried tomato pesto adds deep flavor to pasta and sandwiches.
Curry paste
Curry paste allows for quick improvisation with protein and vegetables.
Mekhala lemongrass turmeric paste
Lemongrass turmeric paste adds aromatic depth to soups and stews.
Pacific Foods ramen broth
Ramen broth is the base for quick, flavorful dinners with minimal prep.
Gravy packets
Gravy packets simplify weeknight cottage pie without extra work.
Frozen ginger cubes
Frozen ginger, onion and garlic cubes save time by eliminating chopping.
Dinner examples
Semi-homemade ramen, cottage pie and bean skillet use the recommended groceries.
The takeaway
Ashlie Stevens recommends frozen chicken cutlets, saucy beans and other quick groceries for under-hour dinners that taste great.
