5 HEALTHIER RECIPES TO COOK THIS YEAR

Guys! Louisa from Living Lou is back today with a guest post. I selfishly reached out to her and asked if she wanted to do a recipe round up for the new year. Now that it is freezing out, dining out (during a pandemic) is harder than ever. Mike and I would try to go out every six weeks or so, usually opting for a super early dinner or a late lunch to avoid crowds, but now it’s just too cold to comfortably sit outside.

We definitely have leaned into take out a couple of times a week, but we are also doing a LOT of cooking. By we… I mean Mike 😉 For whatever reason though, I have been in the mood to do some cooking. It’s probably just having a fresh start of a year and feeling that little burst of motivation… I will absolutely be making Louisa’s meatballs this weekend!

5 HEALTHIER RECIPES TO COOK THIS YEAR

by Louisa from Living Lou

Cooking is something that brings me great joy. And while I hope that it brings you joy too, I totally understand that for many, cooking is a chore. But maybe 2021 is the year that cooking begins to spark some joy for you? 

Find a few recipes that you love. Buy some new cookbooks (I just got Ina Garten’s Modern Comfort Food and it is quickly becoming a favorite!), browse recipes on your favorite blogs and Instagram accounts. Ask your family for their favorites; it’s a great way to stay connected and have a “taste” of home, even if you’re far away. 

And while I was certainly burnt out from cooking every single night last year, I’m feeling inspired by new recipes and flavors to try in 2021. To kick off the New Year, I’ve got five delicious and healthy new recipes that I hope will bring you some joy this year! 

1. Roasted Cauliflower Tacos with Black Beans 

A couple of years ago I made a resolution to eat at least one vegetarian meal a week and now it’s become second nature. We probably eat more vegetarian meals a week than non-veg! This is one of my go-to recipes, I love the way the cauliflower gets a little crisp in the oven and it’s bulked up with canned black beans. 

2. Slow Cooker Meatballs in Tomato Sauce 

Honestly, cold winter days call for comfort food and these meatballs are homemade and slow simmered in tomato sauce. No need to brown them beforehand–just shape and place in your slow cooker. Serve with a chunk of bread and a nice big salad, or serve over spaghetti. 

3. Shrimp and Broccoli Stir Fry 

I’m a huge fan of a quick weeknight stir fry! This one is ready in 25 minutes and is packed with flavor. I always keep a bag of shrimp in my freezer for busy evenings. It thaws and cooks super quickly–which can save your life if you’ve forgotten to take something out of the freezer! 

4. Tofu Stir Fry with Peanut Sauce 

I actually really love tofu and cook with it almost weekly! If you’re not convinced, give this recipe a try. Everyone I’ve made it for has said that it was the first time they loved tofu. 

5. Baked Salmon (or trout) Fillets

Everyone needs a quick go-to fish recipe. This simple marinade with just five ingredients (plus salt) gets brushed onto the fish before baking. I like to use this marinade for salmon or trout, but it would also be delicious on cod or halibut.