Your February 2024 meal plan
Doubling down on comfort
Welcome back to Weeknight Simple! This February, we are doubling down on comfort to tackle the winter doldrums. Whether your January resolutions are starting to wane or you’ve renewed your wows for February, this set of recipes will make it easy for you to eat well. I have it on good word from my recipe tester that this meal plan is even more weeknight-friendly than last month’s!
But first, if you’re new to Weeknight Simple, here’s what you get:
6 tested dinner recipes per month, carefully crafted for simplicity and flavor. From hearty soups to vibrant salads and comforting pastas, these complete meals have you covered.
Guided by the 6 tastes in Ayurveda, each dish aims to please your palate and leave your senses fully satisfied. No cravings here!
Generous servings with plenty of leftovers, perfect for lunch or freezing for later convenience.
Plus -
20-30g of protein per recipe (as written), making hitting your protein goals a breeze.
A bounty of at least 30 plants per week (for all 6 recipes as written) for a happy gut and a happy you.
Flexible carb options, you know your body best, so you do you.
Feeling overwhelmed? No worries! Take it at your own pace. Pick and choose recipes to fit your week, and when you find a favorite, make it a regular part of your rotation.
If you prefer to stay a free subscriber, you can take the poll at the bottom of this email to tell me which recipe you want in my free newsletter next week.
Navigating the whole-foods, vegetarian low-carb lifestyle requires planning and consistency, much like any other habit. As we transition from the motivation of January to the busyness of everyday life, having a stocked pantry and a plan in place is crucial for whipping up nourishing meals in a pinch.
If you're looking to:
Boost your protein intake
Cut down on carbs (with room for flexibility)
Embrace seasonal variety and mindful shopping
Cut down on frequent takeout meals where you can’t control the ingredients
Minimize food waste and shop with purpose
Dive into flavorful, innovative recipes
Expand your culinary repertoire
You're in the right place! Weeknight Simple is designed to meet your needs and desires, providing the structure and inspiration to make your weeknight meals a breeze.
So, here’s the plan:
Sign up for Weeknight Simple. You get a 30-day FREE trial, no questions asked!
Go shopping with my list - meticulously organized by supermarket aisle.
Use my step-by-step instructions to meal-prep for an hour on the weekend to make your weeknights simple.
Eat well, and feel your best.
On the menu for February:
If it’s February, then its Mardi Gras, ergo, gumbo. I developed this gluten-free gumbo-style recipe a couple of years ago but I love these new toppings that make it so much more satisfying. If you’re not a fan of okra, use broccoli. And get my NOLA recommendations here.
Lower carb version - serve over cauliflower rice
I know, it is stunning. It tastes even better than it looks. And you can make it in a jiffy.
Lower carb option - Use Kaizen lupini bean pasta or hearts of palm noodles (Trader Joes or Palmini)
Winter greens like collards, mustard greens and kale and replace spinach in my Saag Paneer for a hearty, slightly more complex version which is inspired by Sarson Ka Saag, a Punjabi winter favorite. It is typically served with Makki ki Roti (corn Roti). Imagine my surprise when Whole Foods accidentally delivered Masienda Heirloom Corn Tortillas in place of something else I had ordered. If you can lay your hands on them, you’re in luck, but no fret, you can use any low-carb tortilla like Siete Foods. The vegan version uses a splendid Air-fried or Baked Tofu.
Higher carb option - use a whole-wheat tortilla
I am so excited for the possibilities that lie ahead for this brand new flatbread recipe. In this dish, I use it as a pizza base and air-fry/broil it to get crispy edges. It’s topped off with dreamy ricotta or ‘addictive’ Tofu Ricotta and broccoli rabe plus lemon zest for the perfect balance of flavors. Feel free to mix up the toppings as you like - you just got a high-protein blank canvas!
Inspired by an Ottolenghi pasta recipe, I use harissa and olives to spice up and layer this minestrone with a more complex flavor. Turns out Ottolenghi himself developed a minestrone recipe this winter for NYT Cooking! You know what they say about great minds. If you haven’t used fennel before, you’re going to love it in this easy recipe. It’s the perfect antidote to winter doldrums.
Higher carb option - Use jovial Einkorn pasta
According to my recipe tester, each ingredient shines on its own in this glorious salad, like the cumin lentils or the za’atar roasted cauliflower. It’s worth going the extra mile (or use the links at the bottom) for black Beluga lentils - they hold their shape and absorb flavors beautifully. The dressing (yeah, more harissa) is something I am proud of and fondly hope that it will become a fixture in your salad bar.
Lower carb option - skip the sweet potato
Pro-tips:
Please set aside 30 minutes to go over the recipes + shopping list to decide which recipes you’re making and when, and map out the prep briefly. It will be worth your while :)
I highly recommend getting an Instant Pot and Air-Fryer to save time. If you already have these appliances, rest assured you’re gonna use them!
When you sign up for the 30-day free trial -
You will have a plan and actually look forward to cooking, because you have fewer decisions to make. You’ll have the opportunity to send me feedback so we can tailor Weeknight Simple to be perfect for YOU! And then you’ll get to enjoy produce season when it really takes off in the spring.
Not ready to sign up?
That’s ok! You get to choose which recipe I send out in my free newsletter, next week. Just tell me what recipe you would like best by taking this poll. The winning recipe will be in your inbox next week.
PS: Looking for a healthy Valentine’s day menu? Look no further.
Wishing you the best year with the best eats and the best feels. xoxo