Perfectly Balanced: A Quick Meal for Busy Weeknights

In today's fast-paced world, finding a quick yet balanced meal can be challenging, but with this simple recipe, you can have your dinner ready in less than 30 minutes while ensuring that all nutritional bases are covered. This article will provide you with the perfect recipe to enjoy a satisfying and healthy dish whenever time is short.

Keyword: quick meal for busy weeknights

Ingredients You Will Need

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 small onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 zucchini, sliced into rounds
1 bell pepper, diced
Salt and pepper to taste
1 can (15 ounces) of cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
1 cup vegetable broth or water
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Optional: 1 tablespoon lemon juice for a tangy touch

Cooking Instructions

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until they become translucent, approximately 5 minutes.
Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for another minute, allowing the aroma of fresh garlic to release into the mixture without burning it.
Then add the sliced zucchini and diced bell pepper to the skillet. Stir in well, cooking until both vegetables are tender but still retain some crispness. This should take about 5 minutes.
In a separate pot, heat up the vegetable broth or water until it's at room temperature. Drain and rinse the cannellini beans under cold water to remove excess sodium from canned products if preferred.
Pour the heated vegetable broth into your main skillet with the other ingredients already cooked together. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer for about 10 minutes so that all flavors meld nicely. Adjust seasoning by adding salt and pepper as needed; you may also add some lemon juice if desired.
Once the soup has thickened slightly from simmering, stir in the drained cannellini beans until they are heated through but not mushy. Let cook for another 2-3 minutes if necessary to heat everything thoroughly.
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately! This meal pairs perfectly with crusty bread or a side salad for added nutrients and variety.

How Many Servings Does This Recipe Make?

This recipe yields approximately four servings. You can easily adjust the portions based on your family size or number of guests by multiplying ingredients accordingly while keeping cooking times consistent.

Cooking Time and Preparation

The entire process from start to finish should only take around 25-30 minutes, making it ideal for those hectic weeknights when there's little time available but still a desire for home-cooked meals. The preparation itself is straightforward, requiring minimal skills or special equipment.

Why Choose This Quick Meal?

Selecting this type of dish offers numerous benefits beyond just convenience during busy times:

It's rich in protein from the beans which helps keep you full longer and supports muscle repair after exercise.

p>The vegetables contribute essential vitamins and minerals needed for overall good health.

p>Vegetable broth or water keeps calorie intake low without sacrificing flavor, perfect if weight loss goals are part of your lifestyle choices.

Tips For Success

To ensure that the zucchini doesn't become too soft before other components come together in the final dish, consider cooking it separately using a steamer basket for about 3-4 minutes until just tender enough but still maintains some texture.

p>For added freshness, always use fresh herbs instead of dried ones whenever possible. Freshly chopped parsley adds an extra dimension to this simple meal without significantly increasing preparation time.

p>By following these steps and tips, you can create a delightful, nutritious dinner that caters well to the needs of people leading busy lives. Enjoy your balanced and delicious quick meal!