My Top Two Sauces to Fancy Up a Plain Jane Meal
The truth - quick meals tend to be bland
I don’t know about you but when I'm exhausted from a night of baby or toddler keeping me up I just wanna throw some chicken in the oven without looking up some fancy recipe. Totally OK but unfortunately, quicker meals tend to be on the blander side. Take some time to make some sauces (even if this is once a month) that you can freeze and then defrost whenever.
Make once a month and defrost when needed
You can even put your puree trays or ice cube trays to extra use. I promise you will thank yourself later for creating a side dip that rounds your meal and makes it satisfying so that you are not reaching for more later.
Ps. You can sneak tons of veggies into these sauces which is a win for both you and the family.
Paleo Pesto
(Source: Better Homes & Gardens Paleo Recipes Magazine)
Makes 21 servings (1 tbsp each)
INGREDIENTS:
1 LEMON
2 CUPS PACKED FRESH SPINACH LEAVES
2 CUPS PACKED FRESH BASIL LEAVES
1/2 CUP WALNUTS, TOASTED
1/2 CUP OLIVE OIL
2 CLOVES GARLIC, MINCED
1/2 TSP SEA SALT
DIRECTIONS:
REMOVE 1 TSP ZEST AND SQUEEZE 2 TBSP JUICE FROM LEMON. IN A FOOD PROCESSOR COMBINE LEMON ZEST AND JUICE AND THE REMAINING INGREDIENTS. COVER, PROCESS UNTIL SMOOTH
TO STORE TRANSFER TO AN AIRTIGHT CONTAINER. COVER, CHILL UP 1 WEEK OR FREEZE UP TO 3 MONTHS.
Chimichurri Sauce
(Source: Better Homes & Gardens Paleo Recipes Magazine)
Makes 10 servings (1 tbsp each)
INGREDIENTS:
1 1/4 CUPS PACKED FRESH ITALIAN PARSLEY LEAVES
1/4 CUP OLIVE OIL
1 SHALLOT
2 TBSP FRESH OREGANO OR BASIL LEAVES
2 TBSP RED WINE VINEGAR
1 TBSP LEMON JUICE
3-4 CLOVE GARLIC, MINCED
1/2 TSP SEA SALT
1/4 TO 1/2 TSP CRUSHED RED PEPPER
DIRECTIONS:
IN A FOOD PROCESSOR OR BLENDER COMBINE ALL OF THE INGREDIENTS. BLEND TO YOUR LIKING. IF YOU ARE GOING TO FREEZE, I SUGGEST BLENDING UNTIL SMOOTH