When we think of "what's for dinner" our mind typically goes to the main dish - pork chops, chicken breast, turkey burgers - but it's harder to pinpoint the side dishes that will go with it. So we just throw some frozen veggies in the microwave and let it go.
A favorite and easy way to get a meal complete is by using a sheet pan. This limits the amount of dishes, the amount of back and forth in the kitchen, and the amount ingredients you need to use. Typically, sheet pans are heavy on spices and not on sauces - but there are a few exceptions. And they can be made with or without the meat.
Typically I tell clients, "It's not that you don't like veggies. It's that you don't like the way your veggies have been prepared." I have even gotten my picky 10-year-old to eat green beans by just preparing them a different way. You just have to want to do it.
So here's the deal: Everything is flexible. Add proteins if you want, but make sure you're preparing and cooking them properly.
But I wanted to share a base recipe with you and let you take it from there.
+ Ingredient Options:
- Choose a potato (Red, Idaho, Sweet)
- Choose a veggies (Fresh or Frozen - Brussels sprouts, broccoli, cauliflower, carrots)
- Add an onion, if you choose
- Grab some healthy oil like Olive or Avocado
- Grab some spices like garlic salt, a favorite blend, or Italian seasoning
+ If the veggies are frozen:
- Preheat oven to 350º
- Place frozen veggies on a sheet pan and stick in the oven for 10 minutes alone
- Meanwhile, chop your potatoes into 1" cubes. Mix in with oil until just coated and sprinkle your spice on choice. This is where you'll add the onion, if you choose. Just chop into 1" sections and mix with potatoes.
- Place the potatoes on the sheet pan with veggies and roast for 20-30 more minutes, flipping them every 10 minutes.
- Time is entirely up to how roasted your family likes to eat veggies and the time will depend on the type of veggie, as well.
+If the veggies are fresh:
- Preheat oven to 350º
- Chop your potatoes, veggies and onion, if you choose, into 1" cubes. Mix in with oil until just coated and sprinkle your spice on choice.
- Place everything on the sheet pan and roast for 30-40 minutes, flipping them every 10 minutes.
- Time is entirely up to how roasted your family likes to eat veggies and the time will depend on the type of veggie, as well.
Enjoy!
And don't forget to share your blends of veggies and spices with us.
~T&E