As a runner, there’s nothing quite like collapsing onto the couch after a long run, all sweaty and with that satisfying ache in your legs. It’s like the world pauses for a moment—until your stomach growls, reminding you that you need fuel.
Enter these dinner recipes: crafted with the perfect balance of carbs and protein to recharge your body and delight your taste buds.
So, lace up those shoes, hit the pavement, and come back to a meal that feels as rewarding as crossing a finish line—maybe even more so.
Steps
- Preheat your oven and prepare a baking dish. Slice courgettes thinly and cook in a pan until softened.
- In another pan, combine ricotta, garlic, and seasoning, then layer with lasagne sheets and courgettes in the dish.
- Pour white sauce over the layers, sprinkle with cheese, and bake until golden and bubbling.
Ingredients
- 2 courgettes, sliced
- 250g ricotta cheese
- 200g lasagne sheets
- 600g salmon fillets
- 1 head of broccoli, cut into florets
- 4 anchovy fillets, chopped
- 8 sundried tomatoes, chopped
- 500g rigatoni pasta
- 400g sausages, sliced
- 100g spinach leaves
- 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 200g red lentils
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 tablespoon curry powder
- 400ml coconut milk
- 1 butternut squash, peeled and diced
- 300g mixed seafood (pre-prepared)
- 400g beef steak, sliced
- 200g mushrooms, sliced
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 300g pappardelle pasta
- 1 avocado, diced
- 150g penne pasta
- 400g black-eyed beans
- 2 tomatoes, diced
- 1 beetroot, peeled and diced
- 200g chickpeas
- 100g lentils
- 200g prawns
- 1 red pepper, diced
- 100g walnuts, chopped
- 100g almonds, chopped
- 1 apple, grated
- 1 bag of mixed salad leaves
- 100g yogurt
- 50g pine nuts
- 1 jar of green olives, sliced
- 1 tablespoon mustard vinaigrette
- 100g strawberries, sliced
- 50g raspberry coulis
- 100g granola
- 4 eggs
- 2 avocados, mashed
- 1 butternut squash, peeled and diced
- 400g chickpeas
- 300g fusilli pasta
- 50g pecans, chopped
- 1 mango, peeled and diced
- 400g black beans
- 300g cod fillets
- 100g peas
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
FAQ
- What are some vegetarian recipes that can impress guests?
- You can try preparing a creamy courgette and ricotta lasagne. It’s quick to make and perfect for a vegetarian dinner party, especially when courgettes are in season.
- Are there any easy seafood recipes for busy weeknights?
- Yes, the easiest ever seafood rice is a great option. It uses pre-prepared mixed seafood and is cooked in one pot, making it both healthy and minimal on washing up.
- How can I incorporate more vegetables into my meals?
- You can try the spinach, sweet potato, and lentil dhal, which is a comforting vegan one-pot meal. It provides three of your five-a-day and is rich in iron while being low in fat and calories.
- What are some healthy breakfast ideas?
- Walnut and almond muesli with grated apple is a nutritious option. It’s a homemade cereal that’s naturally sweetened and full of healthy fats from nuts and seeds.
- Can you suggest a vegan salad that’s also gluten-free?
- The mango salad with avocado and black beans is both vegan and gluten-free. It provides four of your five-a-day and is a nutritious and colorful option.
Tips
- When making the creamy courgette lasagne, use fresh, seasonal courgettes for the best flavor, and consider adding a hint of nutmeg to the ricotta for a subtle warmth.
- For the salmon and broccoli pasta bake, try using whole grain pasta for an added nutritional boost, and don’t skip the anchovies—they add a depth of flavor that complements the dish.
- In the spinach, sweet potato, and lentil dhal, ensure the lentils are thoroughly cooked for a creamy texture, and adjust the spices to your taste for the perfect level of warmth and flavor.
- When preparing the prawn jambalaya, consider using brown rice to increase the fiber content, and be sure to let the flavors meld together by allowing the dish to rest for a few minutes before serving.
Equipment
- Lasagne/Pasta Bake Dish: A baking dish that can withstand oven temperatures, often made of glass or ceramic.
- Rice Cooker or Multi-Cooker: Helpful for rice dishes like jambalaya or paella, or for making dhals.
- High-Quality Chef’s Knife: Essential for chopping vegetables and proteins efficiently.
- Food Processor: Useful for preparing ingredients like ricotta mixtures or chopping nuts for granola.
- Immersion Blender: Handy for making soups like supergreen soup or smoothing out sauces.
- Non-stick or Cast Iron Skillet: Essential for dishes like poached eggs with smashed avocado or for sautéing vegetables.
- Mixing Bowls: A set of various-sized mixing bowls for preparing ingredients.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate measurement of ingredients.
