Throw Dinner Together With This Easy Formula That Works With Whatever You've Got On Hand - Tasting Table

"Your dinner meal should contain three major elements: starch, protein, and vegetables. This formula covers the essential macronutrients of protein, carbohydrates, and fat, while also bringing vitamins, minerals, and freshness with the vegetables. Starches include carb-heavy staples like pasta, bread, corn, rice, potatoes, and whole ancient grains like farro, quinoa, and barley. Proteins run the gamut from red meat, poultry, and fish to tofu, beans, and lentils."

"Once you've sussed out these three elements, you can then look for more ingredients to bring flavor to your meal. A sprinkle of feta or parmesan cheese, a drizzle of your favorite store-bought sauce, chopped herbs, and seasoning mixes are all great ways to tie the meal together while also bringing even more nutrition to the mix. All you need is a jar of alfredo sauce to turn pasta, chicken, and broccoli into a classic chicken alfredo."

Construct dinners using three elements: a starch, a protein, and vegetables to cover macronutrients and add vitamins and freshness. Starches include pasta, bread, corn, rice, potatoes, and whole ancient grains such as farro, quinoa, and barley. Proteins include red meat, poultry, fish, tofu, beans, and lentils. Flavor can be added with cheese, sauces, chopped herbs, and seasoning mixes to tie meals together. Frozen vegetables extend shelf life and reduce waste. Pantry staples like grains, pasta, beans, and potatoes have long shelf lives, making it easy to assemble balanced dinners without resorting to takeout.

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