Busy nights call for simple dinners. With school back in session, it’s a delicate balance between “what will feed my family” and “what will preserve my sanity.” Before pulling through the drive thru, here are 5 simple weeknight meals that will keep your family fueled – and your head sane.
Broccoli Mushroom Noodle Casserole
Benefits: Casserole always means less dishes.
Local food: You can substitute any local in-season vegetable that’s at your farmers market!
Fried Blue Catfish Tacos
Benefits: Not your typical catfish, these filets are white and flaky and make an excellent taco. Make sure it’s Wild-Caught Blue Catfish; These catfish are taking over the Bay and destroying other species like our beloved crabs and oysters, when you eat these you are also helping the Bay!
Local Food: Wild-Caught Blue Catfish can be found at many grocery stores near you!
Tip: To make it even easier, buy a pre-made aioli from the store.
Grilled Steak and Vegetale Kabobs
Benefits: After cutting just slide the food on to a stick and fire up the grill!
Local food: Find local beef and there are plenty of peppers and mushrooms available this time of year.
Baked Chicken and Rice Casserole
Benefits: Everything in one dish for less clean-up.
Local food: Find chicken and in season vegetables at your local farmers market or grocery stores (make sure it’s Maryland!).
Parmesan Crusted Pork Tenderloin
Provided by: Yumly
Benefits: CHEESE!! Need we say more?
Local Food: Find delicious local pork and find plenty of local summer squash this time of year at farmers markets.
Photo courtesy of Yumly.
One Pot Lions Mane Mushroom & Veggie Pasta
Provided By: Sara Servin, FMNP Coordinator
Benefits: One pot means simple & less dishes.
Local food: Local mushrooms and veggies galore to be found in season at your farmers market.
Bonus Meal: Vegetable Tortilla Pizza!
Provided by: Elisa Frazee, daughter of Jeannie Frazee, Garrett Soil Conservation District
Benefits: All you need is tortillas, sauce, mozzarella cheese, and whatever vegetables you have on hand!
Local Food: Find cheese and vegetables that are in season and experiment with new ones like kohlrabi (featured in the video and Elisa’s favorite!)
Have a week night meal using local ingredients you swear by? Send it to kristin.hanna@maryland.gov with a photo and have it featured on our social media pages!
