Weekly Menu Ideas: 14-04

The weight of the world

This week I struggled through, as many people do. It seemed as if everything was happening all at once and that the days started and ended in the blink of an eye. Needless to say this past week I could not keep up with the meal plans, and school lunches and all the other activities that my day to day life brings.

I regualrly beat myself about these things, I stress that I want to be an active part of my families life and so I helicopter all the time. This week, however I realized that even for the best of us we need a break.

After just taking a breather, I realized that sometimes we do not give those around us credit for their efforts, and maybe if we step back, we unconsciously give others room to step up.

As we move forward into the middle of the year, I think many of us will start to feel more and more pressure. I hope that you allow yourself to take the breaks that you need. I don't think we need to be perfect, sometimes just trying is enough. We are only human after all.

Weekly Menu - 14 April

Monday

School Lunch: Toasted Chicken Mayo / Cucumber Sandwich

Dinner: Shashuka

Tips for this idea:

I love shashuka, it is a great dish for a lazy day. If you are tired or lazy like me, I usually by a salsa jar (or a can of pre-cut tomato) , add some spices and cook it well and then add egg if you like. I usuallu serve this with a dense bread and it really is a family favorite! For vegans, you can cut out the egg and just eat a traditional tomato chutney.

Tuesday:

School Lunch: Sliders

Dinner: Lasagna

Tips for this idea:

This can be prepared in advance and then baked when you need it, or prepared well on the day. It does take more work, but I have seen amazing recipes for one pot lasagna so you can always try this. As a substitute for mince or ground beef, you can always add brown lentils or even mushrooms.

Wednesday:

School Lunch: Croissants & Cheese

Dinner: Mash Potato with Roasted Vegetables and Protein

Tips for this idea:

In the middle of the week, we need a night of roasting. If you have an air fryer, this is even better. If you have the option of buying a packet of roasted vegetables already cut, this can make life a lot easier. Mashed potatoes and roasted vegetables make a great meal on their own, but for vegans and vegetarians, you can always add tempeh or tofu to the side for some extra protein.

Thursday:

School Lunch: Cheese Quesadilla

Dinner: Khuri with Rice & Aloo Fry

Tips for this idea:

This is a great vegetarian meal, the secret to a great khuri, as I have learnt is a lot of stirring. It is also a very filling meal so usually after one plate the entire house is satisfied. You can make this with vegan alternative yoghurts.

Friday:

School Lunch: Chicken Nuggets / Potato Pops

Dinner: Battered Fish Wraps

Tips for this idea:

As a replacement for battered fish you can grill some black beans in some spice as a great protein replacement for fish. Wraps usually go a long way espcially in a family of picky eaters so each person can get their own flavors from one meal.

Saturday:

Lunch: Savory Waffles

Dinner: Nachos

Tips for this idea:

For a lazy Saturday evening , nachos is always my go-to. I usually prepare the the buffalo flavored chicken in the pressure cooker, it comes out very fine especially if it is not frozen so be prepared but once its done you can saute the additional water out and add some cheese to the top to melt in the oven.

Sunday:

Supper: Butter Chicken

Tips for this idea:

Since Ramadaan I have been craving some butter chicken. Contrary to popular belief butter chicken can be made in under 25 minutes, paired with some naan bread, there is no better memory of home on a Sunday afternoon. The chicken can be easily replaced with chickpeas or broad beans and it tastes equally delicious.

I hope this makes this week easier for you. If you feel like you this is something you need for the weeks ahead, please subscribe to our weekly newsletter.

Please feel free to share your thoughts and ideas for next week. ♥️