Busy weekdays call for quick, nutritious meals. The solution? Prep these versatile ingredients over the weekend to build a healthy foundation for the entire week.
Homemade hummus is effortless and far healthier than store-bought versions, with fewer calories and fresh flavors. Blend chickpeas, tahini, olive oil, and garlic for a creamy base. Enjoy it as a dip with veggies for a speedy snack, spread on bread, or mixed into ground meat. View the recipe to make your own hummus here.
Stock your fridge with roasted veggies—they're endlessly versatile. Roast your favorites, like pumpkin chunks with cauliflower florets, chickpeas with ras el hanout, or sweet potatoes with broccoli.
Chop into pieces or florets, toss on a baking sheet with olive oil and salt, and roast at 180°C until tender.
Make your own granola—it's simple and customizable. Spread oats, mixed nuts, pumpkin seeds, and sunflower seeds on a baking sheet. Dust with cinnamon, drizzle with olive oil and maple syrup or honey, then bake at 180°C for 25-30 minutes. Stores for weeks in an airtight jar.
Bonus: Turn it into granola bars for grab-and-go fuel.
Transform ripe tomatoes into flavorful sun-dried gems. Halve crosswise, place cut-side up on parchment-lined baking sheet, sprinkle with salt, olive oil, and fresh thyme if available. Dry at 160°C for 2-3 hours until shriveled but still juicy.
Stir into salads, pasta sauces, or finely chop into hummus. The options are limitless.
This article previously appeared in the February 2018 issue | Image: Shutterstock
