As we head into the weekend, I’ve put together a dinner planner that leans cozy, flexible, and a little festive. Next Sunday is Super Bowl Sunday, so you’ll see a few crowd-friendly, game-day–appropriate ideas woven in that work just as well for a casual dinner or a low-key gathering. I’m also excited to share that my February cooking class will be uploaded on Monday, and it’s packed with seasonal, nourishing recipes that are perfect for this time of year. And speaking of Monday, my Valentine’s gift guide drops on Substack then as well, with thoughtful, affordable gifts and doable ideas (including food-focused ones) for breakfast, lunch, and dinner whether you’re cooking for someone you love, your family, or just yourself. As always, these plans are meant to make your life easier, not more complicated.
Here’s your dinner planner for the week:
Meatless Monday: Potato and bean soup (patate e fagioli), you can add kale or swiss chard to the soup
Tuesday: Black bean burgers with smoky red pepper sauce, broccoli rabe, simple roasted potato wedges
Wednesday: Cornflake “Fried” Chicken with Sauerkraut Citrus Coleslaw, Sweet and Spicy Glazed Sweet Potato, Blistered Green Beans
Thursday: Skillet Ravioli with Spinach from Smitten Kitchen + crusty bread
Friday: Fajitas: I’m going to make this a bowl and serve over Cilantro-Lime Rice with sauteed mushroom, onions, and peppers
Saturday brunch: Sautéed Apple Power Bowl
Super Bowl Sunday: French Bread Pizzas, Taco pizzas, or Mini carrot dogs in a blanket + Here are some of my other favorite options:
- CHILI!!! Check out my latest post for a Chili round-up + Chipotle Turkey Chili in Kitchen Matters and Instant Pot Chicken Chili Verde in QTQ, Cornbread
- Baked Potato and topping bar, Mexican Chopped Salad
- Meatball subs, homemade pizzas, Vegetarian Antipasto Chopped Salad, Mini Lasagne Cupcakes, Italian 7-layer dip
- Taco bar (Ground Beef/Turkey/Tempeh, Slow Cooker Beef Barbacoa, Slow Cooker Chicken, and Fish), Refried beans, Cilantro-Lime Slaw, Arroz Verde
I generally make Guacamole and Baked Tortilla Chips, plus jicama cut into thin “chips,” “Vegan Queso” IS A MUST with chips and baked sweet potato rounds, crudités with Hummus. I have also done sliders/mini burgers, Mini Chicken Tostadas, Roasted Baby Potatoes with Broccoli and Cheese,Spinach and Artichoke Dip.
I LOVE seeing your recreations of my recipes on Instagram! If you make something, tag me @pamelasalzman and use #pamelasalzman so I can cheer you on. If you don’t already get my free Monday newsletter, it’s full of fresh recipes, favorite things, and kitchen inspiration. Subscribe here!
