Autumn looms on the horizon. The sun is setting a little earlier. The evenings are a little cooler. Pens and papers fill the ‘seasonal’ aisles in your favorite store as classroom lists are published. Backpacks are being prepped. It’s time to start shifting from our summer routines to the school year rhythm.
If your daily grind from September to June looks like a wild combination of work (for you), school (for you and/or your kids!), sports practices, scouts, other extra-curriculars, homework, and more, finding time to make and enjoy dinner may sometimes feel a bit overwhelming. Juggling allergies with that mix can complicate things even more.
It’s not nearly as easy to grab pre-made (or mostly made) dishes with minimal effort when you’re avoiding specific ingredients. The good news is a bit of meal planning and simple recipes like the following can make dinner time one less stress in your day.
Small Bites
A good marinade prepped the night before or before you leave the house for the day is a great way to pull together a dish that’s full of flavor without a lot of hands-on or cooking time. In a recipe like this Chicken Souvlaki from The Kitchn, cutting up the chicken into smaller chunks will reduce the time needed on the grill. The recipe suggests serving these yummy bites on a pita, but for those avoiding wheat, you can skip the pita altogether or you can experiment with recipes like GF Jules’ wheat-free flatbreads.
Veggie-Loaded Cauliflower Crust
DIY pizza gives you the opportunity to control what’s on your pie and what’s not. It’s easy to leave the dairy out of the mix with a cheese free pizza or to select a non-dairy cheese. It’s easy to load up the toppings and flavors with your favorites (even the unconventional ones!). Thanks to the cauliflower crust revolution, it’s also simple to create a healthy and yummy pizza without the wheat crust if that's what your family’s dietary needs require. This recipe from Kam Sokhi even includes options to swap out the egg for allergy-friendly alternatives for those that need it.
Squash That Pasta!
So many simple, quick meals start with a pasta base, which can be a challenge for some families living with food allergies. Yes, you can grab a box of chickpea-based pasta to nix the wheat, egg, milk, and soy often found in other varieties. You can also roast a Spaghetti Squash for a delicious and nutritious alternative.
Love & Lemon has a great recipe to get you started with the squash. Top with any of your favorite sauces like this fast and flavorful tomato sauce from Cook Fast. Eat Well.
Air Fry This
Some countertop appliances are worth the investment. Tools like an air fryer or slow cooker can help you prep easy meals for nights when you don’t have a lot of time to cook. Recipes like The Pioneer Women’s Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin and Pinch of Yum’s Ridiculously Good Air Fryer Chicken Breast pack a flavorful punch in a little time. Got a slow cooker? We’ve got a stash of recipes for you to try here: Slow Cooker meals.
Take the Assist
There are some prepped ingredients you can grab on the run to make a quick, filling meal at home. For example, a rotisserie chicken from the supermarket can be a great way to add protein to a salad like this Cobb recipe from Country Living. Of course, you’ll want to double check the ingredients on your supermarket’s chicken to make sure it’s free of your specific allergens.
