By Betha Merit
Sometimes simple is best. Due to time constraints, lack of fresh ingredients, or a desire to finish that compelling novel, you find yourself hungry and inspired to whip up an easy meal. Pat yourself on the back that your galley is stocked with canned goods, and that you have a few recipes up your sleeve that require minimal time to prep. The following recipes are enhanced with just a few fresh ingredients.
Lemony Caper Tuna Pasta
- 1 large can tuna, drained
- 1 teaspoon dried minced garlic
- grated zest of 1 medium lemon
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- freshly ground black pepper
- 3 tablespoons capers, drained
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (or 2 Tablespoons dried)
- freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 8 oz. dried pasta of your choice
In a pasta serving bowl, break tuna into bite-size pieces. Add garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, pepper, and capers and stir gently to combine. Set aside to warm to room temperature.
Cook pasta in large pot of boiling salted water until al dente. Drain pasta well and immediately add to sauce in bowl. Sprinkle with parsley and toss. Serve at once with Parmesan cheese and pass the pepper mill.
One Pan Chicken Rice & Veggies
- 2 cups cooked rice (microwave rice is easy option)
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup frozen vegetables, leftover veggies, or drained canned vegetables
- 1 large can chicken, drained
- 2 Tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 Tablespoons water
- Spices: 1 Tablespoon thyme, 1 teaspoon dried minced garlic, 1/2 teaspoon pepper
In skillet pan, sauté veggies in olive oil and spices until crisp tender. Add soy sauce and water. Stir in rice until blended. Stir in chicken; heat through. Let stand about 2 minutes.
