Feeling Like Julia Child – Here's a Recipe! 🥗✨
Lately, I have been looking for healthier and cleaner recipes that are more allergy friendly. During the week, I like to find quick and easy healthy meals, which also makes me a bake dinner kind of person. Now that we live in Colorado, the difference in food quality and awareness of allergies is incredible. No matter where we go, the food is clean, and people are generally understanding of dietary restrictions, which is a major relief. Every now and then, I joke with my boyfriend about how this state feels like its own little country.
That said, navigating grocery shopping and dining out still comes with its challenges. When shopping, it is incredible how “Big Food” allows so much deception in food labeling. For example, vegetable oil could mean just about anything unless the specific ingredients are listed in parentheses. The lack of transparency makes it even harder to trust what we are putting in our bodies.
Eating out can be just as tricky. If a server is not familiar with certain dietary restrictions, it can turn into an awkward guessing game of “Is this safe or not?” 😅. Having spent many years as a waitress, I totally get it. Most servers want to be helpful, but understanding dietary needs requires a mix of awareness, communication, and emotional intelligence. Sometimes, you just have to cross your fingers and hope for the best.
Lately, I have also been channeling my inner Julia Child or at least feeling like I am in Julie & Julia. I basically feel like Amy Adams in that movie, and by the way, if you get that reference, you are immediately cool. Anyway, I wanted to share this simple and delicious recipe that has become a staple in my meal prep. It is hearty, flavorful, and packed with good for you ingredients. Enjoy!
Cozy Sweet Potato & Veggie Bake
Ingredients:
1 lb lean ground beef
1 red onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 sweet potatoes (or 1 extra large), diced
1 cup Brussels sprouts, halved
1/2 cup mushrooms, sliced
1 tbsp Italian seasoning
1 tsp regular paprika
Salt & pepper to taste
1/4 cup fresh parsley, diced (plus extra for garnish)
Cheese (I used Parmesan)
Instructions:
Cook ground beef, garlic, and onion in a pan until the onion is translucent.
Add diced sweet potatoes, Brussels sprouts, mushrooms, and spices.
Cover and cook on medium-low until veggies are soft (about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally).
Stir in fresh parsley, transfer to a baking dish, and bake at 450°F for 15-20 minutes.
Top with grated cheese and broil for a few minutes until golden brown.
Garnish with parsley & enjoy! I also like adding a dollop of Greek yogurt when serving.
Hope you love it as much as I do! Let me know if you try it!
Love and light,
Jess
P.S. I will be sharing more recipes, wellness tips, and personal stories every Wednesday at 12 PM MST, so mark your calendars and meet me back here next week for something nourishing! 🥗✨