Mornings can be a rush, and when you’re trying to start the day right, a busy schedule can make it difficult to enjoy a peaceful moment. Whether you’re preparing for a long day of work, squeezing in a workout, or just trying to relax, a nutritious breakfast is essential. But that doesn’t mean you need to spend hours in the kitchen. With a bit of planning and some simple ingredients, you can prepare healthy, delicious meals in under 30 minutes, leaving you more time to rejuvenate and enjoy the start of your day.
Here are a few easy-to-make recipes that are both nutritious and quick to prepare:
Spinach and Feta Omelette
Ingredients:
- 3 eggs
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Method: In a pan, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté the onion until translucent. Add the spinach and cook until wilted. Beat the eggs in a bowl, season with salt and pepper, then pour into the pan. Once the eggs begin to set, sprinkle feta cheese on top. Fold the omelette in half and cook until the eggs are fully set and the cheese is melted. This omelette is packed with protein and greens, perfect for a nutritious start.
Banana Oat Pancakes
Ingredients:
- 1 ripe banana
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup milk (or any plant-based milk)
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
Method: Blend the banana, oats, milk, egg, baking powder, vanilla extract, and salt until you have a smooth batter. Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat and pour in small amounts of batter to form pancakes. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown. Serve with fresh berries, a drizzle of honey, or a dollop of yogurt. These pancakes are a healthy twist on the classic, providing a satisfying and energizing breakfast option.
Dill and Cucumber Soup
Ingredients:
- 3 tablespoons dill leaves, chopped
- 1 teaspoon vinegar
- 3 cucumbers, roughly chopped
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1/4 cup mint leaves
- 2 tablespoons chives, roughly chopped
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- Salt to taste
Method: Start by blending all the ingredients—dill, vinegar, cucumbers, yogurt, lemon juice, mint, chives, and olive oil—until smooth. Once blended, pour the soup into bowls or portable containers if you’re on the go. Chill the soup in the refrigerator for a refreshing, cool experience. Before serving, you can garnish with croutons and an extra drizzle of olive oil. This no-cook soup is perfect for warm days, providing a light and refreshing start to your morning.
Heirloom Tomato, Basil, and Feta Salad
Ingredients:
- 10 slices of heirloom tomato
- 1 cup cucumber, thickly sliced
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon fresh basil, finely chopped
- Sea salt and pepper to taste
Method: Prepare a simple dressing by combining olive oil, lemon juice, sea salt, pepper, and fresh basil in a small bowl. In a larger bowl, layer the heirloom tomatoes, cucumber slices, and crumbled feta. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and serve immediately. This vibrant salad is not only beautiful but also full of flavor and texture, making it a delightful addition to any meal.
Lemongrass-Flavored Rawas
Ingredients:
- 3 rawas fillets (or any firm white fish)
- 1 teaspoon grated lemongrass
- 2-3 kaffir lime leaves
- 1/4 onion, sliced
- 1 tablespoon basil leaves, chopped
- 1/3 cup coconut milk
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon bird’s eye chili, chopped
- Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
- Salt to taste
Method: Season the rawas fillets with salt and pepper and set them aside. In a saucepan, combine coconut milk, grated lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, sliced onion, basil, and chili. Simmer this mixture gently until it becomes fragrant. Poach the rawas fillets in the coconut milk mixture for 9-10 minutes, ensuring the fish is tender and cooked through. Serve the fillets with the strained sauce and garnish with fresh coriander. This dish brings a tropical flavor to your table, making it an exciting and flavorful way to start the day.
With these quick and healthy recipes, you can start your day feeling nourished and relaxed, ready to take on whatever comes your way.
