Healthy and Hearty Dinners Because It's Cold Outside

Our weeknight meals take less than an hour of mostly hands-off time, and many cook much quicker than that but may require constant stirring. On the weekends we like to try something different-recipes that cook long and slow, projects that get us using new ingredients and techniques, and menus to make entertaining a cinch. Be sure to join us every week for dinnertime inspiration.

MONDAY: RICE-AND-BEAN SALAD BOWL WITH TAHINI SAUCE

Colorful and crunchy, with three kinds of canned beans (chickpeas, kidney, and black) plus sliced avocadoes, this bowl makes for a protein-packed vegan dinner.

TUESDAY: CHOW MEIN

Yes, you can make this takeout classic at home, in just 25 minutes! It's as easy as stir-frying noodles, vegetables, and chicken (we use boneless, skinless chicken thighs). Serve immediately so the noodles stay nice and crispy.

WEDNESDAY: SHORTCUT ITALIAN WEDDING SOUP

Chilly nights call for a hearty, comforting bowl of soup. This quick take on the Italian classic builds flavor with seared hot Italian sausage, toasted pastina, and a Parmesan rind for an umami boost.

THURSDAY: PICADILLO-STYLE CHILI

This 30-minute beef chili is inspired by the traditional Cuban dish picadillo. It's spiced with cumin and cinnamon and served with rice, manzanilla olives, toasted almonds, and currants.

FRIDAY: WILD SALMON WITH EDAMAME-CAULIFLOWER RICE

Here's how to incorporate more vegetables into your dinner; turn the cauliflower into rice-and add edamame. Make it really healthy by serving with heart-healthy wild salmon. Bonus: this is a one-sheet pan dinner, the oven does the work, the rice comes out crispy, and cleanup is kept to a minimum.

SATURDAY: VEGETARIAN SHEPHERD'S PIE

A dinner that's more casserole than traditional pie, there's no pastry here but there is plenty of delicious flavor. A melange of green lentils, cremini mushrooms, carrots, and peas, are topped with a crown of fluffy mashed potatoes.

SUNDAY: PERUVIAN CHICKEN SOUP WITH RICE AND POTATOES

It's chicken soup Sunday! Take a break from chicken noodle, try this vibrant potato, corn, and rice-studded broth for dinner. It's finished with a chile-garlic-cilantro paste.