"Go To" Dishes

My new job sometimes requires me to pull some late nights. Since Nathan can rarely fend for himself, I often find myself searching out recipes that are quick and easy enough to prepare while half asleep. One pot/skillet meals are the best, because that also affords me a quick clean up (and who doesn't appreciate that?). The cherry on top - most of these meals are prepared without having to defrost the protein!

Sausage Bow Tie Pasta is one meal that I keep filed away in the back of my head because it takes about 15 minutes, start to finish, and is super tasty. Chicken and Wild Rice Almondine is another. Both fall into my ultimate "Comfort Food" category as well.

CHICKEN AND WILD RICE ALMONDINE

1 box long grain and wild rice, with seasoning packet (I use Uncle Ben's)
3-4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into narrow strips
2 1/2 cups water
1 bag frozen green beans, any cut - I like the whole beans
2 large carrots, peeled and shredded
1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1/2 cup slivered almonds
1 cup sour cream
salt and pepper, to taste

Season chicken strips with salt and pepper. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Saute chicken until browned. Add rice, seasoning packet and water and bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat to simmer and cook for 15 minutes. Add green beans and carrots and cook (covered) for another 5-7 minutes, until rice is completely done. Remove from heat. Gently stir in sour cream.

Meanwhile, in a small dry skillet, toast the almonds for approximately 2 minutes - watching them to make sure they do not burn. Garnish dish with toasted almonds. Taste for seasoning. Serve!


This meal is a winner every time. It has great texture from the rice and the almonds...and the green beans and carrots provide wonderful color and crunch, making it the perfectly pretty end-of-day-weekend meal. The sour cream holds everything together, lending a tangy and creamy consistency that is fork-licking good.

I always tell myself that I should double the recipe so that we have leftovers (Nate helps himself to seconds and thirds!) - but I have yet to do it...and I kick myself each and every time.