Blog article

5 ways to mix up your healthy home cooking

By HBF

2 minutes

9 March 2022

Need some cooking inspiration? Bring new life to your favourite weeknight dinners with these easy ideas from The Good Grocer IGA.

When you’re juggling all the things that make up a busy lifestyle, it’s easy to fall into a bit of a mid-week meal rut.

You rotate through the same few dishes that you know you can make well and that taste good. But after a while, it can get a bit repetitive.

If you’re looking for ways to inject some excitement back into your meals (without having to learn a whole bunch of new recipes) these ideas are for you.

These changes are small, but you’ll be amazed at the difference that they can make!

1. Pesto power

Basil pesto is fantastic for its versatility. You can stir it through pasta, use it as a marinade or dressing for meat, fish or vegetables, drizzle over salad or use it as a pizza topping, to name a few ideas.

It’s easy and inexpensive to make your own pesto. Just blend up a bunch of fresh basil with some olive oil, garlic, lemon juice and pine nuts or walnuts, plus some grated Parmesan if you like, and enjoy.

Broccoli pesto pasta recipe

2. Breadcrumbs

Looking for more texture and taste? Whiz up leftover day-old bread with some Parmesan, herbs and/or lemon rind, and you’ve got a delicious breadcrumb mix to add to cauliflower cheese, lasagne, fish or casseroles.

3. Herbs

For an instant flavour hit, try getting creative with different herbs. You can use them as a garnish, or add chopped fresh herbs to your sauces, casseroles and soups and enjoy the freshness and flavour they bring.

4. Creamy dreamy

A bit of Greek yoghurt can go a long way in the kitchen. Add it to stews, soups and casseroles to give body and a creamy taste or combine with a little stock, lemon and mustard for a delicious sauce to pour over grilled chicken breasts.

5. Vinegar

Reach for the bottle of balsamic vinegar. It will add a rich, deep flavour to meat dishes like spaghetti bolognaise, give your salads a delicious zest, and is also amazing drizzled over fruit for dessert.

Looking for healthy eating advice?

HBF diet and nutrition cover can pay benefits towards visits with a dietitian or nutritionist, who can give you expert advice on healthy food choices to optimise your health and wellbeing.

If you’re an HBF member, you can check what you're covered for by logging on to myHBF or calling us on 133 423.

This article contains general information only and does not take into account the health, personal situation or needs of any person. In conjunction with your GP or treating health care professional, please consider whether the information is suitable for you and your personal circumstances.