Trader Joe’s just gets me. Between my dissertation, submitting articles, writing book reviews, working full time, blogging, and attempting to keep up my relationships with friends and family, I have zero time to cook. That said, we all know what eating out every meal does to your budget and waistline. Trader Joe’s lets me have the best of both worlds – healthy and affordable meals that are quick and easy! So, I thought I would share some of my go-to recipes.
You will probably notice that all of these are vegetarian and/or vegan. This is simply because I am trying to reduce my meat and dairy intake. If you are not, all of these would be just as tasty with the addition of chicken and shrimp.
Almost Vegan Enchiladas
Sauté one poblano pepper and half an onion in a bit of olive oil. Add some TJ’s street corn and fresh cherry tomatoes (you can also add black beans if you want more protein). Season with a bit of TJ’s chili lime seasoning, salt, and pepper. Sauté over medium heat for a few minutes and finish with a squeeze of lime. Fill and roll 6 TJ’s whole wheat reduced carb tortillas and place on a baking sheet. Cover with TJ’s salsa verde and a bit of shredded cheese (hence the almost vegan). Bake until cheese is bubbly.
Cauliflower Fried Rice
This is my favorite and go-to TJ meal!
Sauté half an onion and one red or green bell pepper in a bit of olive oil. Season with salt and pepper. Once onion is translucent, add one bag of TJ’s cauliflower fried rice. Simmer for about 5 minutes. Add some fish sauce and reduce. Once most of the liquid has cooked off, create a hole in the center of your “rice” and add one egg. Scramble in the pan and mix into the cauliflower fried rice. Microwave a couple vegetable goyza to finish off your meal.
Sweet Potato and Black Bean Tacos
Cut one sweet potato into ½ cubes. Place on a baking sheet and drizzle in a bit of olive oil, and sprinkle with cumin (or chili lime) powder and a dash of salt. Roast in the oven for about 20 min. While the potatoes cook, sauté half an onion and a can of black beans in olive oil and a bit more cumin (or chili lime) powder and salt and pepper to taste. Cook until the beans are tender. Add the roasted sweet potatoes, a squeeze of lime, and a teaspoon of honey. Fill TJ’s whole wheat reduced card tortillas and top with slices of avocado and fresh cilantro.
Dirty Sweet Potato Fries
This is a fun version of the previous recipe, but instead of cubing sweet potatoes, bake some TJ’s sweet potato fries. Top them with seasoned black beans (from previous recipe), avocado, a drizzle of honey, and a dash of salt.
Green Curry Chickpeas (official TJ Recipe)
Halve, toss in olive oil and salt, and roast cherry tomatoes at 400 degrees. Prepare TJ’s tri-color organic quinoa according to package instructions. Sauté a can of garbanzo beans in TJ’s green curry sauce, add in tomatoes, reduce heat, and simmer for 15 min. Mix in baby spinach and serve over a bed of quinoa.
Cauliflower Gnocchi
Sauté a bag of TJ’s frozen cauliflower gnocchi in olive oil, garlic, basil, and red pepper flakes. In a separate pan, sauté some baby spinach and cherry tomatoes in a splash of white wine, and a dash of salt. Combine and serve!
I would love to hear your favorite healthy and easy TJ’s recipes!