Dinner on the Run - Rice Pasta with Peas

It’s that time of the year.  In the words of Professor Hinkle from Frosty, everyone is so “busy, busy, busy.”  Just like I am, I know you’re crazy busy with holiday details such as shopping, wrapping gifts, writing cards, etc.  You probably don’t have the time to plan, prepare and cook meals like you do during the rest of the year.  However, this is not an excuse to give your body poor nutrition or bad foods just because you don’t seem to have the time to cook. Your body will pay the consequences at a time when it is important to keep your energy levels up.  Is it ok to cut corners this time of the year?  DEFINITELY!  There are a few ways to keep cooking to a minimum and still give your body what it needs.  One suggestion is to use a crockpot.  All you need to do is assemble ingredients in the morning and you will have dinner at the end of your day. You may also want to prepare a stir fry.  You cannot get much quicker than that.  Lastly, look to make quick dinners that do not require a lot of preparation or cooking time.  I am sharing one with you today.

This dinner is healthy, fast and easy.  It only has six ingredients and cooks in about 15 minutes.  What more can you ask for when you don’t have time to cook.  I will confess, however, that I always make a salad for dinner.  I like to have something raw with each meal.  If you don’t have time to make a salad, you can always peel some carrots or celery.

Rice Pasta with Peas

1 large onion, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

Butter or coconut oil for sautéing

1 pkg organic frozen peas

1 tbsp. organic tomato paste

1 pkg 12 oz, brown rice pasta

Bring to a boil a pot of water on the stove.  When water comes to a rolling boil, add pasta and lower heat and simmer according to package instructions.

In the meantime, in a skillet warm the butter or coconut oil.  Add chopped onion and garlic and sauté until onion and garlic begin to caramelize.  Add tomato paste and keep on low. 

The last eight minutes or so, add the peas to the pasta and continuing cooking at a simmer.  Drain water.  In a large bowl, combine the pasta and peas with the onion/tomato mixture.  Toss to coat and serve.

Aaahh!!…..More time to Shop!!