Something From Nothing Meal of the Week:
My dad always said my mom’s best meals were the ones she made when, supposedly, there was “nothing to eat in the house.” My mother is the Queen of Something From Nothing. I try to emulate her tactics using wholesome ingredients.
I blog each week about whichever meal I’ve created from “nothing.” When it’s the night before grocery day and I’ve got a bunch of leftovers, it’s time to throw something easy and quick together. I hope these meal ideas keep you from resorting to that can o’ condensed soup casserole or, even worse, fast food!
Remember: Grain+Veggie(s)+Protein=Meal!
The photos are really the meals I cooked; I just may edit them for bad lighting 😉
This week’s meal:
Creamy Pasta & Peas
1 box of pasta, preferably whole wheat or other grain
3-4T extra virgin olive oil or organic butter (I combined the two.)
flour
1 yellow onion, diced
Milk–I used Westsoy, my new favorite, or you could use vegetable or chicken broth.
1 can white beans
1- 4oz bag of frozen peas
salt & pepper
1 tsp dried thyme or other favorite herb
1. Heat water for pasta. While the water heats, chop onion.
2. Heat oil/butter in a skillet on medium heat. When hot, add the onion. Sprinkle with salt.
3. Cook onion until translucent.
4. Sprinkle onion/butter mixture with flour until all the butter is absorbed.
5. Add milk 1/4 c. at a time, whisking into a smooth sauce. The amount will depend on how thick you would like the sauce. We like ours really creamy and thick 🙂
6. Add beans and peas, simmer until heated through, adding more milk if necessary.
7. Stir in thyme. Salt and pepper to taste.
8. Spoon cooked pasta into a bowl, top with sauce.
Enjoy!
My son gobbled up two helpings of this. What are your kids’ favorites?
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Amanda @ The Eco-Friendly Family says
That is not a combination that I would have ever considered, but that looks so good!
Terri Babin says
I love the idea of making something from nothing! Thanks for sharing.
~Terri Babin
HealthfulMama says
Thanks for dropping by, Terri! 🙂
Bethany Hess says
Love the title of these entries! I actually make something very similar to this! So yummy!
HealthfulMama says
Thanks 🙂
Beth R says
What a great idea! Something I always have around the house and I think my son would love this
HealthfulMama says
It was so simple and tasty! Hope you enjoy it!