It’s time to give ourselves more permission to do simple things. Easy things.
Life is already complicated. Everyone’s got their own giant knotted and tangled ball of yarn they’re dealing with, so why do we have to put extra pressure on ourselves to make some things so complicated? Dinner for example, doesn’t have to be complicated. You don’t have to match food bloggers or stylists’ photos on Instagram. (Also, real talk, a lot of us eat pretty simply most of the time). Your dinner can be simple, straight forward, a breath of fresh air.
My own life has gotten more layered when I threw in my NTP training. After spending a few months with some space and quiet, it’s all been replaced with reading, video lectures, note taking, and essay writing. And it’s been an adjustment.
In order to keep most things going, I’ve been trying to simplify things, especially meals. I love adding ingredients (aka all the vegetables, the more the better) to my meals and play in the kitchen, but now is not the season for that, and that’s okay. This season is temporary. To keep everything else going, I’ve been giving myself permission (for the most part, it’s harder than you would think) to make simpler meals or meals that will last N and I a few days.
Nothing is simpler than roasting vegetables. You just wash, cut, season and let the oven do most of the work. I would say the cooler months are the perfect time for roasted vegetables, but I don’t reserve roasting just for when it’s cold. I will sweat it out during the summer months for some roasted vegetables that’s how much I love them.
I chose to roast radishes recently to mix it up (keeping it simple doesn’t mean you still can’t explore) as a side dish. Later in the week, I needed a snack during studying and just enough radishes were left. In an effort to make them more filling, I drizzled some tahini (sesame seed butter) on them to add extra protein and healthy fats and really liked the taste.
If you’ve got a busy week or busy season in your life, give yourself to make some things simpler, including your meals. Roast some vegetables as a side dish instead of an elaborate, prep-intensive one. Make a big batch of soup for the week. Prep some meals on the weekend with your partner or family to take some pressure off the work week. Make a healthy casserole, bake, or quiche that can cover you for a few lunches and dinners.
Be kind and still eat well, just simpler.
Ingredients
- 2-3 bunches of radishes, leaves removed, halved (or quartered if close to ping pong size)
- salt and pepper, for roasting
- olive oil, for roasting
- 1/3 cup tahini
- 1-2 tbsp water
- 1-2 tsp olive oil
- salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
Preheat oven to 425.
On a foil-lined pan, arrange radishes in a single layer and lightly drizzle with olive oil, salt and pepper. Roast for 15-20 minutes, until fork tender.
In a small bowl, combine dressing ingredients and stir, tasting and adjusting seasonings to your liking. For a thinner dressing, add more water and olive oil.
When radishes are done, transfer to a mixing bowl and add dressing, stirring to combine. Serve warm.