Healthy Recipes For Dinner

Looking for some healthy recipes for dinner? Even if you don't have a lot of time, or aren't the greatest cook you can still whip up a hearty dinner. Try these on a weeknight and you'll be surprised how simple cooking at home can be.

Minestrone

Makes 4 Servings

This homemade soup is so simple you'll never want to eat the canned variety again. Substitute the veggies for whatever you have on hand and don't skip the pesto. Use the rest of the jar as an alternative sauce for homemade pizza, on a sandwich or wrap or to dress pasta for a quick lunch.

• 1 tbsp. olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves minced garlic
• 2 medium potatoes, diced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 1 medium zuchini, diced
• 1/2 cup frozen peas
• 1/2 cup frozen green beans
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 4 cups vegetable stock
• 4 cups water
• Salt and pepper
• 1/2 (14 oz.) can white beans
• 2 tbsp. jarred pesto
• 2 tbsp. Parmesan cheese

1. Heat the oil in a large stock pot over medium-high heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook 3 minutes or until the onion begins to soften.
2. Add the potatoes, carrots, zuchini and a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook another 4 minutes, then add the peas and green beans.
3. Stir in the tomatoes, stock and water. Season with another pinch of salt and pepper.
4. Add the white beans and reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook for 30 minutes, then stir in the pesto. Serve in a large bowl with a sprinkling of Parmesan cheese.

Turkey Chili

Makes 4 Servings

Chili is an incredibly healthy meal. It's full of vegetables and beans and when you substitute chili for the traditional beef it's low-fat.

• 3 tbsp. olive oil
• 1 lb. ground turkey
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 medium bell pepper, diced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cloves garlic, crushed
• 1 tbsp. cumin
• 2 tbsp. chili powder
• 2 tsp. paprika
• 1 (14 oz.) can Cannelini beans
• 1 (14 oz.) can diced tomatoes
• 1 (14 oz.) can crushed tomatoes

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the turkey, peppers, onions, salt and pepper and saute until the meat has browned and the vegetables have begun to soften.
2. Add the garlic, cumin, chili powder and paprika and stir to combine.
3. Pour in the beans and tomatoes. Reduce the heat to a simmer and allow to cook for 30 minutes or up to 2 hours. Serve.