EASY DINNER FOR TWO
Looking for an easy dinner for two that is tasty and healthy? What about being gluten free? This is your meal!
A guy I used to date hated to eat leftovers. My fridge was filled with tubs of cold chicken, rice, veggies, potatoes, and I was dumping old food on a regular basis. I finally learned how to make smaller portions for just two people. Gluten free is important to me for my personal diet, yet I refuse to compromise flavor! Here is a quick, tasty easy dinner for two that you can make any night of the week!
Most everyone likes chicken and rice, so I added a veggie and we have a balanced meal! I use doTERRA essential oils for cooking on a regular basis. These oils are very potent and it only takes less than a drop, sometimes two. The cilantro oil in particular is powerful, so I never use more than one drop. I have ruined dishes with just two drops of that stuff! You’ll notice I use a small spoon to put the essential oil drop into before putting it into the recipe. This is because sometimes the oils come out really fast, so when I only wanted one drop, two may have come out.
Sesame, Ginger Chicken
A little Asian flair means a whole bunch of tasty flavor! Steaming the chicken at the end means it will be tender and juicy. It’s the perfect main dish for your easy dinner for two!
Ingredients:
4 Chicken thighs – boneless, skinless
1 Tsp Sesame Oil
2 Tbls Olive Oil
1 Tbl Honey (local, organic – Sola Bee, Black Button Sage)
1/2 tsp Onion powder
1/2 Tsp salt
1/2 Tsp pepper
2 Cloves of garlic, chopped
1 Drop doTERRA Cilantro oil
Juice from 1/2 lemon
Juice from 1/2 lime
1/3 Cup of white wine
1/4 Cup of water
Directions:
- In medium mixing bowl, combine Sesame oil, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, honey, spices, garlic, cilantro oil and citrus juice. Mix well.
- Place chicken in a medium bowl. Pour mixture over chicken and coat all pieces.
- Cover and let sit for 20-30 minutes to marinate. You can also marinate overnight for extra flavor.
- Preheat oven to 350.
- While oven is pre-heating, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in cast iron pan until it just starts to smoke.
- Add chicken and brown on each side, covering with a lid between sides.
- Once browned on each side, add wine and water and cover with foil.
- Place the pan in the oven and steam for 20 minutes.
Roasted Romanesco
This super simple recipe is healthy and delicious. Romanesco looks like a combination between cauliflower and broccolli and has a cool fractal look. It looks funky, but it is an example of the perfection of nature. The plates on your easy dinner for two will look just a little cooler with this unique veggie.
Ingredients
1/2 Tsp salt
1/8 Tsp white pepper
1/2 Tsp garlic salt
4 Tbls Olive oil
1 Drop doTERRA Rosemary or Oregano oil
Directions
1. Preheat oven to 350.
2. Remove leaves at the bottom of the head of romanesco, remove core.
3. Break off pieces and place into a bowl
4. Add olive oil and spices. Thoroughly coat all pieces of romanesco.
5. Place romanesco on a baking pan and place into the oven for 20-25 minutes.
6. Turn over pieces to get an even browning.
7. Check for doneness with a fork.
Cilantro Lime Rice
Simple and full of flavor! Did I mention healthy? This is your carb compliment for the easy dinner for two and it’s gluten free!
Ingredients
1/4 Cup water
1/4 Cup low sodium chicken broth
1/4 Cup fresh squeezed lime juice
1 Drop doTERRA Cilantro oil
1/8 Tsp salt
1/8 Tsp pepper
1/2 Cup Basmati Rice
Parsley for garnish
Directions
1. Combine lime juice, water, broth and cilantro oil in pan.
2. Add salt and pepper and stir.
3. Add rice and stir.
4. Bring to boil, reduce heat to simmer.
5. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes, without lifting lid.
6. Remove from heat.
7. Remove lid, fluff with a fork.
8. Top with chopped parsley and serve.
It may not be super fancy, but it’s all gluten free and a great balanced meal, with delicious, rich flavors. If you are looking for some recipes that aren’t as “healthy,” with my favorite staple of bacon, click here!
Cheers!