I'm so excited for this.
Today you're receiving the first shopping list for The Family Plan, my meal-planning newsletter. Which means it's time to reveal the menu.
Some important info:
Each meal will feed a family of four.
Yes, I'll offer options for picky eaters.
And vegetarians, too—any special ingredients in the shopping list will have an asterisk*.
And now, the menu:
MONDAY: Chicken (or Tofu) Adobo, a classic from the Philippines. You'll braise a big batch of chicken in a soy-and-vinegar sauce, with enough to transform into a quick noodle dish later in the week. Add a double-batch of rice and some vegs, and you're good to go.
TUESDAY: Pasta e Ceci, a brothy, stewy dish of chickpeas, pasta, and tomatoes. For this one you'll be cooking a pound of dried beans, which'll give you the basis for an Indian-accented dinner on Friday.
WEDNESDAY: Chicken (or Tofu) Lo Mein. Yup, using that soy-braised protein.
THURSDAY: Jammy Eggs and Feta Flatbreads, a recipe that yields a surprising amount of flavor from very little work.
FRIDAY: Cheater's Chana Masala, a quick version of one of my favorite stews. Thanks to the chickpeas and rice you cooked earlier in the week, it's on the table in less than 30 minutes.
Let’s not forget the shopping list:
Produce
1 head garlic
1 medium onion
1-inch piece ginger
1 bunch rosemary
1 bunch cilantro
1 head broccoli
8 oz. crimini mushrooms
1 red bell pepper
1 small head green cabbage
1 bunch carrots
1 bunch scallions
1 package romaine hearts
1 cucumber
3 lemons
Pantry
White vinegar
Olive oil
Vegetable oil
Soy sauce
Sesame oil
Sriracha (optional)
Hoisin sauce
8 oz. lo mein noodles
Black peppercorns
Bay leaves
Kosher salt
Red pepper flakes (optional)
Sesame seeds
Ground coriander
Ground cumin
Cayenne (optional)
Garam masala
White rice
Tomato paste
1 (14.5-oz.) can diced tomatoes
1 lb. dried chickpeas
Ditalini or other small shape pasta
Prepared chutney
Meat Department
4-5 lbs. bone-in chicken thighs
Dairy
* 2 packages extra-firm tofu
Eggs
1/2 cup feta
Plain yogurt
Bakery
Italian bread
8 naan or other flatbread
So that’s it. Everything you need to feed your family next week. Watch your in-box for the plan-plan, where I explain how to make it all work, coming your way Saturday.
Until then,
Debbie
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