Once you make it through the marathon lead-up to Christmas, not to mention the big day itself, you’ll feel like patting yourself on the back and leaning into a week of cozy, calm comforts. Tired of complicated recipes and delicious, but heavy, meals, you’ll want simple December dinner ideas to see you through to the year’s grand finale. Quick yet satisfying, these practical dishes deliver delicious satisfaction, all while allowing you to fully embrace ease!
With schools and many offices closed, the time after Christmas is when everyone gathers at home and friends are likely to pop by. To feed everyone well, yet simply, during the holiday lull we turn to these helpful tips:
- Use pantry staples and pre-cooked grains – Keeping the fridge and cupboards well-stocked is the key to easy weeknight cooking. Though Success® Rice, Quinoa and Pearl Couscous are handy in any situation, thanks to their 10-minute cook time, you can also pre-cook batches for the week to cut down on prep, no matter what you’re making.
- Rely on one-pot or skillet recipes – Nobody ever said, “‘Tis the season for doing dishes”! Cut down on cleanup with recipes that can be made in one pot or a single skillet.
- Make meals that stretch leftovers – Remember that turkey? Reinvent it as turkey curry, soup, pot pie, etc. Using leftovers cuts down on cooking time and food waste.
- Don’t be afraid of short-cuts – There’s no shame in opting for rotisserie chicken, ready-made sauces, frozen vegetables and other pre-made ingredients when you’re trying to make good food in record time.
- Focus on quick-cooking ingredients – Want everyone fed and the kitchen tidied up quickly so you can settle in for family game or movie night? This isn’t the time to start braising tough cuts of meat or making slow-simmered sauces! From chicken cutlets and tinned fish to Success® boil-in-bag rice, quick-cooking ingredients are your best friends when you want to serve simple and delicious recipes.
For catching your breath, and truly savoring the festive season, there’s nothing like the week between the holidays! Christmas behind you and January just around the corner, it’s the time to reset with simple, stress-free dishes designed to satisfy and comfort. Mirror late December’s slower pace with a week of effortless dinners you’ll want to revisit often in the new year.
Successful Beef Stroganoff
Holiday cooking ideas don’t get much better than this 20-minute dinner! Just the thing for frosty nights, this hearty dish is big on flavor despite its short ingredients list. Here, sautéed steak and mushrooms are coated in a rich gravy then ladled onto Success® boil-in-bag white rice. Shower each serving with a flurry of fresh herbs for a dish that feels chic yet cozy enough for a weeknight meal.
Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet
Introduce a little pizzazz to the dinner table (but keep the holiday color scheme going!) with this loaded Cajun rice meal. Green bell peppers and fire-roasted tomatoes feel festive, while andouille sausage and a generous amount of peppery spices shock tastebuds wide awake. A dish that comes together in just 20 minutes, in only two pans, this one is also a breeze for overworked cooks.
Teriyaki Chicken Fried Rice
If you’re tempted to call for takeout, try this 20-minute supper instead! Bold and satisfying, with teriyaki-dressed chicken patties, Success® boil-in-bag brown rice, crisp veggies and a pungent, sweet and savory sauce, it has all the delectable elements you crave—without the wait!
Copycat Crispy Sweetgreen Rice Bowl
When your body craves a reset, treat it to this fresh and layered bowl, brimming with colors, flavors and textures. Prepare all the components—including cold roast chicken, Success® boil-in-bag brown rice, an assortment of vegetables, and a nutty, creamy and spicy sauce—and let everyone pick and choose their favorite ingredients. If you have leftover turkey, pork, salmon or tofu, feel free to sub it in for the chicken in the recipe.
One pot Chili with Rice
There’s nothing quite like a slow-simmered bowl of beef chili to beckon everyone to the table. Rich with bacon, tomatoes, beans, beef and Success® boil-in-bag white rice, this version is heartier than most! Garnish each bowl with your favorite chili toppings, from pickled jalapeños, and grated cheese, to hot sauce and sour cream.
Kale Rice Soup with Whole Grains
A meatless, 5-ingredient meal that never fails to impress, this tomato-based soup with Success® boil-in-bag brown rice is made for blustery winter days. A dish that you can assemble in an instant, this one only needs to simmer for 10 minutes to let the flavors develop. Serve it with a little cheese and a crusty loaf of bread, and don’t be afraid to linger at the table a little longer!
