Nowadays, we spend more time at home, cooking, and baking, and therefore more meal prepping. There’s nothing more fun than preparing a healthy meal together with loved ones. Great kitchen gadgets can genuinely make all the difference and bring some joy into your meal prep, maybe even inspire you to incorporate more fresh veggies, fruits, and herbs into your cooking.

Here are four kitchen tools that will make cooking healthy meals even more effortless.

Spiralizer

You don’t have to give up pasta to eat better. But if you’re looking into making low-carb, Paleo, or gluten-free meals, you’ll find the spiralizer as a handy tool. By replacing the starchy strands with vegetables, you can lighten up dishes that your family already enjoys. Spiralizers come in various sizes and capabilities, from hand-cranked noodle makers to countertop gadgets that can churn out a dozen different strands.

Food Chopper

A multifunction food chopper is a simple and clean alternative to traditional chopping methods. It will make dicing onions tear-free while saving you time and effort. This multifunction tool can cut vegetables, fruit, nuts, and herbs.

Blender

A blender is a great kitchen tool for any cook, but a blender is also a must-have for people who want to eat smarter. These gadgets can swiftly break down fruits for smoothies and juices or puree-cooked veggies for quick soups. In addition, you can try other dishes like homemade nut butter, pesto, salad dressings, and pasta sauces, which can be customized according to your dietary needs and preferences. Plus, it’s a breeze to clean.

Instant Pot

There’s no better appliance to buy than an instant pot if you want to make healthy food faster. It does the same job as many other kitchen gadgets, such as a slow cooker, steamer, pressure cooker, and yogurt maker. Not only can it tenderize meat and grains in just minutes, but it can also cook many different meals in less time with less effort. It basically cuts down on the need for too many other appliances.

[RECIPE] ONE-POT SPICY PORK, AND SWEET POTATO STEW

You’re going to love this delicious stew with its unique blend of pork, sweet potatoes, and a medley of spices. Unlike tougher cuts of pork, tenderloin can be cooked relatively quickly. That means you don’t have to let it simmer for hours to get melt-in-your-mouth results.

Prep time: 15 minutes

Cook time: 20 minutes

Serves: 4

TIP: Like most tomato-based dishes, this flavorful stew tastes even better the next day – so consider making a double batch to enjoy later!

Ingredients (use organic when possible):

  • 2 T. extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 medium red onion, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 2-3 garlic cloves, minced
  • Sea salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1 1/4 lb. pork tenderloin, cut into 1” cubes
  • 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1” cubes
  • 1 15-oz. can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 t. ground cumin
  • 1/2 t. chili powder
  • 2 t. Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 t. crushed red pepper flakes
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 14-oz. can crushed tomatoes
  • 2 c. low-sodium chicken stock
  • 1/4 c. fresh parsley, chopped, divided

Directions:

  1. Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add red onion, celery, and garlic. Season with salt and black pepper, to taste, and stir to combine. Cook, stirring frequently until the veggies soften and develop a bit of color, approximately 3-4 minutes.
  2. Add pork tenderloin and sweet potatoes and cook, stirring occasionally, until the meat begins to brown, around 2-3 minutes.
  3. Add black beans and spices and stir to combine. Cook for another 30 seconds, or just until the spices become fragrant. Taste and season with additional salt and black pepper, if desired.
  4. Add crushed tomatoes and chicken stock and increase heat to high. Bring to boil, and then reduce heat to medium. Simmer, stirring occasionally, until pork is cooked through and the sweet potatoes are fork-tender, approximately 13-15 minutes.
  5. Remove from heat and discard bay leaves. Stir in 3 tablespoons of fresh parsley. Taste and adjust seasonings, as desired.
  6. Top with remaining fresh parsley for garnish and serve immediately. Enjoy!

To Your Health,

Patti

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