Semi-Homemade. Namaste.

Quickie Indian.  It's what's for dinner.

So, I know I sound like a broken record, but yes, it is a tad busy around here these days and weeknight cooking time is getting seriously pinched.  But this being (non-Burlington) Vermont and us being food snobs on a budget, takeout isn't the best dinner option.  Takeout can be expensive, unhealthy and full of hidden fats and sodium.  Homemade is healthier, and in some cases easier (opening jars vs. finding parking and shlepping the baby in and out of the car and a restaurant in an awkward carseat-chair-thing while toting hot, greasy grub). Semi-homemade is the best choice during times like these, and semi-homemade Indian even makes you feel a little exotic and fancy in the process.  A little strategic shopping in the ethnic isle of the grocery, and your pantry is stocked with the goods to make a speedy weeknight dinner instead of picking up the pizza menu. The above pictured dinner is healthy and prepared literally in minutes. 

We love Seeds of Change simmer sauces.  They are intensely flavorful and very healthy, and we always have some in the pantry.  Cube some chicken or tofu and throw it in a heated pot of one of these babies, and your protein is prepared in 20 minutes.  For a veg, fresh is best, but when there is no time for chopping, we love the Jyoti line of Indian sides, particularly this Delhi Saag, which allows you to fix a tasty and unique veggie side with a few twists of the can opener and 10 minutes on low heat in a saucepan.  Prepare some basmati rice to go on the side, and presto!  You have a yummy, seemingly fancy Indian dinner in just 20 minutes with almost no clean-up.  Perfect for a psycho Wednesday.  Namaste.