Grain Bowls

Caro shared an introductory offer for Chefs Plates - a meal kit service that delivers your menu  choices to your front door. I was surprised she was using the service as I had previously thought it was intended for novice cooks.

I gave it a try and enjoyed the reprieve from menu planning and grocery shopping. Having everything come packed and proportioned for dinner is a huge assist and welcome break. I will probably keep up with the service but choose something for delivery once a month versus once a week.

Menu selections tempted me to try new dishes that weren't in my regular meal rotation. Especially...

Grain Bowls!

• Farro, chicken, broccoli, kale, pickled onion salad, orange slices and feta with Middle-Eastern spices (Middle Eastern Spiced Chicken)
• Sticky rice, pickled cucumber and carrots, fried ground pork and Asian spices (Japanese Pork Spice)
• Sticky rice, pickled cabbage, peas and mushrooms with gochujang drizzle (Mushroom Bibimap)

It was a pleasant surprise to discover a few hacks preparing these meals 

• Using mayo as a base to prep a quick dressing for Asian bowls (mayo + siracha + rice vinegar + hoison; or mayo + ginger blend spices). 
• Making a quick pickle of carrots, cabbage or onions (red or green) to enhance overall flavours 
• Adding a soft boiled egg for protein

Endless improv = choosing vegetables for crunch and colour + grain (farro, sticky rice, jasmine) + protein (egg, chicken, ground pork, lentil) + spice family (Japanese, Korean, Middle Eastern, Indian).