What Does “Feel-Good Food” Mean?
The term “feel-good food” can vary greatly depending on who you ask. That’s why every month, our Feel-Good Food Plan, featuring delicious recipes and a few creative twists, is hosted by someone new. This month, our social media manager, Olivia Quintana, shares her insights on how one-pan dinners offer more than just convenience.
The Magic of One-Pan Dinners
After a long day, my husband and I often find ourselves in “TV mode” during dinner, letting our brains unwind. He’s balancing his last semester of a master’s program with part-time work at a landscape architecture firm and teaching assistant duties. I have my own set of responsibilities at work and volunteering, all while keeping up with our dog, Henry’s busy schedule. Plus, we need to catch up on the latest episodes of The White Lotus and The Bachelor. However, we make it a point to be more intentional about spending time together at least once a week.
One of my favorite ways to reconnect is through what I call “scoopable meals.” These are dinners served directly from the skillet, ready to be scooped onto warm flatbread or crusty baguettes. Ditching cutlery completely changes the vibe. Sharing a single pan encourages both of us to be more present and engaged. We pour a couple glasses of wine and catch up on the latest podcasts or his project designs. Focusing on scraping up every last bit of sauce makes it hard to get distracted by our phones.
When it’s time for these sharable, TV-free dinners, we have a few go-to dishes. A recent favorite has been this Saucy, Spiced Shrimp and White Beans, which is flavorful and earthy, packed with fresh herbs. Keep reading for the recipe and a few more joyful additions to your month.
April’s Feel-Good Recipes
Spring is the perfect time to start new traditions. Whether you’re looking to connect with your partner, friends, or family, these dishes will encourage deeper conversations while you all enjoy your meal.
The Saucy Shrimp Skillet
I love how quickly this dish comes together. You start by building flavor with dried spices, garlic, and shallots, then add double-concentrated tomato paste and white beans. Toss in your shrimp, which cook in just a couple of minutes. Finish it off with dill and mint leaves. When I’m feeling organized, I make homemade flatbreads to pair with the dish. Otherwise, I buy pita from the store, toast some tortillas, or heat up some frozen parathas for an easy option.
Sheet-Pan Meals
For a quick dinner, a sheet-pan meal can be even simpler than a skillet dinner, and it means less cleanup. This Tomatoes and Feta With Chickpeas recipe includes some of my favorite ingredients: chickpeas, cheese, tomatoes, and greens. Serve it on a plate or keep it on the sheet pan and scoop it up with some pita.
A Stir-Fry for Scooping
As someone who doesn’t eat meat, I substitute tempeh for the protein in this Spicy Chicken Stir-Fry With Celery and Peanuts. I keep most of the ingredients on hand, and the texture created from a combination of crispy tempeh, chewy dates, and crunchy peanuts is delightful. Serve with your choice of flatbread and sliced cucumbers on the side. The leftovers make a great lunch wrap the next day.
A Shareable Dessert
If you’re splitting dinner, why not split dessert too? This Chocolate Dutch Baby is incredibly easy to make but feels luxurious and decadent. It looks impressive too. I started making it for special occasions but it quickly became a weekend staple. Pair it with herbal tea or decaf coffee for the perfect end to your day.
More Feel-Good Finds for the Month
Even though I try to avoid TV during dinner, I do look forward to it afterward. Our latest obsession has been the show Slow Horses on Apple TV. It’s about a group of MI5 agents who are close to being fired and are not given top security clearance. Despite this, they still find ways to get involved in elaborate schemes within the agency. With Slow Horses, Severance, and Bad Sisters all on the same platform, we’ve been deeply immersed in Apple TV content.