HEALTHY, HEARTY ITALIAN DINNER

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Healthy, Hearty Italian Dinner image

Flexible quantities and the ability to use pre-prepared, canned, and frozen ingredients make this flavorful, veggie-filled meal go together quickly and easily. Chop up an onion, mince a garlic clove, open a few bags, jars, and cans and it will be simmering on the back of the stove in no time. Yet it tastes as if you'd been cooking all day. Meatless as written, it's suitable for Lent, but there is no reason not to add whatever cooked meat you have on hand. Look at the optional ingredients suggestions for additional possibilities to use any other vegetables you happen to have on hand. Additionally, I've included a recipe for preparing polenta to go under the sauce, but you could put it on pasta if you prefer after the contest. Note: Low fat if you use restraint with the olive oil. Note: Can be made in the crockpot if you prefer.

Provided by 3KillerBs

Categories     Lactose Free

Time 2m

Yield 8-12 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 27

1 -2 onion, chopped
1/2-1 lb baby carrots
1 -2 garlic clove
1 -2 lb frozen yellow squash (or zucchini)
1 lb frozen spinach
12 -16 ounces canned artichoke hearts
1 -2 cup cooked chickpeas (rinse well if canned)
6 -12 ounces canned mushrooms
2 quarts spaghetti sauce (I like Classico)
1/2 tablespoon italian seasoning
1 tablespoon basil
1 teaspoon oregano
1 cup vegetable stock (or chicken stock)
1/4 cup vermouth (optional)
olive oil
salt
eggplant
italian beans
swiss chard (chopped)
escarole (chopped)
broccoli floret
cauliflower floret
diced tomato
1 -2 lb firm prepared polenta
olive oil
garlic powder
italian seasoning

Steps:

  • Brown onions and baby carrots in a little olive oil over medium heat.
  • Stir in other vegetables and toss well.
  • Add spaghetti sauce, stock, vermouth, and herbs. Stir well and bring to a boil.
  • Simmer until carrots are fully cooked and flavors are blended - about 30 minutes though it can hold as long as needed. Taste and adjust seasonings if necessary.
  • If the sauce is too thick for your tastes add additional stock, tomato juice, or V8.
  • If the sauce is too thin for your tastes add tomato paste or simmer, uncovered, until it thickens.
  • To prepare the polenta, first slice about 1/2 to 3/4 inches thick.
  • Lightly grease a griddle with olive oil. Heat it on medium to medium-high heat.
  • Brush the polenta slices with olive oil as well.
  • Brown both sides of the polenta on the hot griddle then sprinkle lightly with garlic powder and Italian seasoning.
  • Serve sauce over polenta and top with Parmesan.
  • If you like, you can round out the meal with a green salad and garlic bread.
  • Note: Feel free to add cooked chicken, browned ground beef, browned sausage, cooked pork, or whatever leftover meat you have if you don't want a meatless dish.
  • Note: If you are adding leftover vegetables that have already been cooked add them at the last 10 minutes so they don't overcook.
  • Note: This can be made in the crockpot but may require you to reduce the amount of stock. Brown onions and carrots first for the best flavor.

Cheryl Frazer
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This was a good recipe. The chicken was tender and the sauce was flavorful. I would make it again.


Naim Sheikh
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Great recipe! The chicken was moist and the sauce was tasty. Will definitely make this again.


Raheem Akbar gazozai
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This recipe is a keeper. The chicken was tender and the sauce was flavorful. I'll definitely be making this again.


Bright
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Loved this recipe! The chicken was juicy and flavorful, and the sauce was creamy and rich. Definitely a new favorite.


Marieta Veleva
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Amazing recipe! The chicken was cooked perfectly and the sauce was delicious. My family couldn't get enough of it.


Kencho Tamang
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This dish was a delight. The chicken was tender and moist, and the sauce was creamy and savory. Will definitely be adding this to my regular dinner rotation.


Fatema akter
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Easy to follow recipe with great results. The chicken was cooked to perfection and the sauce was rich and flavorful. Definitely a keeper!


M Azam Khan
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This recipe was a hit at my dinner party. Everyone raved about the flavorful chicken and the creamy sauce. Will definitely be making this again for special occasions.


Kalman Nagy
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I've tried many Italian recipes but this one is by far the best. The combination of herbs and spices was perfect and the chicken came out incredibly juicy. Highly recommend!


Captain Seven deadly sins
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This was a delicious and easy recipe to follow. I made it for my family and they loved it! The flavors were amazing and the chicken was so tender. Will definitely be making this again.


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