Weekly Meal Plan: The Last Few Weeks Before Spring

While it has cooled a little now, at the beginning of the week we were blessed with some truly beautiful weather that had me itching it get outside for my walks every day, and working outside in the pub garden each afternoon. It got me excited that spring is just around the corner; the blossom is out in the park (it’s sad the rain is about to destroy it…) and it has got me thinking of lighter, brighter meals that are perfect for the transition into spring.

Monday: Charred Tenderstem & Cherry Tomato Rice Bowl with Romesco Sauce

Going vegan for today’s #MeatFreeMonday, I love loading up this brown rice bowl with grilled, slightly charred veggies (it would be a great one to make in summer with either leftover or made to order barbecued veg off the barbecue – perhaps do an outdoor edition of #MealPrepSunday?) and dousing it all in romesco, one of my all time favourite homemade sauces (it is also very good over chicken!)

Tuesday: Indian Spiced Potato Wraps with Spicy Slaw

On busy weeknights when I don’t want too much meat quickly frying up some potatoes in some Indian spices and throwing them, street food style into wraps with some raita (or just some natural yogurt if you’re feeling a bit rushed or you just can’t be bothered!), some fresh mint and some slaw is a weeknight saviour. The potatoes are also good as-is, loaded up in a bowl, topped with yogurt and mango chutney.

Wednesday: Seared Steak Poké Bowls

A little bit of a treat for Hump Day! My Seared Steak Poké Bowls have been doing so stupidly well in Pinterest recently, and they’re just perfect for this time of year, really hearty with big chunks of steak (tossed in a zingy sesame dressing) and lots of nutty brown rice, brightened with cherry tomatoes, hunks of creamy avocado and a generous helping of my favourite sushi-shop-style seaweed salad.

Thursday: Wholemeal Spaghetti with Lemon & Avocado

This is one of those amazing dishes that is naturally vegan without you really noticing. I’ve adapted it from vegetarian guru Anna Jones’ first book A Modern Way To Eat, and after reading and obsessing over her most recent book, A Modern Cook’s Year over the weekend I felt it needed dusting off. Nutty pasta, creamy avocado, bright lemon, punchy capers and aromatic basil, all in one big bowl. What is there not to love??

Friday: Almond & Lemon Crusted Salmon with Grilled Tomatoes and a Cucumber Avocado Salad

Sticking to the traditional Fish on Friday, this light, vibrant plateful is both super healthy, and full of lots of fresh and bright flavours that practically scream the fact that sunnier days are on their way. If you want to bulk things out with a few carbs as things are still on the cooler side, serve with some brown rice. A nice chilled glass of white would be beautiful with this!

Pancake Day is coming up on Tuesday, so here are a few recipes to start a bit early with this weekend: Matcha Buttermilk Pancakes with Raspberry Sauce, Banana & Blueberry Dutch Baby Pancake with Maple Syrup, Creamy Mushroom Savoury Dutch Baby Pancake, Banana & Nutella Dutch Baby Pancake, Caramelised Apple & Cinnamon Dutch Baby Pancake (spotted a theme here?!)

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