Now I know what you might be thinking. What’s leveling up the basics supposed to mean? Don’t tell me we’re making heart shaped burgers or a layered sushi cake. Well, not quite. In fact we’re leveling up ingredients that you already have at home. These are basic ingredients that you probably use many times throughout the week and sometimes life calls for a little “spice up.” These recipes can’t be easier to make and taste delicious. The best part is that they’re good for you too.
Pasta Skewers
Let’s start off with pasta skewers. Pasta kebabs. Pizza pasta … on a stick! No matter what you choose to call them, these are a crowd pleaser for sure. They took off on my Instagram page hitting over four million views. They got attention for a reason.
I’d assume 98% of you have a box of pasta lying around, so how about we put it to good use and make these pasta skewers. They take barely any effort but everyone (even the pickiest of eaters) will be happy.
Any type of penne should work for this recipe! I used chickpea pasta and it turned out great — so whether you’re on a diet or have a food restriction, this recipe can be tailor-made to you.
Ingredients
- 1/2 box penne pasta
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce/marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded cheese
Directions
- Boil water and cook your pasta until done and drain the water (or make pasta how you normally do).
- Stick the penne on the skewer to make a pasta kebab/skewer.
- Brush tomato sauce/marinara sauce on top.
- Place cheese and toppings on top
- Bake at 350 F for 10-15 minutes and enjoy!
Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
I always sided with sweet potatoes over regular ones; the taste, texture and sweetness was something I loved. And (for all my health conscious people) they are lower on the glycemic index too. Now this recipe is for stuffed sweet potatoes, but if you’d prefer, you can make them with regular potatoes instead.
Why stuffed sweet potatoes you ask? This dish is great for many reasons. First, it’s easy to make and a great meal prep kind of meal. Second, it’s a great way to add extra veggies to your daily menu. And most importantly, it tastes absolutely delicious! There’s nothing like getting tons of delicious flavor in each bite.
Ingredients
- 4 medium sweet potatoes
- 1/2 cup black beans
- ½ cup corn
- 1 small onion
- Juice of 2 limes
- 1 avocado
- Salt and pepper
- Sour cream
Directions
- Poke holes in the sweet potatoes with a fork.
- Place them on a baking sheet and spray with oil.
- Let them bake at 400 F for 40 minutes to 1 hour until soft.
- Mix your black beans, corn and diced onion.
- Squeeze a lime and mix in.
- Prepare your guacamole by mashing an avocado, mixing in the juice of a lime and sprinkling your favorite seasonings.
- To assemble your dish, scoop out the insides of the sweet potatoes.
- First fill it with the black bean mixture.
- Then top it with the guacamole.
- Top it with any other toppings you’d like.
- Drizzle some sour cream on top.
- Enjoy!
Frozen Banana Snickers
Now for a sweet treat to cleanse the palette: frozen banana Snickers bars. No, they are not Snickers, but they are so good! These bars have been a hit and are an easy foolproof recipe that so many have loved. There is no need to measure ingredients or stress over it coming out good; it’ll turn out delicious regardless.
Bananas are an awesome ice cream base. I know we can’t necessarily claim that it’s ice cream but let’s just say that for a healthier treat, these are an A+! I love using bananas as the base for ice cream, smoothie bowls and a lot of recipes. When frozen, their texture becomes ice cream-like.
I know fall is beginning but I’m that kind of person that eats frozen treats and ice cream all year round. Personally, it’s my favorite kind of dessert! So let’s get those ripe bananas on your kitchen counter and put them to good use.
This is a smaller batched recipe, so feel free to double or triple how you’d like.
Ingredients
- 1 banana
- 1/4 cup yogurt
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon peanut butter
- Crushed peanuts
- 1/3 cup chocolate chips
- Optional: 1 teaspoon coconut oil — helps with melting chocolate
Directions
- Cut the banana in half down the center and then half the other way to create 2 logs.
- Mix the yogurt, peanut butter and maple syrup.
- Spread the yogurt mixture on top of the banana logs.
- Sprinkle crushed peanuts on top and freeze for 45 minutes.
- Melt the chocolate with coconut oil and dip the bananas in.
- Freeze for 15 minutes and enjoy!
Tali is a recipe developer that loves creating recipes that take minimal effort, yet taste delicious. She started her Instagram account @behindthesnack back in 2019 and has grown it to 75K+ fans who all share the same love of easy and delicious recipes.
