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Fast, Fresh, and Healthy Ingredients for the Quick Cook We've identified 20 ingredients that get our creative juices flowing, from fresh, superconvenient products like bagged baby spinach, to go-to pantry standards like organic canned black beans, to high-flavor spice-rack heroes like smoked paprika, which gives a bacon-y savor to foods while adding zero calories and zero saturated fat. With this list of gold-standard quick-cooking ingredients in hand, we also provide 20 easy recipes perfect for busy nights. We hope these inspire you to stock your own pantry and experiment further. Fast, fresh, and healthy can be something else, too—fun.![quick_rs02]()
Boil-in-Bag Brown Rice Boil-in-bag brown rice is one of the quickest ways to get more whole grains in your diet. Use for: rice pilaf, rice salad, soups, and stews![quick_rs03]()
Canned Diced Tomatoes Canned no-salt-added diced tomatoes save you the time and effort of seeding, chopping, and peeling fresh tomatoes. Use for: marinara sauce, bruschetta, salsa![quick_rs04]()
Canned Organic Black Beans Canned organic black beans offer options for main dishes and sides, and going with organic ensures there's minimal added salt. Use for: black bean cakes, filling for tacos or burritos, salsa![quick_rs05]()
Frozen Shelled Edamame Frozen shelled edamame (soybeans) are a superconvenient way to add color, texture, and protein to most any dish. Use for: salads, (pureed) dip or spread, whole-grain salads![simpleingredients]()
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Couscous Couscous is one of the easiest and most versatile starches you can find. Use for: salads, stuffing roasted veggies like zucchini, serving with Moroccan tagines and other stews![quick_rs07]()
Canola Mayonnaise Canola mayonnaise has far less saturated fat than conventional store-bought mayo. Use for: marinades, flavored sandwich spreads, dips![quick_rs08]()
Smoked Paprika Smoked paprika packs a huge punch of flavor—and you don't need to fire up a grill. Use for: replacing the smoky flavor of bacon, dry rubs on oven-roasted meats, stews, and chili![quick_rs09]()
Frozen Corn Kernels Frozen corn kernels allow you to skip corn shucking and cutting the kernels from the cob. Use for: cream-style corn, salsa, corn bread![quick_rs10]()
Grape Tomatoes Grape tomatoes add a quick splash of color and flavor. Use for: pasta tosses, salads, garnish![quick_rs11]()
Fresh Pasta Fresh pasta cooks in half the time it takes to cook dried. Here we focused on fresh ravioli. Use for: soups, baked casseroles, appetizers![quick_rs12]()
Large Eggs Large eggs: There's simply no quicker protein, and they're just so versatile. Use for: binder in patties and meatballs, salad topper, thickening and enriching sauces and salad dressings, or bulking up fried rice![quick_rs13]()
Plain Greek-Style Yogurt Plain 2% reduced-fat Greek-style yogurt is luscious, smooth, and rich, not chalky like traditional plain yogurt. Use for: dips, sauces, marinades![quick_rs14]()
Pitted Kalamata Olives Pitted kalamata olives add a rich, meaty, and unique flavor to any dish they grace. Use for: tapenade, pasta dishes, roast with chicken or vegetables![quick_rs15]()
Refrigerated Potato Wedges Refrigerated red potato wedges are ready to cook straight out of the bag. Use for: potato salad, roasted potato sides, soup![quick_rs16]()
Bagged Baby Spinach Bagged baby spinach saves you the time and trouble of removing the stems. Use for: pizza topping, pasta dishes, wilted for a green side dish or salad![quick_rs17]()
Panko Panko (Japanese breadcrumbs) is every bit as convenient but tastes better than bland dry breadcrumbs. Panko also gives foods a supercrisp crust. Use for: filler for meatballs, crab cakes, and the like; breading for oven-fried shrimp or fish fillets; casserole toppings![quick_rs18]()
Presliced Cremini Mushrooms Presliced fresh cremini mushrooms allow you to simply dump and stir. Use for: sauces, casseroles, stuffings, or fillings![quick_rs19]()
Lower-Sodium Soy Sauce Lower-sodium soy sauce adds depth and flavor to a wide range of dishes, not just Asian foods. Use for: fajita and other marinades, roasting veggies, dipping sauces![quick_rs20]()
Chile Paste Chile paste (sambal oelek) is an all-purpose hot sauce. Use for: marinades, vinaigrettes for steamed vegetables, scrambled or poached eggs![quick_rs21]()
Chicken Broth Fat-free, lower-sodium chicken broth is indispensable for fast cooking. Use for: poaching liquid, sauces, braising and stewing liquidTop 20 ingredients for quick cooking
Keep these essential ingredients on hand and in mind. You can combine them in creative ways to yield deliciously quick and healthy weeknight meals.
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- Top 20 ingredients for quick cooking
