Field meals - what's that you say?
Today I'm sharing meal ideas to serve our farmers when they're working in the field. Sometimes we eat outside, sometimes we pile in the Suburban tots in tow, and other times it's a pass and go meal.
Even if you're not a farm family, these are some healthy, easy to prepare recipes!
A field friendly meal has a few requirements, in my opinion.
- Fork friendly - no knife required. Bite size pieces are key.
- It must be easy to prepare. Fussy and stuffy doesn't work on the farm.
- They must be filling but not make anyone want to take a nap at the wheel. Auto steer in tractors is great but naps are not!
- Must be somewhat healthy and well rounded. Part of my goal in feeding our farmers is to help nourish them when they're working long hours. That's not to say an occasional Snickers goes along for the ride, but you get my drift, right?
Alrighty then, here's what I have for you!
One Skillet Tuscan Chicken - This is made in one skillet and the beans are hearty (plus they have healthy fiber but I wouldn't use that to sell your farmer on this dish). Prep time is 10 minutes, cook time is 20 minutes. Perfect!
Make Ahead Pepperoni Sliders - This one is a little bit of a splurge, so I keep it reserved for the days when everything is going wrong. We all have those days, right? If I see the tractor repair truck heading our way or I need to go on a parts run, this recipe comes to mind. It can be made ahead and is my pick up meal, like a cheerleader in sandwich form.
Black Bean and Butternut Squash Enchilada Bowl - Say THAT three times fast!! This looks like an awesome recipe. I haven't tried it YET but it's in my plans as a make ahead meal. Bake it, then put it in the fridge until it's time to reheat. If you want a shortcut, you can buy precut butternut squash in the produce aisle or freezer section. Then it's a simple matter of assembly and baking!
Sloppy Joe Bowls - No, I haven't lost my mind. Sloppy joes in the field sounds messy, for sure. That's why you're throwing it on top of some rice for an easy, wholesome meal. Serve with some fresh fruit and you'll have some happy diners. This one's freezer friendly, too so make a double batch and freeze some for later!
Grilled Hawaiian Chicken Teriyaki Bowls - This one's a family favorite! I cut the pineapple and chicken into bite size pieces. It's a perfect bowl of chicken, veggies and fruit and it's made on the grill so your kitchen stays clean, yipee! Serve it over brown rice for a complete meal.
Chicken & Broccoli Stir Fry - Stir fry is so forgiving! A few ingredients and you're good to go. Don't have something called for on the recipe? Just sub something else out. I promise, no one will mind and in 30 minutes you'll have a delicious meal on the table, errrr, tractor.
Buffalo Chicken Bowls - Here's another meal for you that is ready in 30 minutes. I love that by cooking Asian inspired recipes at home, I can control the sodium levels for my farmers. I also throw some extra veggies, but don't tell anyone!
There you have it - 7 field friendly meals. What's your favorite go to meal?
More harvest meal ideas:
Val - Corn, Beans, Pigs & Kids
Great ideas! Gotta love tractor friendly meals!
Deanne
Thanks Val!
Sue
Deanne,
These all sound lovely and even though I don't have a hungry farmer anymore, I will be trying some of those. Also, I'm pretty sure that Grandma would've loved these when she was trying to feel a hungry farmer and his farm hands.
Deanne
Thanks Sue!