Simply Recipes 2019 Meal Plan: December Week 5

Let’s finish 2019 strong and welcome 2020 with a meal plan sure to satisfy you and your family. We're kicking off the week with a vegetarian soup of farro, mushrooms and spinach, bringing some good luck to you with Hoppin’ John, and rounding things out with Teriyaki Chicken Lettuce Wraps.

By
Aaron Hutcherson
Aaron Hutcherson
Aaron Hutcherson
Aaron has over 10 years recipe development experience for his blog The Hungry Hutch. He has written for NYTimes, Washington Post, Simply Recipes, and others.
Learn about Simply Recipes' Editorial Process
Published December 28, 2019
Aaron Hutcherson
Triptych with Farro, Mushroom and spinach, flank steak with oranges, and ginger soy salmon

Happy New Year! For anyone who partied a little bit too hard ringing in 2020, try a detox smoothie to soothe your hangover.

We're also making Hoppin' John, a dish of black-eyed peas and rice traditionally eaten on New Year's Day to bring wealth and prosperity. There are various possible stories as to how the tradition started, but I'm a fan of the dish and like to eat it regardless of what happens to my bank account.

And as eating healthier tends to be on many people's list of resolutions, the rest of the week is full of recipes on the lighter side. Think a lovely vegetarian farro soup, steamed salmon, lettuce wraps, and a bright steak salad. All satisfying without detracting from your goals. I even added a bonus recipe, because, well, why not?

Hello, 2020!

  • Farro, Mushroom, and Spinach Soup

    Farro with Mushrooms and Spinach
    Sally Vargas

    For those unfamiliar, farro is a hearty, nutty grain with a chewy texture. It’s great in soups loaded with vegetables just like this one. Leftovers make a great lunch the following day.

    Get Recipe

  • Flank Steak Stir Fry with Asparagus and Red Pepper

    Flank Steak Stir Fry with Asparagus and Red Bell Pepper
    Elise Bauer

    I love the flavors in this steak salad—they're so bright and refreshing. Serve atop a bed of salad greens for a nice, lighter meal.

    Get Recipe

  • Hoppin' John

    Hoppin John
    Elise Bauer

    For anyone in or from the South, this classic dish is a must to ring in the New Year. Serve with collard greens to round out the meal and channel some extra fortune for 2020.

    Get Recipe

  • Ginger-Soy Steamed Salmon with Spicy Maple Sauce

    Steamed Ginger Salmon with Maple Sauce
    Nick Evans

    Fresh ginger, lemon, and soy sauce add lots of flavor to this healthier, steamed fish dish. Steam some extra veggies if you don't want to serve it with rice.

    Get Recipe
    Continue to 5 of 6 below.

  • Teriyaki Chicken Lettuce Wraps

    Teriyaki Chicken Lettuce Wraps
    Lisa Lin

    I made some lettuce wraps not too long ago and am here to proclaim: They are the perfect easy weeknight meal! You can use ground turkey, or maybe even crumbled tofu, instead of the chicken if you prefer.

    Get Recipe

  • Butternut Squash Enchiladas

    Casserole dish filled with easy vegetarian enchiladas fillled iwth butternut squash and topped with cheese
    Sally Vargas

    Before you start yelling at me, yes, I know this recipe takes a little bit longer than the usual weeknight meal. However, there's an easy solution for those with less time to get dinner on the table: Prep everything the day before, assemble the lasagna, refrigerate it, and bake it in the oven the night of when you get home from work. Ta-da!

    Get Recipe