real simple

When it comes to meatless Middle Eastern takeout, falafel is a natural favorite. But did you know that chickpea fritters are just as easy — and probably healthier – to make in the comfort of your own home?

Begin by processing garbanzo beans with aromatics, herbs, and spices until smooth; then form them into balls, coat with batter, and pan-fry until coating is golden brown and you detect the toasted aroma of cumin.

Drain patties on paper towels, then serve with yogurt dip on top of pita, mixed greens, or just about anything else. Give falafel a home-cooked try when you read more.

For a lighter take on the classic meat and potatoes pairing, get rid of the beef and select a leaner protein like tilapia. The meal is just as hearty, but more fit-friendly. Since the potatoes require more time to cook than the fish, roast them first and add the fish later. This technique could also be used for boneless skinless chicken breasts. Serve with a chilled full-bodied white or a nice, light red. Make it for your family this weekend! Here's the recipe.

With chicken and beef starring in the most popular main courses, pork is the underdog of meaty dinners. But it's an affordable and juicy entree when prepared well, like in this recipe for crispy pork cutlets. I'm a fan of the light crunch panko gives my favorite dishes, and a breaded protein complements peppery arugula nicely, especially tossed with apples in a crisp and tangy salad.

Read more to see the under-30-minute recipe.

When there's not a lot of time to prepare a healthy, home-cooked meal, fish is my go-to dinner dish. Why? Because on top of being high in protein and low in saturated fat, its fillets also cook quickly and evenly.

Tonight, I'll be making the most of leftover striped bass fillets by pan-sautéing them, then serving a Mediterranean olive-almond relish alongside the table. The result is a wholesome supper that's ready in under 30. For the simple recipe, keep on reading.

It's Wednesday, and the week is already half over! Why not celebrate with an elegant and seasonal seafood supper? Employ this recipe to combine thick and fleshy white fish with fresh corn, snappy beans, and flavorful pesto.

The ingredient list calls for store-bought pesto, but if you have time, take advantage of Summer's bounty of basil, and make your own. Serve with a glass of wine and grilled bread for a light, healthful, and satisfying meal. For the recipe, keep reading.

If you're in the mood for curry, but don't have the time to make the spicy sauce from scratch, you're in luck! This yummy curried rice dish uses curry powder for a shortcut and is jazzed up with plump shrimp.

Feel free to sub out the carrots with whatever veggies you have on hand and add some peppers if you want to up the hot factor. For the hearty, no-fuss recipe keep reading.

I'm trying not to be sad, but with the arrival of Labor Day comes the inevitable end of Summer. To keep my spirits up, I'm crafting the ultimate Labor Day party menu. It's full of Summer's best ingredients. To start, I recommend a surf-inspired decadent and gooey seafood dip. For the main course, burgers, specifically double cheeseburgers seasoned with smoky cheddar, fruity chutney, and peppery arugula. On the side? Classic sour cream potato salad that's full of green onions and crisp bacon and a fun take on the regular caprese salad: roasted tomato and mozzarella "burgers." Doesn't this sound like an amazing meal?! Get the recipes after the break.

There's one spirit that always gets a party started, and for my Mexican-inspired birthday dinner, I'm turning to tequila. Yes, it's a dangerous idea, but I only turn 29 once! I'll have plenty of beer on ice and I'm also making these cool frozen margaritas.

The key ingredient is a scoop of lime sorbet that melts with the tequila. It's easier than mixing classic margaritas all night and I won't have to worry about juicing a million limes — perfect! To check out the recipe I plan on using, keep reading.

In the heat of Summer, I usually crave a fresh and light meal that's simple to prepare. This one combines chicken, feta, and zucchini for a tasty dinner that takes under an hour to make. If you're looking for a healthy way to spruce up a basic chicken breast, this is a great dish to whip up. I recommend serving it on a bed of whole wheat pasta, or on a mixed green salad with a simple balsamic dressing. For the fit-friendly recipe, read more.

BellaSugar recently asked me to recommend a few polenta recipes that are simple, affordable, and healthy. Although I often serve this dinner basic as a creamy side with with meatballs and tomato sauce or sliced into squares with vegetables, I've recently discovered a new pairing: polenta with chili.

I never tire of the bold spices that go into chili, but I like to play around with its accompaniments. Sometimes I'll reach for a hunk of white bread, and other times I'll ladle chili over a plate of pasta, Cincinnati-style. For a soothing meal, try the stew over an ultracreamy bowl of quick-cooking polenta. For the recipe, read more.