Sunday Supper

Do you and your family sit down for Sunday Supper?  We don’t do it regularly, but I am hoping to make it more of a weekly tradition in our home.   I tend to think the idea of the whole family gathering around the table for a nice Sunday supper is not as prominent as it used to be. 

Let’s bring it back, shall we?

Families seem busier than ever, and home cooked food is often replaced with store bought shortcuts.  And while there is absolutely nothing wrong with taking some help from the store, there is something special about making a meal from scratch and bringing everyone to the table to connect over nourishing food.  

Truthfully though, my kids are still little and have a hard time sitting through an entire meal.  Frankly, it’s mostly chaos with no one wanting to eat the food I’m serving.  But I’m not giving up!  Every day, they get a little bit older, a little less picky, and a little more civilized.  I want to use our beautiful dining table, slow time down for just a bit, and savor a nice meal.  When they are older and want little to do with hanging out with mom and dad, I want this time, each week, to still be ours.  

Our family time. 

What I don’t want to do is slave away all day in the kitchen.  I love cooking from scratch and am willing to put in some time, but I need to find a happy medium.  Home cooked, but simple.  Healthy and nourishing, but delicious.  

Recipes

I love reading through recipes online.  Instead of reading magazines, I read recipes.  It’s my weird idea of fun.  I can usually tell within about 1 minute of reading if it’s something I’ll actually make or not.  So I’ve scoured my favorite food bloggers for you and have created a collection of Sunday Supper recipes that are perfect for these chilly days. 

Instant Pot Classics

If you aren’t an Instant Pot user yet, what are you waiting for?  I love mine, so if you’re on the fence, read this.  Instant Pots are electric pressure cookers that dramatically reduce cooking time, while retaining nutrients and flavor.  All of these could also be made in a slow cooker or dutch oven on the stove top, it’ll just take longer. 

• Cold Sunday afternoons were made for classic beef stew 
• Ground turkey & sweet potato come together to make this delicious clean & healthy chili
• Comforting, yet simple, and delicious pot roast 
• A little on the lighter side with this balsamic chicken 
• Chicken tortilla soup is perfect for warming up on those extra cold days – Whole30 version or Classic 

Oven Roasted Goodness

Nothing says Sunday Supper like something roasting in the oven.  

• This Roasted Chicken is not only delicious, but also beautiful! Serve with your family’s favorite vegetable.
• Similar to the above, but a little easier with this one pot Sunday lunch 
• We love this roasted pork tenderloin with veggies and rice

Pasta

It’s our weakness. We try to avoid refined grains a tons of dairy, but every once in a while, we just have to splurge on ooey-gooey real pasta.  Of course, you could always sub in whole grain, grain free, spaghetti squash or zoodles.

• Meatballs – Try these and serve with your favorite pasta
• Drool worthy braised beef ragu with pappardelle 
• Not-so-healthy chicken pastas with bacon, spinach, & tomatoes OR cajun style 

Just Plain Delicious (and 100% worth your time)

Most of these fit into the Whole30 or Paleo category and are absolutely scrumptious regardless of if you follow those food plans for not.  And if you can’t tell, one of my favorite real food bloggers is 40 Aprons. Everything I’ve ever made from her is delish! 

• Crockpot Carnitas
• Zuppa Toscana 
• Steak & Veggies Sheet Pan Meal
• Egg Roll in a Bowl
• Spanish Chicken and Rice 

I tend to modify recipes a lot to fit with what we’ve got on hand and what I know my kids will (and will not) eat.  I tone down spice a bit, but not completely.  Even though I still have one super picky eater on my hands, I won’t stop offering him new tastes and flavors.  Slowly but surely, his palette is expanding and he’s liking more foods.  

So now for the real question that everyone seems to differ on – What time of day is “supper” served in your house?  Is it a lunch, a late lunch/early dinner, or just another name for dinner?  Really – I want to know!  🙂 

Happy Sunday!