Lately, I’m needing to come up with even quicker meals.
Katie, your recipes are already quick and easy. How much simpler can they get? What about a meal in 5 minutes? Sorry to Rachael Ray, but 30 minutes to dinner sounds like a long time to me. Sometimes, 5 minutes is all you’ve got! The following recipe is a bit too simple to really be called a recipe.
As Geoffrey Rush says, “The recipe is more what you’d call “guidelines” than actual rules.” Okay, so I switched up his words a little. Creative liberties, people. Argh! But I’ll get to the fiesta bowl in due time. Let’s start with dessert first, shall we? Yesterday, at the grocery store, I picked up something new:
Not just for baking!
Under the influence of Caitlin, I gave 100% chocolate another shot.
I’d tried 100% chocolate before and thought it wasn’t for me. But Caitlin insisted that you have to take more than just one bite, because the first bite is very bitter, but after the initial shock, your body gets used to it—and craves more. Turns out Caitlin knows exactly what she’s talking about! Ghirardelli 100% chocolate is so rich and smooth. Just one square is more than enough to satisfy a major chocolate craving. Take small bites and let it melt on your tongue.
Be warned: this stuff is not for the faint of heart. You must be a die-hard chocoholic. Now if you are a die-hard chocoholic, I challenge you to try this. You just might like it!
5-Minute Fiesta Bowl
(Serves 1)
- refried beans (lard-free)
- corn – canned or fresh
- Ro-tel tomatoes with chilis (Or, if you can’t find them, use regular diced tomatoes, and either add your own chilis or some hot sauce)
Mix all ingredients together; don’t just simply combine. The refried beans will add a fun thickness to the dish if you stir them up. Use more tomatoes for a soup. (This isn’t the tortilla soup I mentioned in an earlier post. I’ll get to that soon.)
Stylish1 says
Obviously the lunch was super simple to make but it looks delicious! Question, how did you get your zucchini noodles so thin? Do you use one of those big zucchini noodle maker? I was going to invest in one but the whole thing seems so big for my small NY apartment lol.
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
Here’s what I use:
https://chocolatecoveredkatie.com/2009/07/22/spiralizer-spiralizer-youre-a-spiralizer-baby/
It’s pretty small; about the size of a 4-cup pyrex dish.
Stylish1 says
Awesome thanks! I’m so buying this right now! \o/ —> that’s me cheering lol
JoLynn-dreaminitvegan says
This %100 chocolate bar I’m sure taste sooooo much better than the Bakers usweetened chocolate( used for baking) that my girlfriend who lived next door to me as kid used to eat. Blah that stuff was awful.
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
I’ve tried the Bakers stuff. This one is DEFINITELY better! (Well, as far as eating plain goes, anyway)
Michelle (Housewife in the Raw) says
If Starbucks counts, then a coffee frappacino is my favorite. If it needs to be food that isn’t consumed through a straw, I’d go with Freebirds (in TX) or Chipoltle for best fast food. If it needs to have a drive through, well, then I’ll have to come out and admit that I do take my kids to McDonalds occasionally when we are out and about and I do love their fries. There – I’ve admitted it. What is my penance?
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
Hmmmm… your penance is to eat some good-quality chocolate every day for the rest of your life. Oh wait, that’s not a punishment at all! 🙂
Justine says
Refried beans are so great! A meal all their own or with other things- if they are involved, you know it will be good! 🙂
I cook in bulk, too- a big pot of brown rice and a bunch of blanched or roasted vegetables. Then when I have to pack my lunch, all I have to do is toss a couple of things in a container and go.
Little Bookworm says
That 100% chocolate sounds really interesting – I’ve only had 90% before never 100%. Your “fiesta in a bowl” sounds lovely too! 🙂
Danielle says
I’m with ya on 100% chocolate. At first, it’s not so great because you *expect* it to taste similar to sweetened chocolate. But it’s really in a league of it’s own. Oh, and the Ghirardelli semi-sweet chocolate chips are my favorite!
I feel like I’ve been cooking/assembling my meals for so long that I can come up with a quick 5 minute meal like that* (snaps fingers). If you have any type of bread/wrap, then a sandwich is always possible. If you have any left-overs, throw them all in a bowl and call them a salad 🙂
Fi says
I find 100 percent too intense, i can only go to 70 percent. My favourite fast meal is a bean burger, from canned beans, just mash it and cook it, i usually fry it, super fast, tasty and healthy. I also love ‘snack face’ style plates, with tortillas, cream cheese, guacamole and salsa, for when im in a ‘i dont know what i want’ mood.
xx
EmbraceYourSkin says
My favorite actual fast food is Starbucks. I am an addict. Although, now that I think of it, I haven’t had any in like, 3 weeks! Go me!
mckella says
100% Cocoa huh? I’ve done 85% and that was alright, but maybe I’ll get brave.
My favorite quick meals are pb and j, yogurt messes, quick oats, and wraps with refried beans, guac and salsa! And yes, I eat it cold.
40apples says
I think most of my dinners are the 5-minute kind. Therefore, this looks like an awesome potential addition to my “repertoire” 😉 My go-to is steamed veggies with either hummus and tomato sauce, or a quickie peanut sauce. Easy peasy. I do not like most fast food either… but I LOVE falafel places!
Kiki says
I don’t really like fast food either… I mean, since I’m a vegetarian (and now almost-vegan :)) anything I can get at a fast food place just pales in comparison to what I can whip up at home in minutes. I’m also a fan of leftovers, but I like to reuse them in difference ways. Like we had a chickpea curry the other night, and since then I’ve topped pasta and salads with it and mixed it into rice. Yummy and easy!
Must try 100% chocolate. I am indeed a die hard chocoholic, I think I can handle it!
monicanelsonfitness says
Not a big fan of any fast food so I am lucky! I love desserts from certain restaruants though but I like my home baking the best.:)
I love the 100% cacao chocolate!! I have my own choclate drawer, loaded with just about every good brand and ranging from 60% and up! Is that bad? But wait… I am talking to CCK here! hehe.
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
That is very, very bad, Monica!
Wait a sec… I’ll come join you! Save some of the chocolate in that drawer for me :).
Bianca- Vegan Crunk says
I always keep leftovers on hand for quick weekday (or lazy weekend) lunches. Like today, I’m having leftover tempeh gumbo with a hush puppy corn muffin for lunch. Altogether, that meal took over an hour to cook last night for dinner…but I can heat it up in less than 3 minutes today. And I made a crap ton, so it’s gumbo for lunch every day this week! As for fast food joints, Taco Bell is my guilty pleasure. Their beans are vegan, and the 7-Layer Burrito can be made vegan sans the cheese and sour cream….but I try to only eat this, like, once a month…and usually only when drunk.
Fi says
🙂 ur comment on my blog made me smile, and smiles come from the soul, so thanks . X
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
Awwwwwwwwww! Your comments on my blog ALWAYS make me smile. So you can just imagine how happy my soul is. I’m so glad I can give you at least a little of that happiness back. You deserve so much more :).
Namaste Gurl says
Question: Is that “liquid crack sauce”…i’ve seen it at WF, by the way, and it’s price tag isn’t very nice…. spicy? I can’t do over the top spicy:)
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
Yeah, the problem with getting free samples is that you get hooked on the stuff… I still have some freebies left, but after they’re gone, I’m not looking forward to shelling out the $ for more. But it’s SERIOUSLY good stuff!! Oh, and not spicy at all. I know it has wasabi, but there’s no kick to it.
Faith says
I love mexican layer bowls! I’ve been doing them quite a bit lately to bring to work…although one day I was so frackin’ hungry that in the process of making one for dinner I may or may not have just eaten several spoonfuls of the refried beans straight out of the can. What is it about your blog that gets me to spill all these nasty things I’ve eaten? lol
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
Oh Faith, you crack me up! And don’t worry; I’ve been guilty of eating outta the refried bean can too :).
Mary @ Bites and Bliss says
I like homemade taco salad made with Morningstar Recipe Crumbles 🙂 That stuff taste’s *exactly* like hamburger meat- they boys can’t even tell!!
spoonfulofsugarfree says
Oh my gosh! Katie-I have been eating ghiradelli 100% dark chocolate forever!!! The stuff is AMAZING! It tastes soooo good with a dollop of peanut butter on it! Also, Baker’s 100% dark chocolate tastes good, too. It has more of a brownie taste to it!
Amalia says
You are so much fun and such an inspiration. I hope college is going well… 🙂
I love your zucc nooldes! What do you use to cut them like that??
Amalia says
ok, duh! found it myself…! 🙂
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
Aww thanks :).
College is… eh, it’d be fun except for all the essays! 😉
jen says
hey katie,
long time, no comment! i still lurk, but don’t have much time to comment on stuff anymore. this recent post reminds me of one of my quickie dishes! check it out:
http://thatpainintheassvegan.blogspot.com/2009/10/ooooh-me-so-corny.html
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
Oh Jen, I hear ya! I have hardly any time to comment anymore either. I’ll definitely check out the link though!
Nicole (Picky Nicky) says
I’m totally with you on the chocolate! Well, acutally, i’ve never tried the 100% but I remember my first bite of 99% and I actually did spit it out. Now I much on the stuff whenever I want chocolate. It does take some time to adjust but it’s for the better, isn’t it?? 😉
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
Once you go to the dark side, you never go back! 🙂
*Andrea* says
sounds yummy! i love QUICK meals.. well actually i just don’t like to cook/barely have time to make elaborate meals. i will definitely be making something like this! i love mixing refried beans with some light cheese and brown rice and salsa too. i wish i had a spiralizer!! those zucchinis look so fun to eat!
Sarah B @ Bake + Bike says
Wow your five-minute meals are seriously gourmet!! Those zucchini noodles look deeeeelicious.
Even as an insane chocoholic, I have never braved the 100% chocolate! I may have to give it a go. I do rather enjoy 80%, so perhaps my tastebuds will embrace the REAL DEAL.
My favourite home-made “fast food” is probably a big bowl of curried veggies over (leftover) brown rice!
Meghan says
My favorite “fast food” is veggie burgers. Quick and easy. I also like pasta with spinach and cherry tomatoes, very quick and easy.
BroccoliHut says
My ultimate fast food is a hearty smoothie with lots of nut butter, soymilk, and maybe some protein. YUM.
Kelsey says
right when i saw the sauce on there i thought “crack” haha!!! that really oozes throughout, oh my yum!! yum!! 😉
btw. my pictures only look good when i stand really steady/still. mine gets all blurry too. i usually have it on the ‘food setting’ which is good..but it does require no shaking..otherwise u’ll get a blurry pic. would be so much easier with one of those crazy SLR cameras that are thousands of bucks 🙂
xoxo <3
Marianne says
That bowl of Mexican fun is begging for some tortilla chips and avocado. Mostly because I love any foods I can dip. I think dips instantly make any meal more fun.
Averie (LoveVeggiesAndYoga) says
Just poppin in to say HI!!!
Fave “fast food” would be raw produce, raw salad beasts, fresh fruit, all pre chopped and washed. That’s my #1 tip…is to make time to do that, that way when hunger strikes, or a 3 yr old needs to eat something NOW, you dont have to resort to prepared foods or storebought things, you can have nature’s goodies. Or dates with nut butter, crackers w/ homemade dips, stuff like that is what we do in a hurry!
🙂
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
*Waves like a crazy girl at Averie*
Haha I remember the terrible threes with my cousin. If she didn’t get what she wanted–food included– ASAP, there was hell to pay! (She’s a lovely girl now hehe)
Anne @ Food Loving Polar Bear says
Ah, I love your blog because I can discover new things! zucchini noodles, mmmm! those must be SO good 🙂
couchpotatoathlete says
Favorite fast meals: eggs/toast, oatmeal, banana/PB, dates/PB, salad, fresh fruit. I try to have good things on hand so that I can make fast meals.
I love your fiesta in a bowl, it looks so delicious!
MoniMeals says
Hi again Katie! Just getting back to you on your comment from earlier…Well, thank you for having such a great bloggie so I can leave nice comments on!
I feel awful for you that you don’t have a Farmer’s Market, boo:( One huge perk of LA is fresh produce all the time and saving a ton of money! HAve a great night!
ps. How can I comment back to you from the comment you left on my site? I wrote you back,hit reply but I don’t think you got it from earlier,I am still learning! lol any advice if you get a chance…
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
Hmmm… no I didn’t get it. But I can’t send replies like that either… As you know, you have to check back on my site in order to see my replies :(.
I tried, once, to enable the reply-by-email thing, but it messed up my email system, no longer letting me see who each comment was from. So you’re not the only one who doesn’t have it all figured out! 😕 Technology is so confusing!!
lizlivingvegan says
Katie, what kind of spiralizer do you use?? I definitely want to get one, but I don’t know what I’m shopping for!
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
This one: https://chocolatecoveredkatie.com/2009/07/22/spiralizer-spiralizer-youre-a-spiralizer-baby/
I love it; it’s easy-peasy to use :).
Keri - I Eat Trees says
I purchased that same chocolate bar the other day. I picked it up to shave to make vegan mint chocolate ice cream, but now I’m going to have to taste a square. 😛
Kelsey @ Clean Teen Kelsey says
Ahh, Katie! I bought a bar of the 100% yesterday and tried it for the first time… how do you do it?! It was so, so, unbelievably bitter. I kept reminding myself that it was just like cacao nibs, but somehow it tasted 1000000000 times darker. Oh man. I don’t know if I can do it. lol.
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
LOL you have to take really small bites and savor… but it’s not for everyone. I mean, my dad drinks black coffee and I think it’s disgusting! Different strokes for different folks, right?
Oh, but you might want to try it in recipes before eating it straight up. Like recipes that have sugar/ or sweet recipes such as fudge babies or muffins. Then the sweetener from the recipe will be in the same bite as the chocolate… so maybe you’ll like it that way. But seriously, there’s no rule that says every person must like every food. 😉