The Dinner That Wasn’t in the Plan (But Saved the Night)

It was one of those nights.

We got home late from the ballfield, the kids were cranky, I was out of patience, and the fridge was mocking me with… almond milk and a half-eaten pickle.

Takeout was calling. Loudly.

But I spotted a can of beans and remembered a trick Flora swears by.

One skillet. Five ingredients.

Dinner appeared in 15 minutes — and no one cried (not even me).

Was it gourmet? Nope.

But it was warm, filling, and not from a drive-thru window.

That’s a win all around

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• Spot sneaky ingredients that don’t belong in your pantry

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🍽 What’s On the Table

15-Minute Chickpea Skillet (a.k.a. Sanity Saver Supper)
Quick, warming, protein-packed, and anti-inflammatory.

🧄 Main Ingredient: Chickpeas (protein-packed and affordable)
 🥬 Add-ins: Leftover greens + a spoon of homemade garlic oil
 🍋 Magic touch: Squeeze of lemon + sea salt = chef’s kiss.

🛒 Ingredients:

• 1 can (15 oz) organic chickpeas, drained & rinsed

• 2–3 handfuls fresh spinach or kale

• 2 tablespoons garlic olive oil (or olive oil + 1 clove garlic, minced)

• Juice of 1/2 lemon

• Sea salt + black pepper to taste

• Optional: crushed red pepper, smoked paprika, or nutritional yeast

🔥 Instructions:

1. Heat the oil in a skillet over medium heat.
   Add garlic if using fresh. Sauté 1 minute until fragrant.

2. Add chickpeas to the skillet. Stir occasionally for 5–6 minutes to crisp them slightly.

3. Toss in the greens. Let them wilt down for 2–3 minutes, stirring gently.

4. Finish with lemon juice, salt, pepper, and any bonus seasonings.
   (Smoked paprika = depth, red pepper = heat, nooch = cheesy vibes.)

5. Serve as-is or scoop over rice, toast, or quinoa.
   Add a fried egg on top if you want a little extra protein.

💡 Real Talk:

This is my go-to when I’m this close to melting down and still want to eat like I love myself.

It’s:
✔️ Gluten-free
✔️ Dairy-free
✔️ Full of fiber + protein
✔️ Takes literally 15 minutes
✔️ Picky kid approved (with toast)

👉 Get More Recipes On Our Blog →

Your Turn:

What’s your go-to 15-minute meal when chaos hits?
Reply to this email and let me know—I read every one.

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