Easy shells with broccoli greens and peas.

Weeknights…… those nights when you come back home and look rather pensively at the insides of the fridge, or the pantry, or both. You may have imaginary or very real aches in your limbs, or feel totally drained. What is it about the grind?

However, I always feel inspired once I get home and see the pup and the man. I must feed them well. I should look after all of us, myself included and not order that pizza. Even though in that last hour at work, I threw in the towel and promised myself it will be an ordering in night. Indeed, cooking a quick dinner takes less effort and time than to go through that menu and decide – and then wait hungrily for the delivery to appear, because being tired doesn’t mean you are not famished~!

Really, its good to be home. Each day, everyday. Unless we’ve fought and are yet to make up – and even then , its good to be home so that we can have a go at that. What is it that you do it all for? The ones you love, of course. Otherwise, what is the point of anything in this life?

I have started a job recently and everything is pretty new. I am still learning, and whenever there are new things to learn, I always get super engrossed! (another reason why the blog has been slightly neglected lately.) Anyway, we were all thinking to go get some drink on this Thursday evening after work to celebrate the long Easter weekend. But I was so tired and did indeed look forward to just going home. I am not a homebody, I am just addicted to home and everything it entails. Then I was thinking, it is a blessing indeed, to be able to look forward to going back home.

So after that little philosophical talk, you ask what has inspired all this? I got thinking when I was at work on Thursday. What is the most important thing in life? Money makes life comfortable, but love makes it worth living. We must fiercely protect the people (and Animals) that matter to us most, give them time and all our energy if needed, success, money, fame – will come and go – look after the one thing that matters the most first and always. Everyday musings inside my head.

So ….. let me introduce you to another weeknight gem – it is healthy and easy – what with all that green in it and a minimum of cheese. So you can look after you and yours. No excuses for a takeout! This pasta is very easy and versatile too if you wish to switch anything . For the pasta I use whole durum wheat. Steer clear of white – not much to gain down that path. Whenever you use broccoli, also remember that the greens attached to the head are also edible, and high in nutrient value. The thick stem is also meaty and sweet, just peel the outside woody layer with your knife and cut into small cubes.

When we cooked this, Tim was craving chicken, so he had his with shallow fried chicken tender loin pieces. This is something we do from time to time. Edit the dish slightly to accommodate the other. He eats a lot less meat now than ever before. The change happened naturally, All by himself, I have never asked or pressured him to do any changes in his diet. It comes down to his own intelligence and understanding (he knows exactly what comes from where and how), living with me only gave him one more reason – and a very compelling one, to push forward the changes. It is easier too. We continuously learn from each other. Also, it comes down to respect. I really disapprove of vegetarians/Vegans preaching to people. Yes, by all means, educate them if they are ignorant, but do not preach. No one wants to be told what to do. It would be just as bad (and ignorant) as a meat eater saying to a vegan to “eat a steak”. To me, veganism is the epitome of the sentiment “anti cruelty” which I have lived and learned growing up in a home influenced by Gandhian philosophy and a bit of Jainism. I believe when you judge others for eating what they eat and look down at them, you are performing an act of cruelty towards them.

Do not be cruel. Give them space and education maybe, to help them make an educated decision. The right choices must be made from the heart. These are the ones that stick around. 🙂 This is after-all – the refreshingly open-minded blog!

Let’s get down to business now!