Quick and Easy GAPS Diet Dinner Ideas

Hey there, fellow food enthusiasts! It’s Robert Kline, and let’s talk about whipping up delicious and nourishing dinners that align with the GAPS diet. I know firsthand how important it is to find that perfect balance between flavorful and gut-healing meals, especially when time is of the essence.

Whether you’re new to the GAPS diet or a seasoned pro, finding quick and easy dinner ideas can sometimes feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. But fear not, my friend, for I’m here to share some culinary inspiration that will have you excited to get cooking!

Why Quick GAPS Dinners?

Let’s face it, life gets busy. We’ve all been there after a long day, staring blankly into the fridge, wondering how to create a healthy meal without spending hours in the kitchen. That’s why having a repertoire of quick GAPS dinner ideas is a game-changer. They’re lifesavers for those nights when you need a nourishing meal in a flash.

GAPS-Friendly Dinner Recipes to the Rescue!

1. Simple Chicken Soup

There’s a reason chicken soup is often called Jewish penicillin – it’s incredibly soothing and nourishing! This version is packed with veggies and herbs for an extra dose of flavor and nutrients.

• Ingredients:

  • 1 organic chicken, cut into pieces
  • 8 cups of bone broth or filtered water
  • 2 carrots, chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1-inch piece of ginger, grated
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

• Instructions:

  1. Rinse the chicken pieces and place them in a large stockpot.
  2. Add the broth (or water), carrots, celery, onion, garlic, ginger, thyme, salt, and pepper.
  3. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 1 1/2 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through.
  4. Remove the chicken from the pot and let it cool slightly.
  5. Shred the chicken and discard the bones.
  6. Return the shredded chicken to the soup and heat through.
  7. Serve hot and enjoy!

2. Salmon with Roasted Vegetables

Talk about a flavor explosion! This dish combines the richness of salmon with the sweetness of roasted vegetables. It’s a simple, yet elegant, GAPS-friendly meal.

• Ingredients:

  • 1 pound salmon fillet, skin on or off
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup broccoli florets
  • 1 cup Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
  • 1/2 cup red onion, cut into wedges

• Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
  2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, salt, and pepper.
  4. Place the salmon fillet on the prepared baking sheet and drizzle with the olive oil mixture.
  5. Arrange the broccoli florets, Brussels sprouts, and red onion wedges around the salmon.
  6. Roast in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.

3. Shepherd’s Pie with Cauliflower Mash

This comforting classic gets a GAPS-friendly makeover with a creamy cauliflower mash topping. It’s the perfect meal for chilly evenings or when you’re craving something hearty.

• Ingredients:

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 carrots, chopped
  • 1 cup chopped mushrooms
  • 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • For the cauliflower mash:
  • 1 head cauliflower, cut into florets
  • 1/4 cup bone broth
  • 2 tablespoons ghee or coconut oil
  • 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon black pepper

• Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
  2. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain any excess grease.
  3. Add the onion, carrots, and mushrooms to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
  4. Stir in the diced tomatoes, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes.
  5. Make the cauliflower mash: While the beef mixture simmers, steam or boil the cauliflower florets until tender, about 10 minutes. Drain well.
  6. In a food processor or blender, combine the cooked cauliflower, bone broth, ghee (or coconut oil), salt, and pepper. Puree until smooth and creamy.
  7. Spoon the beef mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Top with the cauliflower mash.
  8. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through and bubbly.

Tips and Tricks for GAPS Diet Success

• Plan ahead: Take some time on the weekend to plan out your meals for the week. This will help you stay organized and avoid last-minute dinner dilemmas.
• Prep ingredients in advance: Chopping veggies, cooking proteins, and making sauces ahead of time can save you precious minutes during the week.
• Embrace leftovers: Double your recipes and enjoy leftovers for lunch or another dinner.
• Don’t be afraid to experiment: The beauty of cooking is that there’s always room for creativity. Feel free to adapt these recipes to your liking or try out new GAPS-friendly ingredients.

Remember, the GAPS diet is a journey, not a race. There will be days when you nail it and days when you don’t. The most important thing is to be kind to yourself, listen to your body, and enjoy the process of nourishing yourself from the inside out.

Now, I’d love to hear from you! What are some of your favorite quick and easy GAPS dinner ideas? Share your tips and recipes in the comments below. And be sure to check out Robert Kline Art for more handcrafted inspiration and unique gift ideas!