Have you ever tried basturma (also called pastirma)? It’s a spiced, cured meat coated in fenugreek and aromatic spices. In Egypt, basturma is highly prized and often costly, so making it at home is a great alternative.
Enjoy a free 5-day meal plan filled with delicious, family-friendly dinners. A meal plan helps simplify your week, saves time, and ensures your family enjoys hot, home-cooked meals each night.
I’ve shared 5-day meal plans with my email subscribers for years and occasionally post them on Instagram. The feedback I receive from readers who use these plans regularly is wonderful. If you’re new here, these meal plans usually include five dinners and one or two desserts to satisfy a sweet tooth. I aim to offer variety and flexibility so you can swap or omit dishes as needed, and I always recommend reserving a day for leftovers or using them for lunch the next day.
đź“… Food Holidays
This week includes a few fun food observances—great excuses to try new recipes or celebrate favorites:
- March 6th is National Oreo Cookie Day—try an easy no-bake Oreo dessert for a quick treat.
- March 9th is National Meatball Day—consider making slow-cooker Moroccan-inspired meatballs for an effortless, flavorful meal.
🍊 In Season Now
Now in season: artichokes, arugula, avocado, asparagus, lemons, limes, oranges, pears, persimmons, broccoli, cabbage, and more—perfect for fresh salads, sides, and flavorful mains.
Monday
Vegetarian Black-Eyed Peas
Comforting and protein-rich, serve these black-eyed peas with garlic bread or white rice for a satisfying vegetarian dinner.
Tuesday
Baked Olive Oil Chicken
A traditional Palestinian dish rich in olive oil and warm spices. Pair it with freekeh or festive roasted rice. Leftover chicken can be shredded or diced and saved for Thursday’s meal.
Wednesday
Shrimp Fajitas
Quick and vibrant—these shrimp fajitas take less than 30 minutes. Serve with your favorite toppings and a side of fresh guacamole for a complete meal.
Thursday
Chicken Tetrazzini
Creamy, cheesy comfort food—this classic chicken tetrazzini is rich, hearty, and perfect for colder evenings or when you need a satisfying crowd-pleaser.
Friday
Liver Sandwiches
A classic street-food favorite elevated to perfection. Serve on soft buns with fresh lettuce and tahini or your preferred condiments.
Desserts
Make an indulgent Greek custard dessert with phyllo—galaktoboureko is a luscious, syrup-soaked treat that’s worth the effort when you want something impressive.
🖨️ Printable Shopping List
Use a printable shopping list to streamline your grocery trip and ensure you have everything needed for the week’s meals.
Related posts
If you enjoyed this week’s plan, check last week’s menu for more ideas and browse other weekly meal plans for additional inspiration.