The post-holiday season often leaves us feeling a little… indulgent. After weeks of delicious treats, late-night snacks, and perhaps a bit too much comfort food, many of us find ourselves yearning for a return to healthier, more balanced meals. It’s a common struggle, and I definitely found myself succumbing to the allure of sweet cravings and constant snacking this past holiday break. The exhaustion seemed to fuel a bottomless appetite! But now that routines are settling back in, it’s time to get strategic about our eating habits once again.
Recognizing this shared sentiment, a few fellow food bloggers and I have partnered with Alexia to bring you some of our favorite lighter meal ideas. These recipes are not only incredibly easy to prepare and packed with flavor, but they also won’t leave you feeling like you need a wheelbarrow to move from the dining table. We believe in eating smarter, not necessarily less, and making delicious choices that support a balanced lifestyle. As an added bonus, make sure to scroll down to the bottom because we’re also hosting an exciting giveaway worth over $600!
Our choice to feature Alexia products in these lighter recipes stems from a genuine love for their brand and a commitment to quality ingredients. Alexia’s dedication to crafting delicious, wholesome foods makes them a natural fit for those looking to make smarter meal choices without sacrificing taste or convenience. Specifically, their Smart Classics Fries and Potatoes are a game-changer. Imagine enjoying your favorite potato dishes knowing they are 98% fat-free and contain just 100 calories per serving! This remarkable nutritional profile makes healthy eating effortlessly simple. You can bypass the tedious tasks of peeling, chopping, and boiling, saving precious time in the kitchen.
When it came to selecting the perfect recipe to showcase Alexia’s Smart Classics, Cade’s 5-Ingredient Steak Hash immediately came to mind. This dish is an absolute staple in our home, gracing our dinner table time and time again. Its simplicity, combined with its robust flavors and wholesome ingredients, makes it an ideal “smart dinner” solution for busy weeknights. It’s the kind of meal that everyone loves, proving that healthy eating can be incredibly satisfying. Beyond this fantastic recipe, you’ll also find a collection of other light and flavorful ideas from our blogger community, and we even hosted a fun Twitter party to share even more tips and tricks for getting smart about meals! Although the event date of January 16th at 8 PM EST has passed, the spirit of sharing and discovery lives on. You can still connect with us and other incredible food bloggers like @ohsweetbasil, @tasteandtell, and @sweettreatsmore for ongoing inspiration using the hashtag #getsmart.
As mentioned, our collective of food bloggers has collaborated to bring you a diverse range of innovative and lighter meal ideas. Each recipe is meticulously crafted to be full of vibrant flavors, proving that healthy eating doesn’t have to be bland or boring. I’ve already started pinning every single one of these delightful dishes to my recipe boards, eager to try them out this month. The excitement for delicious, wholesome cooking is palpable, and I can’t wait for you to discover your new favorites too!
Speaking of new beginnings, let’s talk about something many of us contemplate at this time of year: resolutions. I recently asked on Facebook what everyone thought about setting New Year’s resolutions and was pleasantly surprised to learn that I’m not alone in often bypassing them. For me, traditional resolutions rarely stick. Instead, I’ve found much greater success in setting small, achievable goals throughout the year and consistently working towards them. This approach has been incredibly effective and has led to more sustainable positive changes.
One of my key goals last year was to prioritize better care for my body. This wasn’t about restrictive dieting, but rather making more mindful decisions about what I eat, how much I consume, staying hydrated, and keeping my overall priorities in order. The results have been transformative; this past year has been remarkably happy, healthy, and peaceful. Achieving a greater sense of balance has been incredibly rewarding, and it feels wonderful to nurture my well-being consistently. I’d love to hear your thoughts on this – do you prefer setting health goals over strict dieting resolutions? What strategies have worked best for you in building healthier habits that truly last?
What Is Hash?
Hash is a versatile and comforting dish traditionally made from cooked meat, potatoes, and often onions, all chopped into small pieces and then pan-fried together. The name “hash” is derived from the French word “hacher,” meaning “to chop.” Historically, hash was a resourceful way to use up leftovers, transforming yesterday’s roast or boiled potatoes into a hearty new meal. It’s renowned for its crispy texture and savory flavor, making it a beloved staple for breakfast, brunch, or even a quick dinner. While potatoes are almost always a key component, many variations exist, incorporating different meats, vegetables, and seasonings.
What Is Cilantro?
Cilantro, known scientifically as Coriandrum sativum, is an aromatic herb with a distinctive, fresh, and citrusy flavor profile. It is also widely referred to as coriander in many parts of the world, particularly for its dried seeds. In North America, “cilantro” typically refers to the fresh leaves, while “coriander” refers to the seeds. This versatile plant is a cornerstone in various global cuisines, including Mexican, Indian, Middle Eastern, and Southeast Asian dishes. All parts of the cilantro plant are edible, but the fresh leaves and dried seeds are the most commonly used in cooking, lending a vibrant and herbaceous note to salsas, curries, and, of course, our delicious steak hash.
What Kind Of Potatoes Are Best For Hash?
Choosing the right potato is crucial for achieving the perfect hash texture. Different potato varieties offer distinct characteristics when cooked:
- Waxy Potatoes: Varieties like Yukon Gold, Red Bliss, or new potatoes are excellent choices for hash if you prefer a creamier interior that still holds its shape. These potatoes have a lower starch content and higher moisture, which prevents them from falling apart during cooking. They become wonderfully tender and slightly creamy, though they won’t achieve the same crispy exterior as their starchier counterparts.
- Starchy Potatoes (Russets): If a truly crisp and craggy crust is your goal, Russet potatoes are the undisputed champions. Their high starch content and low moisture allow them to develop incredibly crunchy edges when pan-fried, while the inside remains fluffy. Russets are fantastic for hash when you want that satisfying contrast of textures.
- Alexia Smart Classics: For an effortless and healthy option, Alexia Smart Classics Fries and Potatoes provide an ideal base. They are pre-cut and partially cooked, designed to crisp up beautifully with minimal effort, offering the convenience of a perfect hash potato without any of the prep work. This makes them a superb choice for a quick, wholesome steak hash that’s both delicious and time-saving.
5-Ingredient Steak Hash: A Quick & Healthy Weeknight Favorite
5-Ingredient Steak Hash
Ingredients
- 1 Bag Alexia Tri Color Potatoes or Smart Classics Fries
- 3 teaspoons Olive Oil, divided
- 3 Bell Peppers, sliced, seeds and top removed
- 1 Small Onion, sliced
- 4 teaspoons Paprika
- 2 teaspoons Garlic Salt
- Cilantro , * optional for garnish
For the Steak
- 1 Flank Steak
- 2 teaspoons Season Salt
Instructions
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Heat a grill pan over high heat and sprinkle each side of the flank steak with the season salt.2 teaspoons Season Salt, 1 Flank Steak
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Place the steak in the pan and reduce heat to medium.
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Cook for 6 to 8 minutes, then flip (cook longer for more well-done, but remember it will cook further in the potato pan, so avoid overcooking it initially), allowing it to finish cooking on the other side.
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Remove the steak from the pan and tent with foil on a plate; let it rest for 10 minutes.
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In a large sauté pan over medium heat, add the first teaspoon of olive oil, then add the sliced bell peppers and onion.3 teaspoons Olive Oil, 3 Bell Peppers, 1 Small Onion
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Cook until vegetables are tender, about 3 minutes.
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Add the Alexia potatoes, paprika, garlic salt, and remaining olive oil to the sauté pan. Cook until the potatoes are heated through and golden on the outside.1 Bag Tri Color Potatoes, 4 teaspoons Paprika, 2 teaspoons Garlic Salt
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Meanwhile, chop the rested steak into bite-sized pieces. Once the potatoes are cooked, add the chopped steak to the pan, toss to combine, and cook for an additional 2 minutes to heat through.
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Serve immediately, garnished with fresh cilantro for a burst of freshness (optional).Cilantro
Recipe Notes
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 96kcal,
Carbohydrates: 6g,
Protein: 9g,
Fat: 4g,
Saturated Fat: 1g,
Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g,
Monounsaturated Fat: 2g,
Cholesterol: 23mg,
Sodium: 1574mg,
Potassium: 311mg,
Fiber: 2g,
Sugar: 3g,
Vitamin A: 2520IU,
Vitamin C: 78mg,
Calcium: 20mg,
Iron: 1mg
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should only be used as an approximation.
Like this recipe? Leave a comment below and share your thoughts!
More Delicious & Easy Meal Ideas!
Discover other fantastic recipes that are perfect for any occasion. From hearty family dinners to quick weeknight meals, these blogger-approved dishes are sure to impress.
Chili Cheese Pockets
Cheesy Ham and Potato Bacon Casserole
Pork Carnitas
15-Minute Pesto Pasta
Fried Tortellini