I know I’m not alone in saying this: sometimes it is just exhausting trying to be all things to all people. I know for me, I want to be the best mom, the best wife, daughter, boss and friend that I can be. I want to be healthy and take care of myself while still having fun. I want to run a spotless household and always have a good hair day.
Unfortunately, that is just not always reality. I have to remind myself that being the best version of you means setting your pride aside and taking help wherever you can.
For example, you all know I love to cook (my blog is 50% food for gods sakes!), but there are some days I can’t get to the grocery store or think of a new recipe to try.
Well, my prayers have been answered! A new meal delivery service is coming to Illinois really soon and I got to preview it! It’s called Local Crate and it’s helped me so much! I know what you’re thinking, there are SO many meal delivery services and you may have even tried a few.
But, Local Crate is just SO much more…
Not only is their menu incredibly expansive, but they are committed to sourcing as many local ingredients as possible. Each box highlights the particular farm where your ingredients came from and you can truly taste the difference.
It’s a really simple program too! Each Monday, you’ll receive an email with meals that have been hand-selected for you based on your preferences. You’ll have all week until Thursday at 9:00 pm to change your meals. You’re able to choose meals from our weekly menu or monthly customer favorites menu!
Currently, Local Crate hasn’t launched in Chicago yet, BUT there are a few spots available in their Beta program. If chosen, you will be the first to try Local Crate! You’ll get 50% off the food, a private invitation to their launch party and the ability to taste test recipes from some of Chicago’s best chefs. Click here for more info.
I tested out the the Carne Asada Bowls with Chimichurri & grilled Zucchini and it was SO good.
The process was incredibly easy! Whether you’re a kitchen novice or a culinary pro, you’re going to have so much fun creating these dishes. Everything comes pre-portioned (bye bye food waste) and can usually be prepared in under an hour!
These carne asada bowls are beautiful and delicious, plus knowing where all my ingredients came from wasn’t too shabby either. I thought it would be fun to share the recipe with you below to show you just how easy it was to make!
Wash and dry all produce.
Remove ends from zucchini and discard, then cut in half.
Remove tops from radishes and discard. Then, thinly slice.
Remove steak from package, rinse and pat dry.
Place jasmine rice, water, salt and pepper in medium pot over medium heat. Bring to boil, cover and reduce heat to low. Fluff with a fork.
Place parsley, garlic, red wine vinegar, red pepper flakes, olive oil and a pinch of salt and pepper into a food processor or blender.
Pulse until smooth.
Season sirloin with salt and pepper. Place on hot grill or sauté pan over medium- high heat with oil.
Remove steak from heat and place on cutting board to rest.
Add zucchini pieces to previously used grill or sauté pan and cook until zucchini is golden charred. Remove from heat.
Slice sirloin against the grain into thin strips.
Place rice as the base and add your veggies and sirloin.
Drizzle with plenty of chimichurri!!
Doesn’t that look incredibly delicious?
So, we have a win-win situation here. I look like the hero Mom who can pull-together a farm-fresh dinner in no-time and I didn’t even have to go to the grocery store! I promise you, you will LOVE Local Crate.
Local Crate: Carne Asada Bowls with Chimichurri & Grilled Zucchini
Ingredients
What You’ll Get From Local Crate
- Jasmine rice
- Red Pepper Flakes
- Red Wine Vinegar
- Zucchini
- Radish
- Parsley
- Garlic
- Top Sirloin
What You’ll Need From Your Pantry:
- Salt
- Pepper
- Olive Oil
Instructions
- Wash and dry all produce. Remove ends from zucchini and discard, then cut in half, stand each half vertically on the cutting board and cut into ½ “ slices. Remove tops from radishes and discard. Then, thinly slice.
- Remove steak from package, rinse and pat dry.
- Place jasmine rice, 1 ¼ cup water and a pinch of salt and pepper in medium pot over medium heat. Bring to boil, cover and reduce heat to low. Cook 15-20 minutes until tender. Fluff with a fork.
- Place parsley (leaves and stems whole), garlic, red wine vinegar, red pepper flakes, 3 Tbsp olive oil and a pinch of salt and pepper into a food processor or blender. Pulse until smooth.
- Season sirloin with salt and pepper. Place on hot grill or sauté pan over medium- high heat with 1 tsp oil. Sear 2-3 minutes per side until charred and cooked to desired doneness. Remove steak from heat and place on cutting board to rest.
- Add zucchini pieces to previously used grill or sauté pan and cook 1-2 minutes per side until zucchini is golden charred. Remove from heat.
- Slice sirloin against the grain into thin strips.
- Time to plate your dish! Place rice as the base and add your veggies and sirloin, drizzle with plenty of chimichurri!!
Love always,
Erica