Ep 1. Healthy-ish!

In the season 21 episode 1 of The Pioneer Woman, titled "Healthy-ish!", Ree Drummond offers a twist on a healthy lifestyle. The episode is about creating recipes that are lighter and healthier versions of the classic comfort foods we all love. Ree is known for her big, bold flavors, but in this episode, she focuses on healthy-ish options that don't sacrifice taste.

The episode starts with a light and healthy breakfast option, a delicious breakfast skillet that features diced sweet potatoes as the base, with turkey sausage, kale, and eggs on top. The dish is colorful, filling, and nutrient-dense, and Ree shows how easy and healthy breakfast can be with just a few simple swaps. She also shares her secret ingredient for achieving perfect, fluffy scrambled eggs every time.

Next up, Ree makes a healthy version of a classic midwestern casserole, tuna noodle casserole. She swaps out the traditional canned soup and white pasta for fresh vegetables like celery, mushrooms, and carrots, and uses quinoa noodles instead of traditional pasta. The result is a creamy, comforting casserole that's lower in calories and carbs and packed with flavor. Ree also shares a few tips for making creamy sauces and gravies without using heavy cream or butter.

For lunch, Ree makes a light and delicious chicken salad with crunchy apples and celery, juicy grapes, and a tangy yogurt dressing. She uses rotisserie chicken to save time and adds a few unexpected ingredients like toasted almonds and poppy seeds for extra crunch and flavor. This salad is perfect for a quick and healthy lunch on the go, and Ree shows how easy it is to make a classic recipe lighter and more nutritious.

For dinner, Ree makes a family favorite, spaghetti and meatballs, but with a healthy twist. She uses whole wheat spaghetti and a lean ground turkey to lighten up the dish, and adds lots of fresh vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers for added fiber and nutrition. Her homemade tomato sauce is rich, tangy, and packed with flavor, and her meatballs are juicy and flavorful even without using fatty beef or pork. Ree also shares her secret for making a big batch of meatballs ahead of time and freezing them for future meals.

Last but not least, Ree shares a healthy-ish dessert option, a fresh fruit salad with a creamy coconut topping. She uses a blend of fresh fruits like pineapple, strawberries, and mango, and tops them with a sauce made from coconut cream, vanilla extract, and honey. The dessert is sweet, refreshing, and surprisingly healthy, and Ree shows how easy it is to satisfy your sweet tooth without using refined sugar or processed ingredients.

Overall, The Pioneer Woman season 21 episode 1 is a perfect example of how you can make healthier versions of classic recipes without sacrificing taste or satisfaction. Ree Drummond's recipes are easy to follow, delicious, and packed with nutritious ingredients, making them perfect for anyone who wants to eat healthier without giving up their favorite comfort foods.