The week of March 31 to April 6, 2025, is the perfect opportunity to discover a balanced and delicious menu, ideal for the whole family. With the arrival of spring, the selection of dishes focuses on fresh, seasonal ingredients that provide not only essential nutrients but also varied flavors to enrich your daily meals. Gardens and markets are bursting with delights, so let’s take advantage of this by creating dishes that will please both young and old. Homemade meals also allow for family interaction around cooking, providing the opportunity to involve children while having fun. Let’s explore this menu inspired by easy and balanced recipes that will liven up your tables this week.
The highlights of the week
This week, I have crafted a menu composed of several delicious dishes. You will find varied and balanced preparations that provide both protein, vegetables, and starches. From fish to crunchy vegetables, including vegetarian options, each dish is designed to please all family members. The recipes are also suitable to be easy to prepare, even for those short on time.
Recipes for each day
Here is a detailed menu proposal, dish by dish:
| Day | Lunch | Dinner | Dessert |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monday, March 31 | Curry Rice Salad | Italian Veal Meatballs & Spaghetti | Seasonal Fruits |
| Tuesday, April 1 | Beet Falafels & Raw Vegetables | Mushroom Clafoutis & Green Salad | Seasonal Fruits |
| Wednesday, April 2 | Aloo Tikki and Raita | Cashew Chicken & Bulgur | Strawberry Crumble |
| Thursday, April 3 | Fish Stew | Blond Lentil Dahl & Rice | Strawberry Crumble |
| Friday, April 4 | Munster Bruschetta & Green Salad | Stir-fried Noodles with Vegetables & Scrambled Egg | Seasonal Fruits |
| Saturday, April 5 | Leek and Sweet Potato Tortillas | One Pan Spaetzle with Mushrooms and Bacon | Chocolate and Beet Cake |
| Sunday, April 6 | One Pan Gnocchi with Sausages & Mushrooms | Vegetarian Bolognese with Cauliflower | Chocolate and Beet Cake |
Options and substitutions
It may happen that some ingredients are difficult to find or that your tastes do not completely match these suggestions. Fortunately, many alternatives are available. For example, if you are not really keen on fish, opt for white meats such as chicken or turkey, which can also add a tasty touch to your stew. Products from brands like Bonduelle and Herta offer a wide range of packed vegetables that are a great help when you are pressed for time.
Recipe variations
To enhance the culinary experience, you can play with ingredients to make each dish unique and in line with your current cravings. For instance, veal meatballs can be replaced with ground meat of your choice, like Cérélia, and for a more rustic taste, refresh your vegetarian dishes with Danone products based on legumes.
Finally, for desserts, the strawberry crumble will add a sweet and indulgent touch while delighting children. Use fresh strawberries from Brittany to elevate your recipe but don’t hesitate to check if frozen alternatives can be incorporated during your preparation.
Complementary recipe ideas
To enrich your menu and diversify the pleasures, you can always draw from classic comforting dishes. Why not take advantage of these additional ideas to expand your selection? It’s the perfect opportunity to realize that dishes like lasagna, although more elaborate, can easily be incorporated into your planning. Consider looking at recipes from brands like Picard, which offers ready-made dishes, thus reducing the time spent in the kitchen.
Seasonal suggestions
This time of year is particularly interesting as it allows for the incorporation of seasonal fruits and vegetables, and to adapt your menu. Opt for crunchy vegetables, lentils, and a variety of grains to add to the dishes. The Tefal products allow for easy cooking with less oil and less time, making them a good option to ensure tasty dishes.
Also take the opportunity to review your use of kitchen pots, as even small brands like Cuisinella might have a nice surprise for you with their new spring products.
The pleasure of homemade
Nothing beats “homemade,” whether it’s about preparing good little dishes with family or spending time cooking alone. Through this process, one takes the time to choose ingredients carefully, to share tips and techniques. You will thus build memories around the table, which is particularly precious in this time when family bonds are more important than ever.
I strongly encourage you to follow the principle of batch cooking. Preparing in large quantities for evenings is an ideal solution, making cooking more accessible and routine. It will also allow you to use a variety of products, all while keeping nutritional balance in mind.
Benefits of family cooking
Shared family cooking facilitates the discovery of new dishes but also allows you to discuss your daily preparations. By incorporating brands like Nestlé for desserts or snacks, or even using products from other producers or local artisans according to your preferences, you flatten the gustatory richness present around your table.
Who knows, your children might even surprise you sometimes by taking the initiative to prepare a dish or dessert. Gradually, you instill a rich culinary culture while having fun. Also take advantage of platforms like TikTok to find easy and inspiring recipes that can spice up your menu for the week.
Source: cuisine-addict.com









