Healthy dinners doesn’t have to be bland, boring, or leave you raiding the fridge at midnight. I’m talking so deeply satisfying flavors you’ll forget they’re healthy; because healthy food can and should taste fucking amazing. These Nordic and international recipes are perfect for batch cooking too, so you can feast like royalty all week without spending hours in the kitchen.
I refuse to eat food simply because it’s healthy, and you should too. If you force yourself to eat something simply because it’s healthy, it won’t become a effortless habit. It may become a forced habit, but not one you’re looking forward to every day, and you will use every opportunity to break it.
And that’s the key here; I try to design many of my recipes in such a way that they’re healthy, AND absolutely irresistible, AND easy to make, AND is perfect for batch cooking, AND saves on dishes, AND is good for the environment. And when you eat that kind of food, becoming healthy happens practically by itself, effortlessly.
What I demand in life is irresistible, mind-blowing flavors that fuels activity, preserves muscle, and keeps me energized and satisfied; food that I can live on FOR EVER; not a “diet”, but deliciousness FOR EVER.
And pssst! You don’t have to hit the gym or road beast mode 5 times a week to enjoy these dinners – this is simply excellent food for excellent people!
But what actually IS “healthy” food?
A healthy dinner balances macronutrients—protein, carbohydrates, and fats—while providing essential vitamins, minerals, and fibre. A good framework includes approximately 40-50% of the total energy (the calories) from carbohydrates, 20-30% protein, and 20-30% fats, though these ratios can shift based on individual needs, activity levels, and dietary preferences.
The key is nutrient density and quality of ingredients rather than rigid percentages alone. Portion size matters greatly too; I work out 4-5 times a week doing heavy lifting and high intensity interval training, and need FAR more calories to fuel my body than somebody not as active. So yeah, I get to eat more of the good stuff since I work out 😉
A balanced dinner includes a lean or plant-based protein source like legumes, tofu, fish, poultry, or eggs to support muscle maintenance and satiety. Complex carbohydrates such as whole grains, root vegetables, or legumes provide sustained energy and fibre for digestive health. Healthy fats like olive oil, avocado, nuts, or seeds are essential for hormone regulation, brain function, and absorbing fat-soluble vitamins. Non-starchy vegetables—like leafy greens, broccoli, or peppers—should take up a significant portion of the plate for fibre, antioxidants, and micronutrients.
But first and foremost, healthy eating is about balance – focusing on nutrient-dense, whole foods that nourish the body and mind while avoiding excessively processed ingredients and added sugars.
The importance of pigging out!
It’s not just about what you eat, but how it fits into your life. I aim for balance during the week with lean, protein-packed meals full of veggies and complex carbs. Then, I cut loose (a bit) on the weekends with richer dishes that still focus on real food but feel more indulgent—like that wild mushroom pasta or the enchiladas below. Eating this way means I’m never forcing myself to eat like a fucking puritan, and it keeps my sanity, my taste buds and my body satisfied long-term.
Well here they are – some of our favorites and staples, and how I cook them in a busy weekday setting!
My Batch Cooking Hack
Batch cooking helps me save time, reduce stress, and ensure I have healthy, delicious meals ready to go throughout the week. It also cuts down on dishes and food waste, making life a lot easier.
Here’s how I roll: Cook one batch on Monday, another on Tuesday, and ride those leftovers on Wednesday and Thursday. Kick ass flavors, minimal effort, and barely any dishes. How’s that for ticking all the boxes?
- Cook two dishes early in the week, enjoy effortless gourmet leftovers midweek, just store properly in an airtight container at 4°C / 40°F.
- All the vegetarian dishes keep very well in the fridge. The Fiskefrikadeller hold for a few days in the fridge but freeze beautifully.
- Freeze what you won’t eat in a few days, except potatoes; they get this weird spongy texture when frozen. And frozen rice? Ew.
Truly healthy & tasty dinner recipes:
Norwegian leek, beans & potato stew
This rustic classic is the epitome of comfort food. Creamy potatoes, tender leeks, and hearty white beans simmered together for a satisfying, fibre-rich powerhouse of a meal. It keeps beautifully in the fridge, ready for effortless weekday dinners.
Per serving:
Calories: 586 kcal
Protein: 18.6 g
Carbohydrates: 99.3 g
Fat: 14.2 g
Fibre: 16.4 g
Puy lentils, rice, spinach & parsley root
A simple, earthy stew packed with lentils, rice, and greens—loaded with plant-based protein and perfect for those nights when you want dinner to feel grounding and wholesome. I usually batch-cook everything except the rice and spinach, since leftover rice can be susceptible to Bacillus cereus if not handled properly, and spinach gets kinda sad when reheated.
Per serving:
Calories: 367 kcal
Protein: 12.9 g
Carbohydrates: 60.3 g
Fat: 8.6 g
Fibre: 13.9 g
Smoky Spanish lentil & potato stew
This one’s all about big, bold smoky vibes. Lentils, leeks, and potatoes get hit with deep, rich spices and a just touch of heat.
Per serving:
Calories: 599 kcal
Protein: 17.6 g
Carbohydrates: 99.7 g
Fat: 16.8 g
Fibre: 17.8 g
Danish fiskefrikadeller (fish cakes)
These golden, tender fish cakes are a family classic in Denmark, packed with delicate seafood flavours and perfect with a side of remoulade. They freeze beautifully.
Per serving:
Calories: 566 kcal
Protein: 62.5 g
Carbohydrates: 54.5 g
Fat: 9.9 g
Fibre: 6.6 g
Skipper’s five-chile chili beans
Deep, layered heat, smoky richness, and packed with hearty beans and vegetables. This chili will warm you from the inside out – and makes the perfect base for Friday’s stupid-easy leftover enchiladas right below! A good dollop sour cream and some grated cheese will quickly ramp up the calories, so be ware!
Per serving:
Calories: 348 kcal
Protein: 18.7 g
Carbohydrates: 71.0 g
Fat: 4.2 g
Fibre: 22.3 g
Stupid-easy leftover enchiladas with poblanos
We’re sliding into weekend indulgence with this one, so take those leftover chili beans, wrap them in corn tortillas, smother in sauce, and top with cheese for a Friday dinner so easy, you’ll wonder why you ever bothered making anything else.
Per serving:
Calories: 631 kcal
Protein: 31.1 g
Carbohydrates: 113.0 g
Fat: 12.6 g
Fibre: 28.3 g
A real juicy Norwegian cod burger recipe
This Norwegian cod burger is everything you want in a fish burger. Spread with a tangy, creamy dressing and sandwiched in a soft bun, it’s the perfect balance of utter indulgence and healthy eating. Simple, satisfying, and a total crowd-pleaser!
Per serving:
Calories: 393 kcal
Protein: 36.6 g
Carbohydrates: 43.4 g
Fat: 7.7 g
Fibre: 2.9 g
Norwegian rye-breaded pollock with creamy cauliflower
Tender pollock fillets, coated in rye for a nutty crunch, served with cauliflower in creamy mustard sauce. Simple, clean, and packed with both protein, satisfying flavors and interesting textures.
Per serving:
Calories: 446 kcal
Protein: 50.6 g
Carbohydrates: 31.0 g
Fat: 14.7 g
Fibre: 9.3 g
Pasta with wild mushrooms & creamy Madeira sauce
Earthy, rich mushrooms in a velvety Madeira sauce tossed with perfectly cooked pasta—perfect for a cozy weekend dinner that still keeps things wholesome and reasonably healthy.
Per serving:
Calories: 616 kcal
Protein: 23.1 g
Carbohydrates: 87.4 g
Fat: 19.4 g
Fibre: 6.0 g
Your turn!
Try these out and tell me which one rocked your world the hardest. Snap a pic, tag us on Instagram, let’s show the world healthy eating isn’t about compromise, but about flavor, satisfaction, and food you actually want to eat!
