5 realistic ways to actually get dinner on the table faster, according to a food editor

Sometimes, it helps to approach the supermarket like a contestant on “Chopped,” where the basket ingredients have to be utilized in unique ways to make a final, cohesive dish. For instance, I was at my local Middle Eastern market recently, where I spotted jarred paprika spread. I checked the ingredients: puréed tomato, carrots, onions, red bell pepper, spices, olive oil and salt. A few days later, I used the spread as the base of a delicious lentil soup when I didn’t feel like slicing and dicing fresh vegetables.

Think about it: Most jarred sauces, spreads and dips can be used to flavor or thicken soups. Similarly, you can raid your local grocery store’s antipasto bar for briny olives, marinated cheese and roasted garlic to toss into pasta, while the salad bar has great options for grain bowl toppings.