Aldi Finds January: Delicious & Easy Recipes to Kickstart Your Year

January can be a tough month. The holiday sparkle has faded, the weather is often dreary, and resolutions loom large. But fear not! Aldi is here to brighten your month with a fresh batch of Aldi Finds, offering exciting ingredients at budget-friendly prices. This year, Aldi’s January offerings are particularly inspiring, perfect for creating delicious and easy recipes to kickstart your year on a flavorful note. We’ve curated a selection of recipes highlighting some of the best Aldi Finds this January, ensuring you can enjoy gourmet-quality meals without breaking the bank.

## Why Aldi Finds Are Perfect for January Cooking

Aldi Finds are limited-time offerings that pop up in stores, often themed around seasons, holidays, or culinary trends. They provide a fantastic opportunity to try new ingredients, experiment with different cuisines, and discover hidden gems. In January, Aldi Finds often feature items geared toward healthy eating, comfort foods, and globally-inspired flavors – all perfect for navigating the post-holiday blues.

Here’s why they’re great for January:

* **Budget-Friendly:** January is often a time for tightening the purse strings after the holidays. Aldi Finds help you create delicious meals without overspending.
* **Variety:** The ever-changing selection keeps things interesting in the kitchen, encouraging you to try new things.
* **Convenience:** Many Aldi Finds are pre-seasoned, pre-cut, or otherwise prepped, saving you time and effort in the kitchen.
* **Inspiration:** Browsing the Aldi Finds aisle can spark culinary creativity and inspire new recipe ideas.

## Featured Aldi Finds for January

Before we dive into the recipes, let’s highlight some key Aldi Finds you might encounter this January. Keep in mind that availability can vary by location, so check your local Aldi ad or store shelves for the most up-to-date information.

* **Specialty Cheeses:** Aldi is renowned for its incredible cheese selection, and January often brings a variety of unique and flavorful cheeses, from imported Goudas to artisanal bries. Look for cheeses infused with herbs, spices, or even fruit.
* **Seafood:** From frozen shrimp and scallops to canned tuna and salmon, Aldi offers a range of seafood options that are perfect for healthy and protein-packed meals.
* **International Cuisine Ingredients:** Explore flavors from around the world with Aldi’s selection of international sauces, spices, noodles, and grains. You might find items like Thai curry paste, Japanese udon noodles, or Mediterranean couscous.
* **Healthy Snacks:** Stock up on nutritious snacks like nuts, seeds, dried fruit, yogurt, and granola to keep you energized throughout the day.
* **Ready-to-Cook Meals:** For busy weeknights, Aldi offers a variety of ready-to-cook meals, such as frozen pizzas, skillet meals, and soups.
* **Produce:** Aldi consistently has excellent produce at competitive prices. Look for seasonal fruits and vegetables to incorporate into your recipes.

## Recipe 1: Creamy Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese Croutons (Comfort Food Classic)

This recipe elevates classic tomato soup and grilled cheese to a whole new level using Aldi Finds. The creamy soup is rich and flavorful, while the grilled cheese croutons add a delightful crunch and cheesy goodness.

**Ingredients:**

* 1 tablespoon olive oil (Aldi staple)
* 1 onion, chopped (Aldi staple)
* 2 cloves garlic, minced (Aldi staple)
* 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes (Aldi staple)
* 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce (Aldi staple)
* 4 cups vegetable broth (Aldi staple)
* 1 teaspoon dried basil (Aldi staple)
* 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano (Aldi staple)
* Salt and pepper to taste (Aldi staple)
* 1/2 cup heavy cream (Aldi staple)
* Bread of your choice (Aldi staple, sourdough or brioche recommended)
* Butter, softened (Aldi staple)
* Specialty cheese slices, such as Gouda or Havarti (Aldi Find, January)

**Instructions:**

1. **Prepare the Soup:** Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
2. **Add Tomatoes and Broth:** Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, vegetable broth, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
3. **Blend the Soup:** Use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth. Alternatively, carefully transfer the soup to a regular blender and blend until smooth. Return the soup to the pot.
4. **Add Cream:** Stir in the heavy cream and heat through. Do not boil.
5. **Make Grilled Cheese Croutons:** While the soup is simmering, prepare the grilled cheese croutons. Cut the bread into 1-inch cubes. Butter one side of each cube.
6. **Assemble Croutons:** Place cheese slices between two bread cubes with the buttered sides facing outwards, creating mini grilled cheese sandwiches.
7. **Cook Croutons:** Heat a skillet over medium heat. Cook the grilled cheese croutons until golden brown and the cheese is melted, about 2-3 minutes per side.
8. **Serve:** Ladle the soup into bowls and top with the grilled cheese croutons. Enjoy!

**Aldi Find Spotlight:** The specialty cheese slices elevate this dish. The creamy, slightly nutty flavor of Gouda or the mild, buttery taste of Havarti pairs perfectly with the tomato soup.

## Recipe 2: Mediterranean Quinoa Bowl with Lemon-Herb Dressing (Healthy & Vibrant)

This Mediterranean Quinoa Bowl is packed with flavor, protein, and healthy fats. It’s a light yet satisfying meal that’s perfect for lunch or dinner.

**Ingredients:**

* 1 cup quinoa, rinsed (Aldi staple)
* 2 cups vegetable broth (Aldi staple)
* 1 cucumber, diced (Aldi staple)
* 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (Aldi staple)
* 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved (Aldi staple)
* 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced (Aldi staple)
* 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese (Aldi staple)
* 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (Aldi staple)
* 1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped (Aldi staple)
* Lemon-Herb Dressing:
* 1/4 cup olive oil (Aldi staple)
* 2 tablespoons lemon juice (Aldi staple)
* 1 clove garlic, minced (Aldi staple)
* 1 teaspoon dried oregano (Aldi staple)
* Salt and pepper to taste (Aldi staple)
* Optional: Canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed (Aldi staple); grilled chicken or fish (Aldi staple or Find, January)

**Instructions:**

1. **Cook the Quinoa:** Combine the quinoa and vegetable broth in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the quinoa is cooked through and the liquid is absorbed. Fluff with a fork.
2. **Prepare the Vegetables:** While the quinoa is cooking, prepare the vegetables. Dice the cucumber, halve the cherry tomatoes, halve the Kalamata olives, and thinly slice the red onion.
3. **Make the Lemon-Herb Dressing:** In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.
4. **Assemble the Bowl:** In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, Kalamata olives, red onion, feta cheese, parsley, and mint.
5. **Dress the Bowl:** Pour the lemon-herb dressing over the quinoa mixture and toss to combine.
6. **Serve:** Serve immediately or chill for later. You can add canned chickpeas, grilled chicken, or fish for extra protein.

**Aldi Find Spotlight:** Look for pre-cooked grilled chicken or fish filets in the Aldi Finds section to make this meal even quicker and easier. The lemon-herb dressing complements the Mediterranean flavors perfectly, and Aldi often carries high-quality olive oil that will enhance the taste.

## Recipe 3: Spicy Peanut Noodles with Shrimp (Quick & Flavorful Weeknight Meal)

These Spicy Peanut Noodles with Shrimp are a delicious and satisfying weeknight meal that comes together in under 30 minutes. The peanut sauce is creamy, spicy, and packed with flavor.

**Ingredients:**

* 8 ounces Asian noodles (udon, soba, or egg noodles) (Aldi Find, January or staple)
* 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined (Aldi staple, frozen shrimp recommended)
* 1 tablespoon olive oil (Aldi staple)
* 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced (Aldi staple)
* 1/2 cup chopped peanuts (Aldi staple)
* 2 green onions, thinly sliced (Aldi staple)
* Spicy Peanut Sauce:
* 1/4 cup peanut butter (Aldi staple)
* 2 tablespoons soy sauce (Aldi staple)
* 2 tablespoons rice vinegar (Aldi staple)
* 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (Aldi staple)
* 1 tablespoon sesame oil (Aldi staple)
* 1 tablespoon sriracha or chili garlic sauce (Aldi staple)
* 2 tablespoons water (or more, to reach desired consistency) (Aldi staple)
* 1 clove garlic, minced (Aldi staple)

**Instructions:**

1. **Cook the Noodles:** Cook the noodles according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
2. **Prepare the Shrimp:** Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook until pink and opaque, about 3-5 minutes. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
3. **Sauté the Bell Pepper:** Add the sliced red bell pepper to the skillet and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes.
4. **Make the Spicy Peanut Sauce:** In a medium bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey or maple syrup, sesame oil, sriracha or chili garlic sauce, water, and garlic until smooth. Add more water if needed to reach desired consistency.
5. **Combine Everything:** Add the cooked noodles, shrimp, and bell pepper to the skillet. Pour the spicy peanut sauce over the mixture and toss to combine.
6. **Serve:** Garnish with chopped peanuts and green onions. Serve immediately.

**Aldi Find Spotlight:** Aldi often carries interesting Asian noodles and sauces as part of their Aldi Finds selection. Look for udon noodles, which have a chewy texture, or soba noodles, which have a nutty flavor. The sriracha or chili garlic sauce adds a kick of heat to this dish, perfect for those who like a little spice.

## Recipe 4: Baked Brie with Fig Jam and Walnuts (Elegant Appetizer)

This Baked Brie with Fig Jam and Walnuts is an elegant and easy appetizer that’s perfect for entertaining or simply indulging in a cozy night at home.

**Ingredients:**

* 1 (8 ounce) wheel of brie cheese (Aldi staple)
* 1/4 cup fig jam (Aldi Find, January or staple)
* 1/4 cup walnuts, chopped (Aldi staple)
* Crackers or baguette slices, for serving (Aldi staple)

**Instructions:**

1. **Preheat the Oven:** Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. **Prepare the Brie:** Place the brie wheel in an oven-safe dish or on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
3. **Top the Brie:** Spread the fig jam evenly over the top of the brie. Sprinkle with chopped walnuts.
4. **Bake the Brie:** Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the brie is soft and gooey.
5. **Serve:** Let the brie cool slightly before serving. Serve with crackers or baguette slices.

**Aldi Find Spotlight:** Keep an eye out for specialty fig jams in the Aldi Finds aisle. They often have unique flavors, such as fig and balsamic or fig and port. The walnuts add a crunchy texture and nutty flavor that complements the sweetness of the fig jam and the creaminess of the brie.

## Recipe 5: Sausage and Kale Skillet with Parmesan (One-Pan Wonder)

This Sausage and Kale Skillet with Parmesan is a quick, easy, and healthy one-pan meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. It’s packed with flavor and nutrients.

**Ingredients:**

* 1 pound Italian sausage, removed from casings (Aldi staple)
* 1 onion, chopped (Aldi staple)
* 2 cloves garlic, minced (Aldi staple)
* 1 bunch kale, chopped (Aldi staple)
* 1/2 cup chicken broth (Aldi staple)
* 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (Aldi staple)
* Salt and pepper to taste (Aldi staple)
* Optional: Red pepper flakes, for heat (Aldi staple)

**Instructions:**

1. **Brown the Sausage:** Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned.
2. **Add Onion and Garlic:** Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
3. **Add Kale and Broth:** Add the chopped kale to the skillet and stir until it begins to wilt. Pour in the chicken broth and cover the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the kale is tender.
4. **Season and Serve:** Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir in the Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately.

**Aldi Find Spotlight:** Aldi often carries specialty Italian sausages in their Aldi Finds section, such as chicken sausage with spinach and feta or sweet Italian sausage with roasted peppers. These add even more flavor to this already delicious skillet meal.

## Tips for Shopping Aldi Finds

* **Check the Aldi ad regularly:** The weekly Aldi ad will highlight the latest Aldi Finds.
* **Shop early:** Aldi Finds are often limited in quantity, so shop early in the week for the best selection.
* **Don’t be afraid to try new things:** Aldi Finds are a great way to experiment with different ingredients and cuisines.
* **Read the labels carefully:** Check the ingredient list and nutrition information before purchasing.
* **Stock up on your favorites:** If you find an Aldi Find that you love, buy extra, as it may not be available again for a while.
* **Be flexible:** Aldi Finds availability can vary by location, so be prepared to adjust your recipes if necessary.

## Conclusion

Aldi Finds in January offer a fantastic opportunity to create delicious and affordable meals. By taking advantage of the limited-time offerings, you can explore new flavors, experiment with different cuisines, and enjoy gourmet-quality food without breaking the bank. So, head to your local Aldi, browse the Aldi Finds aisle, and get inspired to kickstart your year with these easy and flavorful recipes! Remember to be flexible, creative, and most importantly, have fun in the kitchen!

Enjoy your January cooking with Aldi Finds!