Tired of cooking or too busy to spend hours in the kitchen? We’ve got you covered. These quick and easy recipe ideas take you 15 minutes or less to prepare and are just what you need for a delicious lunch or dinner everyone in your family will love.
1. BACON, LETTUCE, AND TOMATO PASTA SALAD
Ideal for a quick lunch at home or at work, this bacon, lettuce, and tomato pasta salad is a great alternative to the original pasta salad made with only fresh tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and basil. The crispy bacon adds a delicious crunchiness, and you can still throw in some basil if you like it. Top with a mayo dressing right before serving. It’s an excellent choice for a solo meal or to share with your partner.
2. CHICKEN, GARLIC GREENS, AND SMOKY ROMESCO SAUCE
This quick recipe sounds more complicated to make than it is, and looks so fancy that you can easily impress anyone with it. All you need is a non-stick frying pan and a handful of ingredients. It is a great choice for a quick lunch as well as a delicious date night dinner. Serve it with a glass of fizzy white wine or fruity tonic water for a non-alcoholic alternative.
3. PUMPKIN SOUP
Quick and easy to make, this one-pot pumpkin soup recipe makes for a delicious vegetarian lunch. You can turn it vegan without cream or top it with croutons and crispy bacon if you eat meat. Velvety and smooth, it can warm up even the coldest day. Here are a few more ideas of cold weather soups you should try.
4. FENNEL SALAD
Fennel salad may sound like winter, but its fresh scent and zesty flavours go with all kinds of weather. Packed with vitamins, it pairs perfectly with a light omelette or scrambled eggs. Alternatively, you could enjoy it on its own if you’re looking for a diet-friendly recipe.
5. INDIAN CHICKPEAS AND POACHED EGGS
A quick lunch may sound like utopia when you have kids, but all you have to do is try this recipe of Indian chickpeas and poached eggs to conquer your little ones. Super-rich in fibre and a source of manganese, this meal provides a bunch of nutrients that are essential for healthy bones.
6. HONEY AND GARLIC SHRIMP SKILLET
Yummy and healthy, this recipe combines the savoury and sweet flavours of the Mediterranean. Cooked in a cast iron pan or skillet, it pairs perfectly with a glass of Prosecco or a virgin mojito mocktail. It’s a perfect date night dinner, or you could replace the shrimp with chicken breasts if you or your family don’t like seafood.
7. GARLIC AND BUTTER PORK CHOPS
If you’re tired of chicken garlic and butter pork chops make for an excellent alternative. Tasty and simple, it’s one of those quick dinners that seem delivered straight from a Michelin-starred kitchen. The secret to cooking juicy, flavourful pork chops is bringing the meat to room temperature. Then heat the butter to sizzling hot for quick searing. You should also avoid cooking the meat more than 4-5 minutes per side, or you’ll end up with a dry, overcooked meal. Serve with salad, broccoli mashed potatoes or, if you don’t mind spending some more time in the kitchen, make a tray of roast potatoes.
8. GNOCCHI CACIO E PEPE
If you’re craving an Italian dinner that’s ready in less than 15 minutes, try gnocchi cacio e pepe. Essentially gnocchi topped with grated parmesan cheese and lots of fresh black pepper, this dish is a cinch to make but utterly delicious – replace the cheese with a vegan-friendly variant if you want. Like most Italian pasta dishes, it pairs well with a dry white wine, preferably a Pinot Gris or Chardonnay.
9. HOT-SMOKED SALMON NICOISE
Equally delicious to have for lunch or dinner, this salad is rich in Omega 3 and so delicious that even the kids will love it. The hot-smoked salmon makes it a perfect choice for colder weather, but nobody stops you from making the original recipe with tuna on a hotter summer day. And if you’d like to try out other winter salads, check these ones out.
10. CHICKEN AND ASPARAGUS STIR FRY
When it comes to cooking for kids, mums know best how hard it is to satisfy them. A recipe you can’t go wrong with is chicken and asparagus stir fry. Perfect for a healthy dinner, it contains all nutrients your kids need and is so delicious that they won’t have the time to object they’re eating vegetables.
11. MUG BROWNIE
For those moments when you crave a chocolate treat but don’t have the time or energy to bake a full tray of brownies, mug brownies can save the day. You can make as many as you like, from just one mug for yourself to a whole batch for your whole family. No matter how many mug brownies you decide to bake, rest assured they’ll be ready in less than 15 minutes.
12. QUICK STRAWBERRY “CHEESECAKE”
This quick, no-bake “cheesecake” is a true delight that, like the mug brownie, is best made in single servings. All you need is a handful of graham cracker crumbs – or a gluten-free alternative if you’re on a gluten-free diet – plain yoghurt, and some strawberry jam. You can assemble this fancy dessert in less than 5 minutes, and you can even swap the jam with fresh strawberries if you’re on a diet and want to keep calories to a minimum.
Whether you’re cooking for yourself, preparing a quick date lunch or dinner, or need ideas for the whole family, we hope these recipes inspired you. So, which one if your favourite?
Pork photo by Alex Munsell on Unsplash