Weeknights can be hectic. After a long day at work or school, the idea of preparing a complex dinner may be the last thing on your mind. But what if you could have meals that are not only quick to make but also brimming with flavor and heartiness? Whether you’re a busy parent or simply seeking to simplify your evening routine, the following recipes are designed to make your weeknights smoother without sacrificing taste.
Delve in and savor the convenience of swift and delicious dinners that will please both your taste buds and your schedule.
Spaghetti Aglio e Olio
Spaghetti Aglio e Olio, which translates to “spaghetti with garlic and oil,” is a classic Italian dish celebrated for its simplicity and bold flavors. Originating from southern Italy, it exemplifies the artistry of Italian cuisine, where a handful of ingredients come together to create a delightful dish. The key components are spaghetti, fresh garlic, and extra-virgin olive oil. Some variations may incorporate red pepper flakes for a hint of heat and parsley for added flavor. A generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese introduces richness and creaminess.
To craft this delectable pasta, begin by cooking the spaghetti until it reaches the desired al dente texture in salted boiling water. While the pasta is simmering, sauté finely minced garlic in olive oil until it takes on a light golden hue, ensuring it doesn’t become burnt. If desired, you can introduce red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
Once the pasta reaches perfection, drain it and combine it with the garlic and oil mixture. Toss everything together until the spaghetti is thoroughly coated. Conclude the dish by garnishing it with parsley and a generous serving of Parmesan cheese. Serve it hot to relish the flavors of Italy from the comfort of your own home.
Beef and Rice
Beef and rice is a hearty and comforting dish enjoyed by many worldwide. This flavorful combination typically features beef tips and tender pieces of meat that complement the soft texture of cooked rice. To prepare beef tips and rice, you’ll need beef tips, onions, bell peppers, garlic, beef broth, and uncooked rice.
To make this dish, begin by sautéing onions and garlic in a pan until they become translucent. Add the beef tips, browning them on all sides. Pour in the beef broth, season with salt and pepper, and let it simmer until the beef is tender. Meanwhile, cook the rice according to the instructions on the packaging. Once the rice is ready, serve the beef tips on a bed of fluffy rice, and savor a comforting and delicious meal.
Balsamic Glazed Salmon
Balsamic Glazed Salmon combines the juiciness of salmon with the tangy sweetness of balsamic reduction. This delightful pairing offers a visually and flavorfully pleasing dish. For this recipe, gather salmon fillets, balsamic vinegar, honey or brown sugar, garlic, salt, pepper, and olive oil. Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (205°C). In a saucepan, simmer balsamic vinegar, honey or brown sugar, and garlic until it thickens into a glaze, monitoring it closely for about 4-5 minutes.
On medium-high heat in an oven-safe skillet, sear salmon fillets that have been seasoned with salt and pepper, skin-side up, for 2-3 minutes until they turn golden. Flip the fillets, brush them with the balsamic mixture, and bake in the oven for 5-7 minutes until the salmon flakes easily.
Chicken Pesto Wraps
Chicken Pesto Wraps offer a delightful fusion of succulent chicken, aromatic pesto, and fresh vegetables, all wrapped in a soft tortilla. This dish delivers a burst of Mediterranean flavors that bring both comfort and zesty freshness to the palate. The primary ingredients for this delightful wrap include cooked chicken slices or chunks, creamy pesto sauce, fresh lettuce or spinach, sliced tomatoes, and any other preferred vegetables. For those who love cheese, consider adding mozzarella or feta cheese for that creamy touch.
To assemble, spread a generous amount of pesto sauce on a tortilla. Layer the chicken slices and fresh vegetables. Roll the tortilla tightly to enclose all the fillings. Slice it in half, and you have a quick and refreshing no-cook meal.
Pepperoni Pizza Quesadillas
Pepperoni Pizza Quesadillas combine Italian and Mexican cuisines, offering the savory flavors of pizza with the crispiness of a quesadilla. For this delicious dish, you’ll need tortillas, shredded mozzarella cheese, pepperoni slices, and pizza sauce.
Start by laying a tortilla flat and spreading a layer of pizza sauce evenly. Sprinkle a generous amount of mozzarella cheese on top, followed by pepperoni slices. Place another tortilla on top. Warm a skillet over medium heat and cook the quesadilla until the tortilla is golden brown and the cheese has melted, usually about 2-3 minutes on each side. Slice into wedges and serve hot, perhaps with some extra pizza sauce for dipping.
Stir-Fried Vegetable and Tofu
If you love veggies, the stir-fried vegetable and tofu dish might be just the treat for your palate. This delightful blend combines the hearty texture of tofu with the vibrant colors and crispness of assorted vegetables. To prepare this savory treat, you’ll need cubed firm tofu, assorted vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, and snap peas, along with soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and olive oil.
Start by sautéing the tofu in a pan over medium-high heat until it turns golden brown. Remove and set aside. In the same pan, add ginger and garlic. Stir-fry for a minute until fragrant. Add the mixed vegetables and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until they start to become tender. Return the tofu to the pan and add soy sauce and honey. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring to coat everything evenly. Serve hot with boiled rice or noodles for a hearty and wholesome meal.
Chickpea Salad Sandwich
This bright and briny sandwich is perfect for nights when you don’t feel like cooking. The Chickpea Salad Sandwich is an innovative twist on traditional chicken or tuna salad sandwiches, offering a satisfying and flavorful plant-based alternative. Made primarily with mashed chickpeas, it includes creamy mayonnaise, crunchy celery, and a touch of Dijon mustard. Freshly chopped herbs and a squeeze of lemon juice tie everything together.
To make this sandwich, start by mashing the chickpeas in a bowl until they reach a slightly chunky consistency. Stir in mayonnaise, lemon juice, diced celery, and onions, blending everything well. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Once mixed, simply spread a generous portion onto your bread, pair it with some crisp lettuce or fresh tomatoes if desired, and enjoy a quick and hearty meal.
Conclusion
With some creativity and planning, weeknight dinners need not be overwhelming. The recipes mentioned not only save time but also offer a delicious and satisfying meal. Keep in mind that the secret to quick weeknight dinners is having essential ingredients at your disposal and a collection of straightforward yet tasty recipes to depend on. Happy cooking!
You have to try this amazing pie. I promise you that you will not stop eating it. It is going to become a new family favorite..
Adapted from thesaltycooker
Ingredients
8oz bag of pretzels, crushed up
4 tbsp butter, melted
16oz cream cheese1 package instant chocolate pudding
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
1/4 cup milk
1 cup creamy peanut butter
8oz whipped topping
In a 7×10 baking dish, crush up the pretzels and spread them in the bottom .
Pour the melted butter on top and lightly press down.
In a mixing bowl add the cream cheese, powdered sugar, peanut butter, and milk.
Mix until smooth.
Pour on top of the pretzel crust.
Make the chocolate pudding, according to the directions but reduce the milk by 1/2 cup.
Pour on top of the cream cheese mixture. Top with whipped topping. Enjoy!
Recipe note: gluten-free pretzels stay crunchier longer. After a day or so the pretzels will start to soften.
Do you love spending time in the kitchen but don’t have a lot of time to spend preparing meals? Do you want to cook delicious and healthy meals but don’t know where to start? Well, look no further! This blog post will share with you ten recipes that you can make with less than ten ingredients. And best of all, these recipes are easy and quick to prepare! So get your aprons on, and let’s get cooking!
1) Quick and Easy Veggie Fried Rice
All you need is cooked rice, frozen veggies, soy sauce, and a little oil to get this delicious fried rice. You can also add in some scrambled eggs for a protein boost.
2) Avocado Toast
Avocado on toast is as simple as it gets – just two ingredients! Smear mashed avocado on your favorite toast and top with salt, pepper, and red chili flakes. For an extra punch of flavor, you can also add fresh lime juice or sliced tomatoes.
3) Vegetable Soup with Garlic Bread
Just five ingredients are needed to make this hearty soup! All you need is canned diced tomatoes, frozen mixed vegetables, vegetable broth, and garlic powder. Serve up the soup alongside homemade garlic bread made out of baguette slices and butter. Yum!
4) One Pan Baked Salmon with Asparagus
This easy dinner requires only five ingredients – salmon fillets, asparagus spears, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Simply bake the salmon and asparagus together in one pan for a delicious meal that’s ready in no time!
5) Peanut Butter and Banana Toast
For an on-the-go breakfast or snack, look no further than peanut butter and banana toast! All you need is your favorite bread spread with creamy peanut butter, topped with sliced bananas. Sprinkle a little bit of cinnamon on top for added flavor.
6) Jalebi
This traditional Indian dessert is made with only six ingredients – all-purpose flour, yogurt, baking soda, sugar, oil, and rose water. Deep fry the dough in hot oil, and you’ll have a sweet treat that’s ready in minutes! This jalebi recipe will surely satisfy any sweet tooth.
7) 3-Ingredient Pancakes
These fluffy pancakes are made with just three simple ingredients – banana, eggs, and oats. Mash the banana and whisk in the eggs until blended before folding in the oats. Cook them up on a skillet and enjoy!
8) Pasta with Tomato Sauce
For a quick pasta dinner, all you’ll need is your favorite type of pasta noodles, canned crushed tomatoes, olive oil, and spices such as garlic powder, oregano, and basil. Heat up the sauce together with some olive oil and pour it over cooked pasta for an easy meal that’s ready in no time.
9) Meatballs
These classic Italian-style meatballs are made with just a few ingredients – ground beef, breadcrumbs, garlic, and onion. Mix all the ingredients together before rolling them into balls and baking in the oven. You can also use this recipe to make veggie balls using mashed potatoes instead of ground beef.
10) Quesadillas
Quesadillas make for an easy lunch or dinner! All you need is some cheese (cheddar, pepper jack), tortillas, butter, and any other desired toppings, such as peppers, tomatoes, spinach, or mushrooms. Simply melt the cheese between two tortilla slices and cook until golden brown on both sides. Voila!
These ten recipes are simple, quick, and easy to make! So if you’re short on time or don’t know where to begin in the kitchen, give these recipes a try. With just a few ingredients each, you can whip up delicious meals in no time – so get cooking! Enjoy!
I had the pleasure of going to designer Andy Yu’s house to learn how to make dumplings for the holidays.
I have been friends with Andy for over a year and am so impressed with his creative talent. Last year for Chinese New Year he had a dumpling pop up and it was fabulous. We decided to get together to share this art with you and even added a little matching holiday glitz as well. Please don’t forget to follow Andy on Instagram HERE. Bon Appetit!!!!
For the dumpling filling:
◦ 2 lbs Ground Pork
◦ 4 – 5 Napa Cabbage Leaves
◦ 1 Tbsp Minced Ginger
◦ 4 Spring Onions, Minced
◦ 1 Tbsp Salt
◦ ⅓ Cup Water
◦ ¼ Cup Soy Sauce
◦ 1 tsp Sesame Oil
1 tps of oyster sauce
1 tbsp of sugar
1/2 tbsp of vinegar
Purchase the dumpling wrapper click HERE.
Purchase the flowers for the tea and coloring, click HERE
Purchase the bamboo streamer HERE
Meal planning has taken off in popularity lately for a host of reasons. Meal planning involves deciding what meals you’re going to have throughout the week, stocking up on the necessary ingredients, and even beginning to prep some of them ready to cook. Some people begin to meal plan for financial reasons. Meal planning allows you to make sure that all of the ingredients you buy are used up over various dishes throughout the week. For example, if you have a meal incorporating potatoes on a Monday, meal planning can make sure that you use the whole bag of potatoes by the end of the week. Some people meal plan for health reasons. It allows them to make healthier choices and avoid reaching for convenience foods after a long shift at work or a day out and about. Whatever your reason for meal planning, you might want to consider switching yours up and incorporating some winter dishes. Here are some suggestions!
Chicken and Dumplings
Chicken provides you with plenty of protein, while dumplings are a little more stodgy and provide you with carbs. Preppy Kitchen’s chicken & dumplings recipe is a wholesome, flavor packed stew with shredded, tender chicken and biscuit-like dumplings, providing you with a big bowl of nourishment. You will need to start the stew with a classic mirepoix – a base made from a mix of aromatics, such as onions, carrots, and celery. Other necessary ingredients include chicken stock – which can be bought for convenience or created from scratch for authenticity – flour to thicken the soup, baking powder to keep the dumplings fluffy and milk to make the stew smoother and more flavorsome.
Mushroom Stroganoff
The most famous form of stroganoff is beef stroganoff. This is a dish that was initially created by a French chef who worked for a wealthy St. Petersburg family and made the dish for a cooking contest in 1891. Named after his employer, the stroganoff is a dish of sautéed pieces of beef served in a sauce of mustard and smetana (sour cream). But why not consider a vegetarian alternative? The mushroom stroganoff replaces beef with thickly cut mushrooms for a similar texture and a deep, full flavor. Serve with mash for an extra dose of carbs.
Kale and Gnocchi Bake
Creamy, warming, and filling, a kale and gnocchi bake is a perfect winter dish. Not only does this taste great and pack you with long-lasting carbohydrates, but it gives you a good serving of greens in the form of kale. You will need kale, shallots, garlic, all-purpose flour, dijon mustard, potato gnocchi, and cheese. It takes a while to bake to perfection, so prepare it well in advance of when you actually plan to eat.
Rice Pudding
Looking for a winter dessert? Rice pudding could be the perfect option for you. Rice pudding is a traditional dish made from rice mixed with water or milk. People often choose to incorporate additional ingredients or flavorings, such as cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, or raisins.
These are just a few different meals that you might want to incorporate into your winter meal plan. Hopefully, each will make its way onto your personal menu!
I recently sat down with Kate from She’s Cookin in Brooklyn to learn some of her favorite recipes! Kate specializes in healthy family-friendly meals. I love following her and cooking together. This week we made her Cauliflower Rice, Blueberry and Banana smoothies. You can watch our live video HERE. I have included the recipe for you below….Remember to follow Kate and stay tuned for more of our cooking episodes!!!!
1/2 C Frozen Riced Cauliflower
1/2 banana – Frozen
2 Scoops Vanilla Protein Powder
1 T Flax Seeds
1/4 C Blueberries – Frozen
Pinch of salt
Handful of Spinach
1 C Almond Milk
Mix all ingredients in a blender until desired consistency…