On the menu in this month, we’re serving up a mouthwatering list of Fuss-free Meals. We have scoured the interwebs for five delicious, family-friendly dishes that you can make in a flash and without too much hassle, and largely using the ingredients you’re likely to have on hand.
Granted, some of us are proud owners of an impressive array of spices and essentials from all manner of world culinary traditions, while others admittedly need a bit of reminding to expand our repertoire. But fear not: if your pantry is a tad beige, just check out these tips for alternatives to pick up on your next grocery store run to help add more colour to your cuisine.
With our pantry supplies appropriately upgraded, let’s get straight to our scrumptious, hassle-free meals. Here are our July picks for suppertime fare that is quick and easy to throw together, will keep your family happy (and healthy), and ensure you have a smidge more time to enjoy your evenings together:
15 Minute Roasted Chicken and Veg
This 15-minute roasted chicken and veg is colourful and tasty and it can be served in a wrap or a pita, or you could try Nigella’s “ultra-delicious” white bean mash. This is by far the quickest recipe on our list, so save it for those nights you’re home later than usual. And the reason it’s so quick? A hot oven, small cubes of chicken, and the kinds of veggies that don’t take an age to cook.
Express Dinner Strata
Check out Rachel Ray’s Express Strata for a straightforward, hearty casserole dish that will feed the whole family in a trice. Once you’ve caramelised the onions and blanched the asparagus, it’s just a matter of tossing all the other ingredients into your casserole dish and putting it in the oven. You’ve an hour bake-time to spend bonding with the family, or get the homework and bath routine out the way, and voila, supper is ready to serve!
Quick and Easy Tuna Tacos
Add a bit of spice to your repertoire with these Quick and Easy Tuna Tacos. This versatile recipe calls for either canned tuna, sardines or mackerel, with a creamy mayo and sour cream sauce. Cut your prep time with store-bought tacos, or get your kids involved in making your own to serve up an easy, delicious Mexican dish. The recipe can be modified in so many ways, so once you’ve got your method down, you’ll be able to add all manner of variations.
Rapid Ragu
For a hearty winter meal that will feed your soul as well as your stomach, try Nigella’s Rapid Ragu. She has made it even quicker to put together by using store-bought caramelised onions and already-cubed pancetta, but they wouldn’t take too long to prepare yourself either. This ragu uses lamb mince and includes a dash of Marsala wine, which can be substituted if you’re without. Serve as is, or over a steaming bowl of pasta.
One Pan Chicken Stir Fry
Jamie’s easy, one pan chicken stir fry is deliciously tasty and healthy to boot! If you have older kids, you can reduce prep time by having them take on some fine slicing while you get your noodles cooked and cashews toasted. Fine motor skills development – For The Win! Serve it just as it is, from pan to plate.
Have some fun trying these recipes: may they go down well with the family, and save you a bit of cooking time each night too!
Date Published: 26 July 2018
