How to Make Dinner in 10 Minutes

We all know how it is. It’s the end of a long day's work. You get home exhausted, frazzled and hungry only to be met by the stark realisation that you forgot to thaw out the frozen beef for dinner. Well, instead of picking up the phone and ordering unhealthy fast-food, there is always a much healthier alternative and these few tips and recipes will cure what ails you.

  1. Be Prepared.

Preparation is key. Make sure to stock up on ingredients like root vegetables. Because they take longer to spoil, potatoes, carrots and onions are ideal. Fill your pantry with spices, herbs and marinades so you can easily and quickly add flavour and deliciousness to your dishes.

  1. Prep on the Weekend

Use the free time over your weekend to shop for the coming week. Once home from the supermarket, put aside a few minutes to wash, cut and prepare some of your vegetables. Simple things like shredding carrots, chopping cauliflower and broccoli florets will save you time in the long-run and ease stress when it comes to mid-week cooking.

  1. Cook for 2 Meals (or more)

This is a wonderful way to save time. Measure out 2 or 3 cups of quinoa, wild rice or white rice and cook it before the onslaught of the looming week. This can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days and can be easily reheated on the stove with a splash of chicken stock or water. Job done.

  1. Make a Meal that Lasts

Roasting a chicken on a Sunday is always a great idea. Generally speaking, a family of four will consume half that chicken in one sitting. Therefore, you have half a chicken that you can shred, cube and set aside for the coming week. You can have chicken salad for lunch or use the shredded meat to make tacos, chicken noodle soup or delicious enchiladas. Also, you can retain the carcass, put it in a pot and make your own homemade chicken broth.

  1. Smart Leftovers Use

Leftovers are a godsend for many a quick and easy meal. As mentioned above, leftover chicken is ideal for things like tacos, but can also be added to stir-fries for a delicious dish. There is a myriad of different leftover options, and more importantly, nothing goes to waste. Be sure to refrigerate your leftovers and consume within 2-3 days.  

  1. Breakfast for Dinner

Who doesn’t love breakfast for dinner? It always makes for a quick and simple option after a long day's slog. Using leftover vegetables or protein and adding them to scrambled eggs and shredded cheese to make a delectable frittata couldn’t be easier.

  1. 10-Minute Recipe: Chicken Tacos

A firm favourite among many, this Mexican delight is a quick and delicious option for those tired after a long day at the office. For vegetarians, the chicken can easily be substituted with tofu or tempeh.

Ingredients

  • 2-3 chicken breasts sliced into tenders
  • 1 red, yellow, and orange bell pepper sliced
  • 1 red onion sliced
  • ½ teaspoon cumin
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon sea salt & pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or ghee
  • 8 corn tortillas

Instructions

  • Season chicken breasts (or other protein) with salt, pepper, cumin, and garlic powder. You can pan fry in a little olive oil or ghee and grill them.
  • While the chicken is cooking, sauté the sliced bell pepper and onions. Season the vegetables with a little salt and pepper and any remaining cumin and garlic.
  • Heat corn tortillas on a flat griddle until just brown. Place the cooked chicken breasts in the tortilla and top with vegetables. Finish off by topping them with your favourite topping.

These can include anything from shredded cheese, fresh salsa, diced avocado, to lime juice.

  1. 10-Minute Recipe: Homemade Hamburger Helper

An all-round favourite and a delicious and easy alternative to greasy fast-food options.

Ingredients

  • 1 teaspoon olive oil
  • 1 yellow or white onion diced
  • 1 clove garlic minced
  • 1 pound ground beef (flaked tofu for vegetarians)
  • 2 cans diced tomatoes
  • Sprinkling of salt and pepper
  • Sprinkling of Italian seasoning blend
  • Cheddar or parmesan cheese
  • Elbow or bow-tie pasta

Instructions

  • In a large pan over medium heat, sauté onion and garlic in olive oil for 2-3 minutes, until the onion starts to become translucent.
  • Add 1 pound ground beef (or tofu) and cook until browned. This will take about 5 minutes.
  • Mix in 2 cans diced tomatoes, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning blend and bring to a simmer.
  • Serve over leftover elbow or bow-tie pasta.
  • Sprinkle your cheese over it, wait for it to melt, and dig in!

 

  1. 10-Minute Recipe: Spinach Pesto Pasta

So simple. So easy to make. So delicious!

Ingredients

  • 1-2 cups baby spinach
  • 1/2 cup walnuts or pine nuts
  • 1 clove garlic
  • Juice of ½ lemon
  • ¼ cup shredded pecorino romano or parmesan
  • Sea salt & Pepper
  • ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
  • Cooked pasta

Instructions

  • Blend all ingredients in a food processor, except the olive oil and the cooked pasta. While the processor is still running, pour the olive oil through the top until all the ingredients are combined.
  • Add pesto to the warm, cooked pasta.
  • Add in leftover chicken, or other protein, if desired.

 

And there you have it! Hopefully these tips and quick recipes will be of help to those who, because of the hustle and bustle of everyday life, don’t have to luxury to set aside a lot of time to cook a big meal. So, before reaching for the phone to order another pizza, try these recipes first. You won’t regret it.