Mid-Week Meals in 20 Minutes

Let’s face it; nobody enjoys getting hot and bothered in the kitchen for hours on end. But we can all agree on one thing: we’d like to eat good, tasty grub. Even better if it’s homemade, eh? So, what do you do? You ask yourself: ‘wouldn’t it be nice to make my own spaghetti bolognese?’, before realising you don’t have enough time before Corrie comes on. So, you abandon that grand plan for a homemade meal from…er…the takeaway.

So, what if we told you that you could whip up restaurant-worthy food in 20 minutes – or thereabouts*? We bet you’ll be all over that idea like olive oil on bread. Here goes then…some meals you can whip up in home in just a third of an hour. Read on…

*okay, we cheated a bit.

Cheat’s Chicken Paella

Oooh, we do love a paella. What we don’t love, though, is the time it usually takes to make one from scratch. So, say no to spending all evening in the kitchen, then, with this ‘cheat’s version’. We found it on the delicious. website and it looks so tasty we could probably cook it every night for a week.

All you need is some chicken breasts, an onion, some garlic cloves, some chorizo, smoked paprika, peppers, olives and parsley. Oh and some basmati rice to serve with it. Make sure you click the link above to get the full recipe – and let us know how you get on.

Sweetcorn and Smoked Haddock Chowder

Eeeek, so we’ve cheated a bit adding this one in (we did say we had failed a bit, so will you forgive us?!) – as it takes 30 minutes. But trust us when we say those extra 10 minutes will be worth it. Plus, preparation time is only 10 minutes – and for the following 20 you’ll only be stood over a pan watching this beauty of a dish cook and simmer to perfection.

The ideal autumn or winter warmer, it’s so easy to make (we know this, since our Lauren – writer of these very blogs – has tried it herself on occasion) and it goes down a treat with almost anyone. Well, apart from those who don’t eat or like fish, of course.

Rice Noodles with Sundried Tomatoes, Parmesan and Basil

A beautiful veggie recipe for anyone who doesn’t eat meat, this BBC Good Food favourite takes just 15 minutes to prepare and cook – from start to finish. The ideal mid-week evening meal, it’s not too taxing and it’ll always be a hit. Will you be trying this dish tonight?

Chicken Chow Mein

Another chicken dish, as the white meat really is so versatile. If you don’t fancy being the one to drive to the Chinese takeaway then this one is perfect for your evening meal, as it’s all the fun of getting a takeaway – plus a little healthier. Oh, and more rewarding since you’ll have made it yourself.

What are you making for tea tonight? Will you be trying one of these ideas?

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Until next time…