I don’t think anyone I know has enough time to cook themselves an elaborate dinner, especially during the week when you have a final, a paper and a group project due. Usually when you’re in a time crunch, you snack on anything you can find or order some greasy take-out.
However, all those trips to Chipotle aren’t helping your bank statement, and sometimes you just crave home cooking. These recipes are quick, easy and jam-packed with flavor. Most of them only require a handful of ingredients to whip up, and the others can incorporate whatever you have in your kitchen. So go ahead, treat yourself. You’re worth it.
1. Brie, Fig and Ham Grilled Cheese
Photo courtesy of Andrea Kang via Flickr
Super decadent, but also super easy. The creaminess of the brie pairs perfectly with the sweet fig and salty ham.
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Total time: 15 minutes
Servings: 1
Ingredients:
Brie
Fig jam
2 slices bread
2 slices ham or prosciutto
Butter, oil or non-stick cooking spray
Directions:
1. Spread both bread slices with fig jam.
2. Place 2-3 slices of brie on slice of bread.
3. Top with ham or prosciutto and close sandwich.
4. Cook in lightly greased pan until golden, melty and delicious.
2. Spicy-Garlic-y Pasta
Photo courtesy of Andrea Kang via Flickr
Chili flakes and garlic give this creamy and simple pasta a flavorful kick. You can adjust the amount of garlic and chili to suit your heat preference.
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 8-10 minutes
Total time: 13-15 minutes
Servings: 1
Ingredients:
1-2 tablespoons chopped garlic.
1/2 onion, chopped.
1-2 teaspoons red chili flakes.
1 serving of your favorite type of pasta.
1 handful chopped parsley.
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese.
2 tablespoons of olive oil or butter.
Directions:
1. Bring a pot of salted water to boil and cook serving of pasta as directed on the label.
2. While the pasta is cooking, sauté the onion and garlic together in the 2 tablespoons of oil.
3. Once the onion is translucent, add chili flakes (to taste).
4. Drain pasta and add it to the garlic mixture.
5. Toss with Parmesan and parsley.
3. Veggie Frittata
Photo courtesy of Andrea Kang via Flickr
Frittatas are versatile, easy, and delicious. You can customize yours to incorporate whatever you have in your fridge.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 1
Ingredients:
1/4 cup onion, chopped
1/4 cup red bell pepper, chopped
1/4 cup mushrooms, sliced
1/4 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 tbsp olive oil or butter
2-3 eggs
1/4 cup Parmesan
Directions:
1. Pre-heat oven to 400°F.
2. Toss the chopped vegetables and tablespoon of oil in a sauté pan on medium heat and sauté until onions are translucent.
3.Crack eggs into a bowl and beat with the Parmesan until well combined.
4. Pour eggs into the sauté pan and cook until the bottom is set.
5. Put pan in oven and bake until the eggs are just set (about 5 minutes).
6. Serve with extra cheese, salt and pepper.
4. Avocado Quesadilla
Photo courtesy of Andrea Kang via Flickr
Nothing is better than warm cheese and fresh avocado. It’s simple, quick and delicious. You can kick it up with prepared guacamole instead of avocado if you so choose.
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Total time: 15 minutes
Servings: 2
Ingredients:
1 cup shredded Mexican cheese
1 avocado, sliced
1 lime
1/4 onion, diced
4 tortillas
Directions:
1. Distribute cheese, avocado and onion onto 2 of the tortillas.
2. Squeeze about a teaspoon of lime juice over the cheese and avocado.
3. Place dry tortillas on top of the cheese and cook in a dry pan until golden brown on both sides.
4. Slice and serve with extra lime and sour cream.
5. Shakshuka
Though traditionally reserved for breakfast, eggs can be delicious and easy for any meal. This one-pot recipe is also great the next day, warmed up and tossed with pasta.
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes
Servings: 1
Ingredients:
1 small can diced tomatoes
1/2 onion, chopped
1/2 cup red bell pepper, chopped
1 tbsp chopped garlic
2 tbsp olive oil
3-5 dashes hot sauce (adjust to taste)
2 eggs
Directions:
1. Put a small pot or dutch oven over medium heat and add oil.
2. Sauté onions, pepper and garlic until fragrant.
3. Add can of tomatoes and simmer for 7 minutes on high heat.
4. Stir in hot sauce, adjusting amount to your personal taste.
5. Make 2 divots in the tomato sauce and crack an egg into each.
6. Reduce to medium-low heat, cover with lid, and cook until the eggs are just set
7. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve with bread
Looking for more delicious dishes?
- Pizza Bread Pudding
- Homemade Rumchata (Since Spring is taking it’s sweet time…)
- 6 Simple Panini Press Meals