It's the start of a new week which means it's time to figure out what to cook!
Between homeschooling, staying on top of what now feels like an abundance of laundry and, oh yeah, that job you have - it can be seriously challenging to cook a new, satisfying and healthy dinner each night.
Of course, you could just dial up the local takeaway or heat up a ready meal and call it a night but if 2020 taught us anything, it's that cooking is therapeutic and joyful. It helps you to pause, take a moment and reflect. It's also guaranteed time spent away from a glaring screen. That said, coming up with tasty dinner ideas for every night of the week is no mean feat. Your best bet against weeknight dinner stress? These uncomplicated family dinner ideas will please everyone - even the kids. From belly-warming soups to a one-pan chicken penne, chickpea tagine and loaded curry chips, you’ll have endless delicious recipes to choose from night after night, whether you have all day to prep or just minutes.
Be sure to save this post to your browser because there's going to come a night this week where you're wondering what to cook, and we've got the answers.
Potato, spinach & lentil curry
It's a little colder than we had hoped for the fourth week of March but we'll let it slide just this once as it means we can fill up on warming bowls of this delicious curry. Potatoes make a wonderful ingredient in curries, absorbing all the spicy flavours and adding substance. Try the recipe, here.
One-pan creamy penne with chicken, spinach and sweet pepper
One-pot pastas can be tricky for some because the pasta is cooked in a much smaller amount of liquid than traditional pasta cooking methods. This one-pan creamy penne uses a combination of chicken stock and cream with just a splash of white wine to deliver perfectly cooked pasta. Get the recipe, here.
Provence salmon parcels
This parchment paper baked salmon with garlic, parsley and beef tomato has got to be the moistest and juiciest piece of salmon we’ve ever eaten. And the easiest one we’ve ever prepared, too. They are simple and elegant – and easy on the washing-up. You could always prep these parcels the evening before, then simply pop them in the oven as soon as you get in the door. Try the recipe, here.
Borsch
Borsch. Borscht, bortsch, borstch. However you choose to spell it, there's no question this deep magenta-hued beetroot soup is an eye-catcher. This classic beetroot soup is one of eastern Europe's most recognised dishes, and while the recipe at the link in our bio might not be strictly traditional – it is absolutely packed with flavour. The beetroot is accompanied by pork, cabbage and carrots for a robust and hearty lunch. Get the recipe, here.
Chickpea tagine
Have a tin of chickpeas lying in the cupboard? This chickpea tagine transforms a measly tin into a gloriously delicious meal with the aid of spices and extra vegetables. It comes together in 30 minutes making it a great option to add to your weeknight dinner rotation. Get the recipe, here.
Swede gnocchi with crispy sage
Homemade gnocchi sounds tricky, but the actual process is pretty easy — and well worth the effort. After roasting and mashing some potatoes, you’ll whisk them with some parmesan to make the “dough”. Then comes the fun, soothing part: put on your favourite playlist while you knead, cut, and add little indentations to every piece. Once they’re done, you simply boil them for 30 seconds and fry up in a decadent butter-sage sauce. Restaurant-level gnocchi accomplished! Try the recipe, here.
Loaded curry chips
This uber delicious recipe comes from Mash Direct and it takes your favourite fries to the next level with the addition of lamb cooked in a spicy curry sauce. So tasty and easy to make, this recipe comes together in less time than it would take to phone your local takeaway. Perfect for Friday nights in! Get the recipe, here.
READ MORE: 3 Easter lamb recipes from the houses and restaurants of Ireland’s Blue Book
