Let's be honest, deciding what to eat for dinner can be a real challenge. It's easy to fall into a rut and get bored of the same old meals.
But for me, food is a love language. Whether I'm hosting a formal dinner party or just treating myself, cooking is my go-to solution. And when it comes to healthy eating, I like to keep it simple. It's all about using natural ingredients and practising moderation. That's why I'm excited to share some of my favourite dinner ideas with you.
These recipes have been tried and tested in my own kitchen, and I hope they'll inspire you to try something new and delicious. Whether you're in the mood for something that tests your cooking skills or just need a quick and healthy meal, I've got you covered. Let's dive in!
1. Simple Homemade Pizzas
Making homemade pizza from scratch is a recipe that is sure to impress. I discovered my love for creating delicious pizzas at home during the pandemic, and this particular recipe has become a firm favourite. What I love most about this recipe is that it's virtually foolproof - you simply can't go wrong!
With only three ingredients needed for the base, it's incredibly easy to follow. And when it comes to the toppings and sauces, the possibilities are endless. You can truly let your creativity run wild and make each pizza unique to your taste.
But here's the thing - once you start making your own pizzas at home, you'll never be satisfied with takeaway pizzas again! The taste and quality of a homemade pizza are simply unmatched. So, get ready to wow your family and friends with this recipe that will leave them wanting more.
2. Paella
This is something I recently made with my sister, and it was a feast for the eyes and the mouth. So easy to make, and the perfect way to use up leftover veggies and meats. However, in my experience, there is one key ingredient that you cannot leave out - good quality chorizo. As the chorizo cooks, it adds a rich, smoky and spicy kick. And for those who want to make a veggie version, replace the chorizo with red pesto! When making the paella, split the cooking into three parts:
Mediterranean Vegetables:
For the best flavour, roast the veggies with olive oil, mixed herbs and other seasonings on high heat (200 degrees for 25 minutes). If you are making this without meat, add other key elements like the pesto, chilli flakes and a knob of butter.
Rice:
Cooking the paella rice as per package instructions. But for that extra flavour and aesthetics, add a pinch of turmeric to the boiling water used to cook the rice.
Meat (optional):
Cooking your meat. On a pan, add your chorizo, prawns and other elements (e.g. mussels) and cook with a teaspoon of pesto and your favourite seasoning. If you want to add chicken, I would recommend using breast pieces marinated in peri-peri sauces and herbs. Cook everything off and remove the heat.
The final step is to toss everything together, and enjoy!
3. Sri Lankan Curry
*Chicken can be substituted with whatever you may fancy e.g. prawns, tofu, paneer or meat substitutes
This curry is an absolute flavour bomb - creamy, fragrant and utterly delicious! And the best part? It's a breeze to put together. Like most curries, this recipe is incredibly versatile and can be adapted to your personal preferences.
Don't have all the listed spices on hand? No problem! You can easily substitute with whatever you have in your pantry or whatever spices you love. That said, I highly recommend using two key ingredients to achieve the perfect flavour and colour: coconut milk and turmeric. These ingredients are essential in creating the rich, vibrant flavour profile of this curry.
4. One Pan Pasta
As a foodie, I'm always on the lookout for new and exciting recipes to try. And one chef who never fails to inspire me is the talented Donal Skehan. One of my favourite dishes from his repertoire is his take on Martha Stewart's one-pan pasta.
It's an absolute game-changer for those nights when you're feeling too lazy to cook but still crave a wholesome and delicious meal (with the added bonus of minimal dishes to wash afterwards). Donal's version of this classic dish is packed with flavour and comes together in a flash, making it the perfect option for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.
5. Tomato Soup
If you're a soup lover like me, then you know that nothing beats a warm and comforting bowl of tomato soup. As I mentioned in my February Favourites blog post, this soup is my all-time favourite go-to recipe. And thanks to another incredible recipe from the one and only Donal Skehan, I decided to give it a try and was blown away by the results! His recipe is simply amazing, with the perfect balance of sweet and savoury flavours, and a velvety smooth texture that's both satisfying and comforting. It's an easy recipe to follow, with simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. And the best part? It's a healthy and wholesome option that you can enjoy guilt-free. Whether you're looking for a cosy dinner on a chilly evening or a hearty lunch option, this tomato soup is sure to hit the spot every time.
Thank you for taking the time to read my blog! I hope that you found some cooking inspiration from the recipes and tips I shared. Cooking is all about having fun and exploring your creativity in the kitchen - so have fun!
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