I have a whole page of quick dinner recipes (usually under thirty minutes), but sometimes even half an hour is too long to wait. You’ve got an appointment. Or, you got home late. And sometimes you can almost feel your blood sugar plummeting and if you don’t get food fast, you may fall over. So, here are some fifteen minute recipes for one (some lunch, some dinner) that you can put together super quickly.
When you’re in a rush eggs, tuna, and sandwiches are your friends. These are minimal prep, minimal cooking, one pot meals, that are finished faster than you can order takeout. But they are still real meals (not just standing in front of the sink eating out of a container of yogurt). And not a smoothie either. I like smoothies, but that’s not a meal in my opinion.
They’re all sized for one person, so there’s no leftovers. And, there’s very little cleanup too. Because when you’re tired or rushed, the last thing you want to do is make a big mess making something to eat.
A little menu planning trick: when you make rice, make extra. It reheats well (you can even freeze it in small bags and then microwave it), and it’s an easy way to fill out your dinner).
Lighter than tuna with mayo, and made entirely with ordinary pantry and kitchen ingredients. The only fresh thing you need is some scallions (or onions). Other than that, just open some cans and mix it all together.
Just four main ingredients, and ready in minutes. No special shopping trip required, these are all standard kitchen/pantry staples (eggs, cheese, tomatoes, and basil).
Strawberry Balsamic Grilled Cheese Sandwich
This grilled cheese sandwich is comfort food for grownups. Melty cheese with strawberries and balsamic vinegar for an extra jolt of flavor. The berries and vinegar complement each other beautifully.
Another super easy recipe, with canned tuna, just a couple of things to chop or grate, and a quick spin on the stove. It’s curry in a hurry.
Versatile, budget friendly, and ready to eat in about ten minutes. You can make it as is, or add pre-cooked beans, top with guacamole, or add several types of cheese instead of just one.
Mmmm bacon with some bell peppers for sweetness to balance the bacon’s saltiness. And a super-sneaky fast way to make aioli (it’s not hard)
Eggs with Spinach and Chili Peppers
Fast, delicious, and you only need one pan to make it. Chop some veggies and aromatics, add the eggs, cook them and you’re ready to eat.
Cranberry Chipotle Turkey Burrito
A tasty, quick way to use up leftover turkey (or chicken). Chipotle salsa gives it a smoky kick, and craisins (sweetened, dried cranberries) add sweetness.