It’s 2023, and time is still of the essence. With our busy lives, we’re all looking for ways to save time and make sure our families are eating healthy, delicious meals. If you’re like me, you don’t have the time to slave away in the kitchen for hours. That’s why I’m here to show you how to cook up some amazing meals in under 45 minutes.
Contents
Tips for Easy, Quick Cooking
First, you need to plan ahead. The key to cooking a meal in under 45 minutes is to make sure you have all the ingredients you need. So when you plan your meals, make sure you know what ingredients you need and make sure you have them on hand. This way, you save time running back and forth to the store.
Next, you’ll want to make sure you’re using the right tools. Invest in a good knife and cutting board, as well as a few basics like a pot, a pan, and some measuring cups. With the right tools, you can easily chop, dice, and measure accurately.
Finally, you’ll want to use some time-saving shortcuts. Pre-cut vegetables and pre-grated cheese are great for saving time. Or you can use a slow cooker and prepare your meal the night before.
Easy Recipes Under 45 Minutes
Now let’s get to the recipes. Here are some of my favorites that can be cooked up in under 45 minutes.
Vegetable Fried Rice
This vegetable fried rice is a great way to use up leftover vegetables. It’s fast, easy, and delicious.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked white rice
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (green beans, carrots, etc.)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
Instructions:
- Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the vegetables and cook for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add the cooked rice and stir to combine.
- Add the soy sauce and sesame oil and stir to combine.
- Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Serve hot.
One-Pot Pasta
This one-pot pasta is one of my favorite quick and easy meals.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 pound penne pasta
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions:
- Heat the oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
- Add the onion and garlic and cook for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add the vegetable broth, tomatoes, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper and bring to a boil.
- Stir in the pasta and reduce the heat to low.
- Cover and cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in the Parmesan cheese and serve hot.
Coconut Curry
This coconut curry is a great way to spice up your dinner.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger
- 1 tablespoon curry powder
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 can coconut milk
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1 cup diced carrots
- 1 cup diced potatoes
- 1/2 cup frozen peas
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Heat the oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
- Add the onion and garlic and cook for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add the ginger, curry powder, and turmeric and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
- Add the coconut milk, vegetable broth, carrots, and potatoes and bring to a boil.
- Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in the peas and cook for 5 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot.
Conclusion
There you have it, three delicious meals that can be cooked up in under 45 minutes. No more excuses for not having time to cook – with a bit of planning, you can have a delicious, healthy meal on the table in no time. So grab your ingredients, your tools, and get cooking!
“Life is short, eat dessert first – and a delicious meal in 45 minutes or less.” – Journalist Lily Morgan