As teens, it can be easier to settle for quick meals such as instant ramen or frozen pizzas, right? I mean, after a long day at school (and extra-curricular activities for those who do them), who really wants to make a dish that takes forever to make when there's a meal that takes less than an hour to prepare. But, while that quick, easy and efficient meal might taste amazing, after a while, it becomes tasteless, redundant and boring.
Check out these 6 recipes to try out this summer to spruce up your lunch and dessert menus. They will have your stomach so satisfied and practically jump at the thought of entering the kitchen.
1. Turmeric Chicken Flatbread
Spices such as turmeric are used in South East Asia to add unique flavours and colour to various dishes. This dish pairs well with pumpkin spice and can be quickly made when in a hurry. This recipe contains turmeric which has the potential to improve heart health, symptoms of depression and may provide glow to the skin.
Tofu is a great vegetarian alternative to chicken. The honey can be swapped out for maple syrup and the chicken for vegan chicken. A great change from that pepperoni pizza.
Find the recipe below:
https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchen/turmeric-chicken-flatbread-8317071
2. Indian-Spiced Pepper Steak
A brand new way to cook beef. This Indian dish contains flavorful, warm, earthy spices that enhance the taste of the colorful vegetables and peppers. The leftover meat can be used in a green salad the next day.
Another alternative if you are on a low carb diet is to swap out the rice for some shirataki rice. A few ways to make the dish vegan/vegetarian friendly: replace the steak with mushrooms, tofu or lentils and sub the rice with cauliflower. Find the link to a recipe below:
https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/rachael-ray/indian-spiced-pepper-steak-5639204
3. Coconut Cream Pie
This classic pie is filled with delicious custard then topped with a layer of toasted meringue. It's the perfect dessert to indulge any coconut lover. I've tasted this and, as a non-coconut lover, I absolutely loved it. Applesauce or egg substitute powders are perfect to replace the eggs for vegans. Find the link to one of the Food Network's best recipes below:
https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchen/the-best-coconut-cream-pie-7471030
4. Chocolate Covered Strawberry Tart
This recipe is for all my chocolate lovers. This delicious dessert is perfect for a warm day in the sun. I have personally tried and tested this recipe and I enjoyed it thoroughly (aside from the long time it took me to prepare it...the aroma had my mouth watering).
I would recommend a nice glass of juice or lemonade along with the tart. Vegans, don't stress - you can enjoy this recipe simply by using vegan butter or coconut butter instead of regular butter. Find the link to the recipe below:
https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/katie-lee/chocolate-covered-strawberry-tart-3623195
5. Airfryer Pork Chops
Pork chops are often an overdone dish that doesn't bring out the best in them. The Airfryer eliminates this issue by coating them in Parmesan and other spices and cooking them in an instant. This delectable meal can be eaten with rice or veggies.
Tempeh with its tangy flavor is a wonderful vegetarian substitute for pork. For my vegans, seitan, a plant-based meat which consists of wheat and gluten amongst other things, is a substitute for pork.
Find the link to a recipe below:
https://www.delish.com/cooking/recipe-ideas/a28091838/air-fryer-pork-chops-recipe/
6. Fish fingers with spicy tartare and green salad
Worry not my seafood lovers, I haven't forgotten you. I have saved the best for last. This flavorful dish pairs well with the coconut cream pie.
It's your classic fish fingers with an appetising twist. The fish can be substituted with tofu or banana blossom for vegans/vegetarians. In the words of talented chef and TV personality, Colin Fassnidge, "Fish fingers, but not as you know them."
Find a link to a recipe below:
https://www.delicious.com.au/recipes/fish-fingers-spicy-tartare-green-salad-del-sunday/i5DW65MQ
Instant noodles, who? Where? I hope that this article has encouraged you to try out new recipes starting with the ones provided above. I hope you'll enjoy them!