Most of these dinners take about 35 minutes. The exception is the Greek beef and orzo stew at number three, which needs nearly three hours, and it is the one I would still choose on a Sunday.
Chicken Couscous
Tender chicken, carrots, peas and sun-dried tomatoes cook together with couscous in one pan, so there's barely any washing up afterwards. It's on the table in about 30 minutes and works just as well served cold the next day for a packed lunch.
To learn more: Chicken Couscous
Harissa Chicken
Chicken breasts are marinated in harissa paste, honey, garlic and lime for a marinade that's spicy, a little sweet and full of flavour. Bake it in the oven or put it on the grill, then serve with rice, potatoes or a simple salad. The next one is the slowest thing on this list, and the only one I would call a project.
To learn more: Harissa Chicken
Youvetsi - Greek Beef and Orzo Stew
Beef is slow-braised in a spiced tomato sauce with cinnamon and bay leaves, then orzo pasta is stirred in to soak up all that flavour before it goes back in the oven. It's a proper one-pot Sunday dinner that also makes brilliant leftovers.
To learn more: Youvetsi - Greek Beef and Orzo Stew
Kadınbudu Köfte - Turkish Meatballs with Rice
These Turkish meatballs get their soft centre from a mix of cooked rice and minced beef, finished with a crisp breadcrumb coating for contrast. Serve them with mashed potatoes or a simple salad for a dinner that's a little different from the usual. If you want the same idea with none of the shaping, number six does it in one pot.
To learn more: Kadınbudu Köfte - Turkish Meatballs with Rice
Air Fryer Bone In Chicken Breasts
Bone-in chicken breasts come out of the air fryer with golden, crisp skin and juicy meat underneath, with barely any prep needed. It's a budget-friendly dinner that also leaves you with leftovers for sandwiches or salads the next day.
To learn more: Air Fryer Bone In Chicken Breasts
Hashweh - Lebanese Ground Beef and Rice
Spiced beef and rice cook together in one pot with cinnamon, allspice and a scattering of toasted pine nuts on top. It's a warming, fuss-free dinner that's just as good served with a simple yoghurt dip on the side. Number seven is the one I make when people are coming over.
To learn more: Hashweh - Lebanese Ground Beef and Rice
Pastitsio Recipe - Greek Lasagna
Layers of pasta and rich meat ragu are topped with a velvety béchamel sauce and baked until golden, a Greek take on lasagne that's brilliant for feeding a crowd. It freezes well too, so it's worth making a double batch for busy weeks ahead.
To learn more: Pastitsio Recipe - Greek Lasagna
Air Fryer Turkey Burgers
These turkey burgers are made without egg or breadcrumbs, kept juicy with a little mayonnaise and Worcestershire sauce, and ready in under 20 minutes. Pile them into a bun with your favourite toppings for a lighter take on burger night.
To learn more: Air Fryer Turkey Burgers
Kabak Dolması - Rice Stuffed Zucchini
Courgettes are hollowed out and filled with a herby mix of rice, minced meat and onion, then simmered gently until tender. Serve them with a dollop of yoghurt and a simple salad for a Middle Eastern-style dinner that's easy on the washing up.
To learn more: Kabak Dolması - Rice Stuffed Zucchini
Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Wings
Chicken wings turn golden and crisp in the air fryer, then get tossed in a buttery lemon and honey glaze with plenty of cracked black pepper. They're a great one for sharing on a Friday night or serving alongside a simple salad.
To learn more: Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Wings
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