Contributed by Info Guru Aurora LaJambre
In a perfect world dinner would magically appear on the table, requiring no planning, prep or cooking on your part, particularly on low-energy days.
We all know that’s not really going to happen, and you can only eat mac & cheese from a box so many times. Put down the take out menus, and let’s look at what you have to work with.
Use these top 10 dinner ideas for tonight to stir things up a bit.
10. Massaman Curry
Massaman curry is a popular dish at Thai restaurants, but one that many people don’t make at home. It’s super simple to do if you have a curry powder. Brown diced potatoes, carrots, onions and your meat or tofu for protein in a large skillet. Mix in a few teaspoons of curry powder, salt and pepper, a spoonful of peanut butter and tamarind sauce and cook a few more minutes. Pour in coconut milk, lime juice and let simmer until potatoes are soft.
9. English Muffin Pizzas
You can make this quick and easy dish with a few basic ingredients, and stop worrying about dinner ideas for tonight. Substitute the English muffins for bagels, bread, and pita – whatever bread you have. Use marina sauce from a jar, slice a few tomatoes or make white pizzas with olive oil. Sprinkle some cheese or meat and add onions, olives, peppers or spinach and heat.
8. Beans and Rice
Beans and rice may not sound super exciting, but they feed millions of people all over the world. This is hearty comfort food at its best. Make it your own with favorite seasonings and herbs. Fresh cilantro and garlic go a long way in adding a burst of contrast and flavor.
7. Breakfast for Dinner
Breakfast for dinner isn’t just a kid treat. Sometimes banana pancakes just taste better at night. Bake a skillet of scrambled eggs and cook up a pan of home fries with toast for something savory and satisfying. If it’s hot and the fridge is basically empty, cold cereal with peanut butter toast and fruit may be all you want.
6. Hot Dogs and Burgers
Hot dogs and grass-fed beef burgers get countless families out of dinner dilemmas every night. Grill them up for that yummy smoky flavor and toast the buns. Jazz things up with sauerkraut or chili on top, or keep it simple with a side salad.
5. Pork Chops with Mashies and Gravy
Just because you’re short on time and energy doesn’t mean you can’t cook up some comfort food. Chose smoked pork chops so all you have to do it warm them and eat. Try heating them in a pan with a little butter, some thyme and sage. Boil up some potatoes for mashies. Make gravy with milk and and the buttery pan drippings, toss a salad for the side, and dinner is ready!
4. Stir-Fry
The best part about stir-fry is that you can add whatever you have to it. Cauliflower, peppers, onions and broccoli add plenty of nutrients to this healthy recipe. Cook fettuccine, or any noodles you have, and drain. Brown the protein and add the veggies for about 3 minutes on medium heat. Stir in soy sauce or hoisin sauce with fresh ginger and garlic and heat until tender. Blend the noodles so they get coated and you’re done.
3. Pasta
If you’re looking for dinner ideas for tonight and you have pasta, we’re in business! Pasta is a versatile starch that works with a number of proteins, vegetables and starches. Toss it with broccoli, fresh basil, lemon juice and infused olive oil for a light sauce, and add in white beans or slices of grilled chicken.
2. Grilled Chicken and Veggies
Summer is the time to be outdoors so light up the grill. Season chicken legs and cutlets with a dry rub and grill any produce you have on hand. Asparagus grills quickly and is simply addictive. Corn on the cob is another one you can keep simple with oil or butter and salt, pepper and garlic, or make it with some lime juice and cotija cheese.
1. Tacos
Tacos are fast and fool-proof. You can even bake them. They’re also a perfect dinner item for families with picky eaters or people with allergies because each person can customize they’re own. Use soft or hard corn tortillas, heating up the soft for just a moment on a pan. Put each fixing in a separate bowl: cheese, refried beans, browned meat, lettuce, onions, chopped cilantro and sliced limes for juice. If you’re feeling ambitious, make some fresh guacamole and dig in.