Meal planning might seem like a faff, but a little organisation goes a long way when you're having a busy week.
If you know what you're going to be cooking you'll end up:
- Spending less at the supermarket
- Spared from worrying about what to make for dinner
- Eating a more varied selection of meals and escaping the rut of endless spag bol!
Just take half an hour out of your weekend to select seven meal ideas and write a shopping list of everything you'll need. Put the list of meals on the fridge door then everyone will know what's on the menu.
It's even better if someone other than you is on family cooking duty so they'll be grateful there's a list of recipes to choose from and all the right ingredients in the fridge.
So without further ado, here's our first instalment of seven days, seven suppers.
You're getting a week's worth of speedy meals with plenty of time-saving hacks to cut as many corners as possible, but still leaving you with a set of satisfying and nutritious family-friendly suppers.
1. Sweetcorn, Carrot and Coriander Fritters
These Asian style sweetcorn cakes are a bit of a treat but delicious served up with lots of green salad and sweet chilli dip.
2.Honey and Mustard Chicken Drumsticks
A fabulous bung-it-in-the oven meal that's happily served up with some quick couscous and roasted veggies.
3. Chicken, sweetcorn and broccoli pot pie
A delicious idea for left over roast chicken, these pies are packed with flavour (and veggies). If you don't fancy pastry or have potatoes to use up, this dish also works well with a mash topping.
4. Broccoli and Chorizo Mac and Cheese Pots
Pure comfort food, this recipe makes a huge eight portions so you can freeze half for another day when you've not got much time.
5. Salmon Goujons
Far superior to skinny frozen fish fingers, these are a great way to get some oily fish into your family's diet. A bit messy to make, but they're quick to cook and could even be prepped in advance and kept in the fridge until needed.
6. Quick quesadillas
These easy toasties are ready from start to finish in 10 minutes, making them the perfect late-in-from-work meal - plus you're likely to have most of the ingredients at home (or available at the corner shop).
7. Warming Sausage Casserole
One for the weekend, or during the week you could make it the night before or even use a slow cooker if you have one. Great with crusty bread or creamy mashed potatoes if you have time.
More on Parentdish:
Katie's brilliant family recipe blog Feedingboys.co.uk