A couple years ago I attended a panel discussion of some of the culinary world’s most famous chefs. The topic was Molecular Gastronomy vs Slow Food which was all very esoteric and interesting, but honestly the only thing I remember was Thomas Keller announcing to the world that good food couldn’t be made in 30 minutes or less. And I thought, says the man who has a staff of 100 to cook a single meal.
I’d like Thomas Keller to slip on my size-8 Bean Boots and see what he has to say about making something out of nothing for two young kids every night at breakneck speed before they flip the f*#% out. Maybe he could do it, who knows he is a culinary genius, but my guess is that his kids would raid the snack drawer and be passed out in their beds with crumb-covered faces before dinner was ready.
I have a hunch that most of you are in a fast-dinner type situation, so I’m committed to helping you get dinner (and yes it can be good—hell, maybe even healthy) on the table in under an hour. I’ve pulled together 24 recipes with hands-on time of 30 minutes or less. Some of the recipes might have longer cooking times or marinating times, where you just have to let it do its thing—no work necessary—but even those I’ve made sure the ingredients lists are short.
So here’s to good, fast food. If you have some favorites, leave me a comment and let me know. I’m always on the hunt for new ideas. xoxo

Fideo
Fideo (pictured)
Maple Dijon Baked Salmon from Cookin’ Canuck (This one’s super good, I made it last night)
Poached Egg with Crunchy Quinoa and Brown Butter Asparagus from Salt and Wind

Pasta with Pistachios and Mint
Pasta with Pistachios and Mint (pictured)
Sausage and Mushroom Pizza Bowls from Shutterbean
Skillet Lemon Rosemary Chicken from Simply Recipes

Easy Asian Pork Tenderloin
Easy Asian Pork Tenderloin (pictured)
Spicy Shrimp over Pureed Hominy from Sweet Life Bake
Spaghetti Pangrattato with Crispy Eggs from Smitten Kitchen

Roasted Squash and Kale Quesadillas
Roasted Squash and Kale Quesadillas (pictured)
White Wine Steamed Mussels from Spoon Fork Bacon
Pureed Cauliflower Soup from The Crepes of Wrath

Picadillo {Seasoned Beef with Carrots and Potatoes}
Picadillo {Seasoned Beef with Carrots and Potatoes} (pictured)
Vegetable Fried Rice from Edible Perspective
One-Pot Pantry Pasta from The Fauxmartha

New Potato and Chard Tacos
New Potato and Chard Tacos (pictured)
Chicken and Potatoes Sheet-Pan Supper from The Kitchn
Roasted Shrimp and Polenta with Halloumi (or Pancetta) Crisps from The Pig and Quill

Eggs Baked in Spicy Tomato Mushroom Sauce
Eggs Baked in Spicy Tomato-Mushroom Sauce (pictured)
Bucatini with Burst Tomatoes from The View from Great Island
Cheese Tortellini with Peas and Pancetta from What’s Gaby Cooking

Chicken Chile Verde Torta with Goat Cheese
Chicken Chile Verde Torta with Goat Cheese (pictured)
Spicy Cinnamon-Spiked Sweet Potato Tostadas (pictured)
Garlic and Lemon Pan-Seared Salmon and Asparagus from The Roasted Root

Spicy Cinnamon-Spiked Sweet Potato Tostadas
Need more inspiration? Check out last month’s list: Make a Plan: 4 Weeks of Family Dinners
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