30-Minute Meals for March

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 (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 (pictured)

Sausage and Mushroom Pizza Bowls from Shutterbean

Skillet Lemon Rosemary Chicken from Simply Recipes

 

 

 

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 (pictured)

White Wine Steamed Mussels from Spoon Fork Bacon

Pureed Cauliflower Soup from The Crepes of Wrath

 

 

 

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 (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 (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 (pictured)

Spicy Cinnamon-Spiked Sweet Potato Tostadas (pictured)

Garlic and Lemon Pan-Seared Salmon and Asparagus from The Roasted Root

 

 

Need more inspiration? Check out last month’s list: Make a Plan: 4 Weeks of Family Dinners