Short on time, but don’t want to skimp on the simple pleasures of a good and hearty home-made meal? We've got just the solution for you. In partnership with the Aga Khan Health Board, USA, we've compiled these delicious 30-minute recipes - a mix of Western, South-East Asian, East-Indian, and North-African cuisines to ensure you don’t get bored during your weekly meal rotations.

Invigorate tonight's meal with these dinner ideas, and feel like a Master Chef at home!

1. Garlic and Herb Lamb Chops 

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Garlic and Herb Lamb Chops
Garlic and Herb Lamb Chops

This lean, pan-seared Garlic and Herb Lamb Chops recipe that's bursting with fragrant rosemary and thyme is as impressive as it is easy. Make it when you're in a time crunch, or want to whip up something quickly for visitors and friends. We guarantee they will be impressed!

2. Pea and Bean Salad

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Pea and Bean Salad
Pea and Bean Salad

This Pea and Bean Salad dish was served to athletes and spectators at the 2016 Gold Cup in Toronto, Canada. Crunchy veggies like peas and peppers are paired with fibre and protein-rich beans to offer a satisfying dinner, that is easy to prepare.

3. Chicken Keema Masala

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Chicken Keema Masala
Chicken Keema Masala
Image Credit : AKHB USA

This recipe is a filling meal and a perfect leftover. Serve this delicious Chicken Keema Masala for dinner with brown rice to add a hefty dose of fibre to your meal. You can use up the leftover keema for lunch; add as stuffing into a wholewheat wraps, or throw in some vegetables and beans and cook it into a delicious and warm pot of chili. Simply delicious!

4. Garlic Shrimp with Sautéed Beetroot

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Garlic Shrimp with Sautéed Beetroot
Garlic Shrimp with Sautéed Beetroot
Image Credit : AKHB USA

You will need to make a homemade shrimp masala for this dish. Why not make life simple and double-up the recipe. You can store the extra masala in an air-tight container for later use. To bring out the aroma of the dish, serve the Garlic Shrimp with Sauteed Beetroot on a bed of jasmine rice that's been steamed in a pot with a handful of pandan leaves. 

5. Aloo Gobi

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Aloo Gobi
Aloo Gobi
Image Credit: Adobe Stock

A staple dish in most South Asian homes, this Aloo Gobi recipe is a hassle-free, and delicious vegetarian dish that's bursting with flavours. The warm and earthy taste of cumin and turmeric enhances the flavour of this sabzi. Serve this sizzling sabzi dish with piping hot chapati and some cooling yoghurt for the ideal early summer meal. 

6. Kadhi

Kadhi, a yoghurt-based curry is a balanced mix of sweet, sour, salty, and tangy flavours - all in one. The best part? It takes less than 10 minutes to prepare, and is the perfect way to use up some of that leftover yoghurt before it expires. 

7. Pan Saute Tarragon Chicken with Spinach Dip

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Pan Saute Tarragon Chicken with Spinach Dip
Pan Saute Tarragon Chicken with Spinach Dip
Image Credit: Shahzadi Devje RD, CDE, MSc

Admittedly, this recipe takes 35 minutes instead of 30. But, you can save those five minutes if you marinate the chicken beforehand and portion it out in freezer bags for future meals. Pair this Pan Saute Tarragon Chicken  with some pillowy, soft pita bread. Be sure to make some extra dip to enjoy with crunchy vegetables, like celery and carrots.

8. Okra with Sesame Seed

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Okra with Sesame Seed
Okra with Sesame Seed

Okra tends to soaks up oil in a dish, but this recipe for Okra with Sesame Seed uses just 1½ tablespoons of rapeseed oil and gives these ladyfingers a chance to shine with their natural flavours!

9. Spicy Vegetable Omelette Sandwich

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Spicy Vegetable Omelette Sandwich
Spicy Vegetable Omelette Sandwich
Image Credit : AKHB USA

Who says you can only have eggs for breakfast? This Spicy Vegetable Omelette Sandwich is not just loaded with protein, but also packs a punch with six different vegetables, including grilled zucchini, jalapeno, and crunchy bell pepper!

10. Broccoli and Garlic Noodles

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 Broccoli and Garlic Noodles
Broccoli and Garlic Noodles

These non-creamy Broccoli and Garlic Noodles are seasoned with peanuts and a light soy sauce with freshly chopped garlic and ginger. Not keen on broccoli? Replace with any other vegetables you prefer.

11. Coriander and Pepper Chicken

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Coriander and Pepper Chicken
Coriander and Pepper Chicken
Image Credit: Shahzadi Devje RD, CDE, MSc

Simply cut, blend, saute, and glaze for a quick and delicious dinner. Succulent chicken pieces, oozing with pepper, and coriander create an irresistibly flavourful dish. This Coriander Pepper Chicken is a no-fail dinner that's ready in five simple steps. Serve with a side salad, vegetable rice or roti.

12. Honey Baked Salmon

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Honey Baked Salmon
Honey Baked Salmon
Image Credit: Azmina Govindji RD

Honey Baked Salmon, smothered in an aromatic mixture of honey, fresh garlic and ginger, soy sauce, coarse grain mustard, and balsamic vinegar. If you have the ingredients ready, this dish takes only five minutes to prepare – faster than you can set the table!

 

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