5 Quick and Easy Family Dinners for Busy Weeknights

Spending an hour and a half in the kitchen for an ordinary weekday meal might have worked two generations ago, but it doesn't fit today's hectic schedules. Yet the kids are hungry, and for many of us, microwaving a processed frozen meal isn't the ideal solution.

Following are five delicious, family-friendly meal ideas that require just a few minutes of preparation. Save these recipes for those busy days when you need something quick, homemade, and satisfying.

1. Quick Chicken and Vegetable Stir-Fry

Ingredients

• 2 onions

• 8 thin chicken schnitzels (chicken breast cutlets)

• 1 bag frozen mixed vegetables (peas, green beans, bell peppers, corn, carrots)

• Seasonings to taste

Instructions

1. Cut the chicken schnitzels into strips about ¾ inch (2 cm) wide.

2. Heat cooking oil in a pot and sauté the chopped onions until softened.

3. Add the chicken strips and stir until they change color.

4. Add the frozen mixed vegetables.

5. Season with salt, black pepper, turmeric, barbecue seasoning, chicken grill seasoning, garlic powder, soy sauce, and barbecue sauce.

6. Add 1½ cups of water, cover, and cook over medium heat for about 50 minutes.

2. Pasta with Roasted Eggplant

Ingredients

• ½ bag pasta

• 1 eggplant

• 1 large onion

• 2 tomatoes

• Prepared pesto sauce

• Bulgarian cheese (feta-style cheese)

Instructions

1. Peel the eggplant and cut it into ¾ inch (2 cm) cubes.

2. Place the cubes on a parchment-lined baking sheet and roast at 180°C (350°F) for 30 minutes.

3. Cook the pasta according to package instructions.

4. Sauté the onion in a pot, then add diced tomatoes and cook until softened.

5. Add the roasted eggplant and cooked pasta.

6. Season with salt, a little black pepper, pesto sauce, and olive oil.

7. Serve topped with grated or cubed Bulgarian cheese.

3. Homemade Hummus with Warm Pita

Ingredients

• 290 g canned chickpeas

• 1 cup raw tahini

• 5 tablespoons lemon juice

• 1 garlic clove, crushed

• ½ teaspoon salt

• Ground cumin to taste

• ⅔ cup water

Instructions

1. Drain and rinse the chickpeas.

2. Place all ingredients in a food processor and blend until smooth.

3. Refrigerate before serving.

4. Transfer to a serving plate, sprinkle with sweet paprika, and drizzle with olive oil.

5. Serve with warm pita bread, pickles, and fries.

4. Loaded Vegetable Omelet Sandwich

Ingredients

• 1 onion

• 1 bunch parsley

• 2 eggs

• Salt and black pepper

• Pita bread

• Tahini

• 1 tomato

Instructions

1. Mix the chopped onion, finely chopped parsley, eggs, salt, and pepper in a bowl.

2. Heat oil in a skillet.

3. Spoon small portions of the mixture into the pan, forming mini omelets about 2½ inches (6 cm) wide.

4. Cook on both sides until lightly golden.

5. Spread tahini inside a pita, add the vegetable omelets and tomato slices, and drizzle with a little more tahini.

5. Pizza Pasta Bake

Ingredients

• ½ bag fusilli or penne pasta

• 2 tablespoons tomato paste

• Crushed tomatoes

• 3 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 tablespoon white cheese

• 2 eggs

• Salt, black pepper, and oregano

• Grated yellow cheese (such as mozzarella or cheddar)

Instructions

1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions.

2. Mix the cooked pasta with the tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, olive oil, white cheese, eggs, and seasonings.

3. Grease a baking dish and pour in the pasta mixture.

4. Generously sprinkle grated cheese over the top.

5. Bake in a preheated 180°C (350°F) oven for about 30 minutes, until golden and bubbly.

These simple recipes prove that homemade meals don't need to be complicated. With a little planning and a few basic ingredients, you can put a delicious family dinner on the table even on your busiest days.