Quick Meals – How to Spend Less Time in the Kitchen

Spending more time at home has kept many of us in the kitchen more than we expected. Even if you’ve discovered some hidden culinary talents during the pandemic, it’s always helpful to have quick, delicious meals ready to go.

When juggling household tasks, work, and meetings, you rarely have time for complicated recipes or fresh ingredients every day. The solution? Planning!

Plan Your Meals and Save Time in the Kitchen

The first step to efficient planning is regular stocking of healthy, high-quality ingredients. This helps you maintain a balanced diet, avoid impulsive shopping, and gain precious hours back each week.

Must-Have Pantry and Fridge Essentials

Leafy greens for quick salads (baby spinach, arugula, salad mixes)
Eggs and butter
Meat (chicken, turkey, fish, or your choice)
Long-lasting root vegetables (potatoes, carrots, sweet potatoes)
Onions and garlic
Canned goods (tuna, diced tomatoes, beans)
Frozen vegetables
Grains (oats, quinoa, couscous)
Dairy products
Spices and herbs

One weekly grocery trip is enough to keep your kitchen stocked. Add your favorite perishable fruits and veggies to the list and cook them in advance for longer shelf life.

Easy Cooking Techniques

Three Simple Ways to Cook Efficiently

Cook in bulk: Make large batches of food and store in the fridge or freezer. For example: a big pot of soup, roasted chicken breasts, oven-baked frittata, boiled rice, or muffins.
Pre-portioned meals: Use divided containers to pack a protein (like grilled meat), veggies, and rice or a small salad.
Prep ingredients only: Chop onions, boil eggs, or prepare sauces in advance so you can cook fresh meals faster.

This approach saves time and money. If you’re left with leftovers about to spoil, transform them into a quick pizza or frittata.

Diversify to Avoid Monotony

If you prefer fresh meals daily, this may feel limiting. But with sauces, spices, and herbs, you can create a new twist each time. Rotate veggies or salad toppings for variety.

While complex meals are great when you have time, simple dishes can be just as delicious!

Quick & Easy Recipe Ideas

Breakfast Ideas

Vegetable & Bacon Frittata: 6 eggs, 100g bacon, favorite vegetables and cheese. Cook bacon, sauté veggies, mix with eggs and bake at 190°C for 15–20 mins.
Granola with Nuts & Fruit: Combine oats, milk, raisins, walnuts, and top with berries or bananas. Enjoy cold or warm.
Creamy Hummus: Boil canned chickpeas with baking soda for 10–15 mins. Blend with lemon juice, garlic, tahini, salt, cumin, olive oil, and cold water for extra creaminess.

You can also prepare spreads like cream cheese, guacamole, tzatziki, or homemade pâté—quick, delicious, and fridge-stable.

Dinner Ideas

Baked Cod with Tomatoes & Potatoes: Bake sliced potatoes at 200°C. After 15 mins, add cherry tomatoes and cod, drizzle with olive oil, and bake 10–12 more mins.
Indian-Style Chicken & Cauliflower: Sauté onion, garlic, ginger, cauliflower, and chicken cubes with Indian spices. Add canned tomatoes and tomato paste; simmer 15–20 mins. Serve with rice.
Colorful Salads: Combine leafy greens with your favorite proteins or cheeses (tuna, salmon, goat cheese, halloumi). Dress with mustard, olive oil, garlic, and lemon juice or yogurt, honey, and dill.

Even fresh ingredients can be turned into fast meals with just a bit of planning—baked, grilled, sautéed, or boiled, there are endless options.

Final Thoughts

Cooking can be fun and creative. With practice and planning, you’ll know exactly what to cook and how to do it quickly, without compromising on taste or nutrition.