Does this even count as cooking?

Between the gift-buying, card-writing, costume-making and reminiscing on the December that was, how does a person find time to feed themselves? With quick recipes, handy hints and the ability to say “no, thank you” to decidedly dull events. Save time in the kitchen by stocking up on kimchi, trying your hand at blowtorching, and paying a visit to “raw food” territory.

Eggy bread stuffed with pears Source: As seen in Fe

1. Mama knows best

When you’re craving trouble-free comfort food, go for a Jewish classic, like honey and orange-glazed chicken. The preparation is so simple, you may forget you cooked. That is, until the delightful roast-y scent envelops you like a hunger-inducing hug. Via Feast magazine

Source: Brett Stevens

2. Eggs o'clock

Why save all the quick meals for breakfast? This Korean omelette lends itself to countless flavour combinations and works mighty well as a speedy weeknight dinner.

Source: Alan Benson

3. Blowtorch Your Own

As culinary wizards can attest, equipment maketh the magician. Arm yourself with a blowtorch and not only will crème brûlée become your friend, scorched salmon tacos may also turn into a weekly affair. Aside from being quick, this dish from Martyna Angell of Wholesome Cook is also stupidly fun to make.

4. Roast with the most

Roped into roasting responsibilities this month? Here’s the formula: the longer, the lovelier. Take Feast’s North African lamb shoulder, for example. It’s rubbed with cinnamon, cumin, turmeric and allspice, then left to do its thing for eight sweet hours of oven time.

5. Come chi with me

Adam Liaw’s tip of the day? Keep a tub of kimchi in your fridge. The fermented veges can be mixed with jasmine rice, chilli bean paste and spring onion for kimchi fried rice that’s ready in 20.

Source: Adam Liaw

6. Love thy leftovers

Call it French toast, call it eggy bread, this recipe from Matt Evans is the crème de la crème of quick, carb-loaded brekkies. Stuff stale sourdough with poached pear, cover in eggs, milk and maple syrup then fry to crispy perfection. Via Feast

Eggy bread stuffed with pears Source: As seen in Fe

7. Raw-ing to go

Some of our recipes involve little cooking, this one requires none. It’s Jodi Moreno’s raw summer Pad Thai featuring zucchini noodles, peanut sauce and a scattering of spring onions, herbs and chilli powder.

Raw summer pad thai Source: Jodi Moreno

8. Had enough? Just stuff.

You love lamb-stuffed eggplant, enjoy the ol’ arancini and can’t get enough of cabbage rolls. Keep the “stuff you!” comments coming with Erin Gleeson’s sweet potato-filled tomatoes. Colourful and vegetarian-friendly, we think these babies will be a hit.

9. Easy-to-assemble

Can't bring yourself to cook? Don't! Assemble and dress instead. Go for Feast's fresh oregano salad with pomegranate molasses and sumac, or check out our salad recipe collection.

Fresh oregano salad with pomegranate molasses and sumac Source: Mark Roper

Find more quick meal ideas here.

 

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