These days, I can't think of a single person I know who doesn't require a speedy meal multiple times a week, including the many culinary experts I work with who have well-kept kitchens and seem like they can whip up a gourmet meal at the snap of their fingers.
Try as we may, everyone is behest to the challenges of wilting carrots, impending expiry dates and frequent disruptions to weekly menu planning.
Fortunately, there is a solution: a trusty repertoire of speedy recipes you can rely on, and this season of The Cook Up is packed with a treasure trove that takes 20 minutes or less. Here are some of my favourite picks of the season.
Episode: The Cook Up Season 6, episode 46
Ready in 12 minutes
This sashimi tuna crudo features freshness and crunch with cucumber, chillies, coriander and a soy- and mirin-based dressing. Served on a crispy wonton skin, this simple crudo makes for an elegant dinner party starter or a quick lunch.
Episode: The Cook Up Season 6, episode 49
Ready in 15 minutes
This yuxiang eggplant recipe uses a microwave to help cut down on the eggplant cooking, resulting in perfectly cooked eggplant in a fraction of the time.
Episode: The Cook Up Season 6, episode 54
Ready in 15 minutes
Tokhm o banjon roomey is a spiced Afghan egg dish that families often make when in need of a quick lunch. Serve with toasted Afghan bread for the ultimate experience.
Episode: The Cook Up Season 6, episode 61
Ready in 15 minutes
This stunning spaghetti dish gets its umami kick from bottarga, a salted, cured fish roe, which adds complex and savoury notes to sauces and dishes.
Episode: The Cook Up Season 6, episode 59
Ready in 10 minutes
This Italian-style steak and rocket meal is packed with flavour, thanks to garlic, rosemary and lemon zest. Served with a fresh, rocket salad with shaved Parmesan cheese, this 10-minute meal is the perfect addition to your weekly rotation.
Episode: The Cook Up Season 6, episode 77
Ready in 15 minutes
Mussels make for an ideal quick meal since they typically take less than 5 minutes to cook.
This recipe is a great way to use overripe tomatoes that are a bit too squishy to slice into sandwiches. Served with crusty bread and a tomato broth, this seafood sensation is sure to be a hit.
Episode: The Cook Up Season 6, episode 79
Ready in 20 minutes
This simple pasta dish requires very little prep, and it is richly flavoured by smoky chorizo, sliced garlic and chilli oil.
Episode: The Cook Up Season 6, episode 83
Ready in 10 minutes
This cheat's chicken and sweet corn egg drop soup is perfect for leftover roast chicken from a rotisserie.
It's reminiscent of your local Chinese takeaway, and will be ready in 10 minutes.
Now that you know some speedy recipes, it won't take long to work out which ones you want to make again. Then you'll be able to navigate a hectic weekly schedule with homemade, nourishing meals almost at the click of your fingers.
SBS Food is a 24/7 foodie channel for all Australians, with a focus on simple, authentic and everyday food inspiration from cultures everywhere. NSW stream only. Read more about SBS Food
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