3 Quick and Healthy Dinner Recipes for Weeknight Meals

In our fast-paced world, finding time to prepare healthy and delicious meals can often feel like a challenge. Weeknight dinners, in particular, demand recipes that are nutritious, quick, and easy to prepare. To help make mealtime stress-free, we’ve curated three simple and wholesome dinner recipes. These dishes offer the perfect balance of flavor and convenience, ensuring that you can enjoy a satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen. These recipes are ideal for busy schedules and provide nutritious solutions for anyone looking to maintain a healthy lifestyle, even on the busiest of nights.

Bajan Cou Cou with Spicy fish recipe

Bajan Cou-Cou with Spicy Fish is a classic dish deeply rooted in the rich culinary heritage of Barbados. This recipe showcases the island’s unique flavors, combining a smooth, savory blend of cornmeal and okra—known as “cou-cou”—with perfectly marinated fish, served in a vibrant, spicy sauce. Traditionally enjoyed as a comforting and hearty meal, this dish captures the essence of Bajan cuisine, where simplicity meets bold, tropical flavors. Perfect for a taste of the Caribbean, this recipe brings a delightful fusion of texture and spice to your table.

Ingredients:

For Cou Cou:

2 cups cornmeal
4 cups water
1 tbsp butter
1 tbsp vegetable oil
1 onion, finely chopped
1 small green bell pepper, finely chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
1 cup okra, chopped
Salt and black pepper to taste
1 tsp thyme (optional)
For Spicy Fish:

2 large fish fillets (snapper, kingfish, or any firm fish)
2 tbsp lime or lemon juice
1 tbsp Bajan seasoning (or Caribbean green seasoning)
1 Scotch Bonnet pepper, chopped (adjust to taste)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 small onion, sliced
1 small tomato, chopped
1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
1 tsp paprika
Salt and black pepper to taste
2 tbsp vegetable oil
1 tbsp butter
½ cup coconut milk
½ cup fish stock (or water)
2 green onions (optional garnish)
Lime wedges for serving
Instructions:
For the Cou Cou:

Prepare the okra mixture:

In a medium pot, add the chopped okra to 2 cups of water and bring to a boil. Simmer for about 10 minutes until the okra softens. Remove from heat and set aside.
Make the cornmeal paste:

In a small bowl, mix 1 cup of cold water with the cornmeal to create a smooth paste.
Cook the Cou Cou:

In a heavy-bottomed pan, heat the butter and vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions, green bell pepper, and garlic. Cook until soft and fragrant.
Slowly add the cornmeal paste, stirring continuously to avoid lumps.
Gradually pour in the remaining okra water, stirring constantly to combine. Continue stirring and cooking until the mixture thickens and the cornmeal is fully cooked (about 10-15 minutes).
Season with salt, pepper, and thyme. Cook until the Cou Cou pulls away from the sides of the pan. Remove from heat and set aside.
For the Spicy Fish:

Marinate the fish:

Rub the fish fillets with lime or lemon juice. Season with Bajan seasoning, garlic, salt, black pepper, and chopped Scotch Bonnet. Let marinate for at least 30 minutes (or overnight in the fridge for more flavor).
Cook the fish:

Heat the oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the fish fillets and sear on both sides until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove the fish from the pan and set aside.
Make the sauce:

In the same pan, add the sliced onion, chopped tomato, and fresh thyme. Sauté until the onions are soft and the tomatoes begin to break down.
Add the paprika, coconut milk, fish stock, and simmer for 5 minutes. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
Combine and finish:

Add the fish back to the pan, spooning some of the sauce over the fillets. Simmer for another 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the fish to cook through.
To Serve:

Plate the Cou Cou, shaping it into a dome or serving it in spoonfuls.
Place the spicy fish on top or beside the Cou Cou and drizzle with the sauce.
Garnish with chopped green onions and serve with lime wedges for extra zest.

Classic cottage pie recipe

Cottage pie is a comforting and hearty British dish, made with ground beef cooked in a rich gravy, topped with creamy mashed potatoes, and baked until golden and bubbling. This classic recipe is simple yet full of flavor, perfect for a satisfying family meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup (240ml) beef stock
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp thyme (fresh or dried)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 4-5 large potatoes, peeled and quartered
• 4 tbsp butter
• 1/2 cup (120ml) milk
• 1/2 cup (60g) grated cheddar cheese (optional)

Instructions:

Let the pie rest for a few minutes before serving.

Prepare the filling:

Heat a large pan over medium heat and brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat.

Add the chopped onion, carrots, and garlic to the pan. Cook for 5-7 minutes until softened.

Stir in the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and thyme. Pour in the beef stock and bring to a simmer. Cook for 15-20 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Prepare the mashed potatoes:

While the beef mixture is simmering, boil the potatoes in salted water for 15-20 minutes until tender.

Drain the potatoes, then mash them with butter and milk until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.

Assemble the cottage pie:

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

Spread the beef mixture evenly in a baking dish. Top with the mashed potatoes, spreading them over the beef. Use a fork to create ridges on top for extra texture.

If desired, sprinkle grated cheddar cheese over the mashed potatoes.

Bake and serve:

Bake for 25-30 minutes until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbling around the edges.

Pork and garlic bread bake recipe

This hearty Pork and Garlic Bread Bake is a comforting, flavorful dish that combines tender, juicy pork with a garlicky, buttery bread topping. The combination of savory pork and crispy bread makes for a satisfying meal that’s perfect for a cozy family dinner.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb (450g) pork tenderloin or pork shoulder, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1 cup (240ml) chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp dried thyme or rosemary
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 loaf of crusty bread (French bread or baguette), cut into 1-inch cubes
• 3 tbsp butter, melted (for the bread)
• 1/4 cup (60g) grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

Serve warm and enjoy!

Cook the pork:

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the pork and season with salt and pepper. Sear the pork pieces until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.

Remove the pork from the pan and set aside.

Prepare the sauce:

In the same pan, add 2 tablespoons of butter. Sauté the garlic and onion until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.

Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, and thyme or rosemary. Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, then bring to a simmer. Let the sauce reduce for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Combine the pork and sauce:

Return the seared pork to the pan and stir to coat it in the sauce. Simmer for another 5-7 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Remove from heat.

Prepare the garlic bread topping:

In a large bowl, toss the cubed bread with the melted butter, minced garlic, and Parmesan cheese (if using). Ensure the bread is evenly coated.

Assemble the bake:

Transfer the pork and sauce mixture to a baking dish. Spread the garlic bread cubes evenly over the top, ensuring they cover the pork completely.

Bake:

Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the bread cubes are golden and crispy.

Garnish and serve:

Remove from the oven and garnish with freshly chopped parsley.