10 quick and easy recipes for when you’re spending more time at home (2024)

Quick and easy recipes are always good to have in your repertoire, but even more so when you are spending more time at home.

Whether you are poorly, busy with childcare, or simply looking to spend less time in the kitchen while at home, take a look at our 10 heart-healthy recipes that use just a handful of everyday ingredients.

1. Easy roast chicken and vegetables

This easy one-pot dish helps boost your daily intake of vegetables with minimal effort. Simply add all your ingredients to a roasting tin, and place in the oven for 45 minutes.

• Get the recipe for easy roast chicken and vegetables.

2. Baked citrus pears and apples

If you have fruit such as pears or apples to use up, consider baking them in the oven with some spices. Fruit that’s a bit past its best will still be fine here. This delicious heart-healthy dish is a perfect warm dessert for cooler evenings.

• Get the recipe for baked citrus pears and apples.

3. Fish and couscous salad

If you’re able to find couscous in the shops, this versatile cupboard staple can form the basis of many quick and easy meals. This meal can be personalised based on whatever leftover fish or vegetables you have in your kitchen. It takes just a few minutes to rustle up – why not use the time you save to give one of our indoor workoutsa try?

• Get the recipe for fish and couscous salad.

4. Chicken and leek pasta bake

This pasta bake is made with just a handful of cupboard staples, including flour and milk. Simply add whatever vegetables you have to hand – fresh or frozen peas and broccoli work perfectly, but you can use whatever veg you can get hold of – try sweetcorn, mushrooms or spinach. Any leftovers you have can be frozen too, making a quick and easy mid-week meal.

• Get the recipe for chicken and leek pasta bake.

5. Spiced vegetable couscous

Another couscous dish – this time using a pinch of different spices to give a warm and hearty feel. Frozen vegetables means there's no waste and can be handy if you can't get out to the shops.

• Get the recipe for spiced vegetable couscous.

6. Carrot and parsnip soup

Vegetable soups are ideal – paired with a wholemeal roll, they can make a delicious and heart-healthy lunch or dinner. If you make a big batch, the leftovers can be stored in an airtight container and kept in the fridge or freezer for a quick meal on another day.

• Get the recipe for carrot and parsnip soup.

7. Allotment salad

Do you grow your own vegetables in your garden or an allotment? Why not give this salad a go. It uses commonly homegrown vegetables including radishes, potatoes and runner beans to create a dish that can be enjoyed on its own or as a side.

• Get the recipe for allotment salad.

8. Tray-baked fish with fennel and orange

For a low-maintenance meal, look no further than this tray bake. It handily uses cupboard and freezer staples, including butter beans and fish fillets - almost every ingredient is placed into a roasting tin and then into the oven for 45 minutes.

• Get the recipe for tray-baked fish with fennel and orange.

9. Banana yoghurt smoothie

This smoothie makes a heart-friendly breakfast, as well as a delicious mid-afternoon pick-me-up. Only three ingredients are needed, while flavourings such as honey or ground cinnamon can be added to taste.

• Get the recipe for banana yoghurt smoothie.

10. Mediterranean-style chicken casserole

Although this recipe has more than a handful of ingredients, it uses plenty of everyday items such as chicken stock, garlic and pepper. It’s possible to freeze for up to three months too, making it an ideal dish to make if you want to get organised for the months ahead – or if you’re looking to make a healthy meal for a neighbour who’s self-isolating or poorly.

• Get the recipe for Mediterranean-style chicken casserole.
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