Top 10 quick winter dinner ideas

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Bangers and mash on a plate with a knife and fork
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When you're racing against the clock to get dinner on the table, our speedy dinners are ready in 30 minutes and under. From vegetarian options to delightful vegan choices, there's something for everyone.

On a chilly winter's evening, there's nothing more comforting than diving into a bowl of our warming curries and soothing ramen. Soups are the unsung heroes of midweek meals, so don't miss out on our collection of winter soup recipes. As the cold weather settles in, so does the looming threat of winter ailments. Our arsenal of healthy winter recipes is here to arm you with the nutrients necessary to boost your body's defences.

If you're trying to keep your food budget in check during these challenging times, dive into our budget-friendly winter recipes for inspiration. Plus, see our quick winter recipes and top 20 winter dinners for even more ideas.

1. Coconut & squash dhansak

This five-star coconut & squash dhansak is an easy vegetarian curry, perfect for a weeknight meal. It's full of warming spices and sure to take the edge off a cold winter night. Cook butternut squash in the microwave to save time, then combine with a thick curry sauce. Top with a generous dollop of coconut yogurt and serve with warm naan. For more speedy and spicy dishes, see our curry recipes.

2. Sausages with winter veg mash

Nothing says winter comfort more than a loaded plate of bangers and mash. For a healthier, even more seasonal twist, shredded brussels sprouts and parsnips are added to the mash – and it's ready in under 30 minutes from start to finish. Discover more warming inspiration with our most comforting potato recipes. Also, try out our sausages with pesto mash recipe.

3. Sausage, kale & gnocchi one-pot

This sausage, kale & gnocchi one-pot is full of winter flavours, perfect for a comforting supper. Remove pork sausages from their skins and fry until crisp around the edges. Add gnocchi, chicken stock and chopped kale, and cook until the gnocchi is tender and the kale has wilted. For more fuss-free meals, see our one-pot recipes.

4. Easy leftover chicken curry

Put those leftover chicken scraps to good use in this quick and effortless curry with sugar snap peas. It's allergen-friendly, being both egg- and nut-free. Plus, it's gentle on the sugar content for those watching their intake. Top it off with a generous sprinkling of zesty chilli and fresh coriander to bring it all together in style. Check out more leftover chicken recipes.

5. Quick honey & garlic pork chops

Whip up these lightning-fast chops using storecupboard essentials. They’re versatile as they go well with creamy mashed potatoes or rice. Check out our helpful guide on how to cook the perfect rice.

6. Air-fryer loaded frittata with bacon and cheddar

Speedy dinner lovers – the air-fryer is your best friend. This frittata recipe only requires a handful ingredients, making it a quick, easy and delicious midweek meal. Discover more of our air-fryer recipes for beginners.

7. Speedy pasta bolognese

A simplified version of the classic spaghetti bolognese, this recipe bulks out lean minced beef with sliced mushrooms for added flavour and nutritional benefit – perfect for a quick midweek dinner. Or, try our 10 twists on spaghetti bolognese.

8. Vegan ramen

A warming bowl of vegan ramen is so comforting. Dried shiitake mushrooms and white miso paste provide savoury flavour and it's super filling with rice noodles, tofu, pak choi, carrots and beansprouts. Try our thai green tofu noodles they are low in calories and contain a balance of nutrients to fill you up. Top with sesame oil, sriracha, chopped coriander, crushed peanuts, crumbled sheets of nori or dried chilli flakes. For more Japanese-inspired flavours, see our ramen collection.

9. Air-fryer tuna pasta bake

A pasta bake is like a warm hug on a cold day – and this air-fryer version helps speed up the process from chopping board to plate. Topped with bubbling, golden mozzarella, serve with a fresh salad or side of your choice. Find more tuna pasta bake recipes here.

10. Quinoa with stir-fried winter veg

Full of nourishing winter veg, this vegan stir-fry packs in plenty of healthy protein from the quinoa. Find more vegan quinoa recipes for when you're bored of rice.

Discover more recipes with our quick and easy collection.

Enjoyed these quick dinners? See more speedy recipes...

Quick chicken dinner ideas
Quick and healthy dinner recipes
Quick family recipes
Quick dinner ideas

What do you cook on busy weeknights? Leave a comment below...
Word count: 731 Last edited by Helen Salter on December 5, 2023 at 4:59 pm
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Top 10 quick winter dinner ideas
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Need to feed the family in a hurry? Make our winter dinners in 30 minutes or less. Featuring comfort food classics like pasta bake and wholesome curries

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Helen Salter Helen Salter, 2 months ago (December 5, 2023 @ 16:59:19)
joynelson, 3 months ago (November 17, 2023 @ 12:56:57)
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joynelson, 3 months ago (November 14, 2023 @ 16:25:25)
Marianne Voyle, 3 months ago (November 14, 2023 @ 10:20:09)
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Emily Marten - Digital Assistant Emily Marten, 3 months ago (November 8, 2023 @ 14:33:28)
Emily Marten - Digital Assistant Emily Marten, 3 months ago (November 8, 2023 @ 14:32:21) [Autosave]
Nina-Che Bousquet, 4 months ago (October 24, 2023 @ 15:06:26)
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Nina-Che Bousquet, 6 months ago (August 8, 2023 @ 14:57:58)
Nina-Che Bousquet, 8 months ago (June 6, 2023 @ 15:56:57)

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