If you’re looking for some quick and tasty meals that don’t take hours to prepare, the trick is to call for reinforcements. No, we’re not talking about ordering takeaway – utilise those small kitchen appliances sitting on your bench or in your cupboards. They’ll simplify your cooking and make meal prep faster and more enjoyable.
Here are some simple yet delicious dishes you can whip up with the help of some handy kitchen companions.
Air fryer garlic parmesan chicken tenders
For a quick, delicious dinner, try these moreish chicken tenders in your air fryer.
Mix breadcrumbs with grated parmesan, garlic powder, salt and pepper. Dip your tenders in beaten eggs, then coat with the breadcrumb mixture.
Air-fry for 10 minutes, flipping halfway. You’ll get crispy, flavourful chicken without the oiliness of deep-frying.
Blender vegetable soup
For a quick vegie fix, this soup is a winner. Even better, it’s ready in minutes.
Steam carrots and broccoli (or whatever vegetables are languishing in your crisper) until tender. Combine the vegies in your blender with a clove of garlic and enough vegetable stock to achieve your desired consistency.
Blend until smooth. Pour the mixture into a pot and warm it over medium heat. Season with salt and pepper. Serve with a dollop of yoghurt or a sprinkle of herbs for extra flavour.
Rice cooker quinoa salad
Rice cookers aren’t just for rice. You can use them to cook a range of pulses and grains, including oats, lentils, pearl barley and quinoa.
To make a quick quinoa salad, rinse quinoa under cold water and drain. Add it to your rice cooker with water. Start the cooker – it’ll handle the rest.
Once cooked, fluff the quinoa and let it cool. Toss in some diced cucumber, cherry tomatoes and a good squeeze of lemon juice. A sprinkle of fetta cheese, chopped herbs or pomegranate seeds will take it up another notch.
Juicer green smoothie
There’s no easier way to start your day than with a nutritious smoothie. It’s an energy-boosting drink that’s healthy and tasty – and simple to prepare.
Juice some spinach, kale, green apple and a bit of ginger. The greens provide fibre, vitamins and minerals, while the apple and ginger add a zesty sweetness. Pour this juice into a blender, add a ripe banana for creaminess and blend. Done!
Food processor salsa
Got friends coming over? To make a quick salsa, toss quartered tomatoes, a quarter of an onion, a handful of coriander and a fresh chilli (deseeded if you prefer less heat) into your food processor. Pulse until it’s finely chopped but not pureed. Stir in a squeeze of lime and a pinch of salt, and serve it as a dip or on toasted sourdough as an appetiser.
You can also use your food processor to whip up a quick pesto pizza base or tomato pasta sauce – great when cooking for a crowd.
Multi-cooker vegetable risotto
No more standing at the stove and stirring, stirring, stirring – take the night off by making your risotto in a multi-cooker.
Sauté onions and garlic using the sauté function. Add rice, vegetable stock and your choice of vegies like capsicum and peas. Switch to the rice cooking setting and let it cook until creamy. Stir in some parmesan cheese at the end for a rich finish.
Air fryer crispy chicken
Ready to turn ordinary chicken into something extraordinary? Start with boneless chicken breasts. Pat them dry and season generously with salt, pepper and your choice of herbs.
Preheat your air fryer, then place the chicken in the basket. Cook for about 10 minutes, then flip and cook for another 10 minutes. The result? Golden, crispy chicken that’s moist inside. Serve with a side of steamed veggies or a salad for a complete meal.
Brought to you by JB Hi-Fi. Want to make cooking a breeze? From air fryers to multi-cookers, this trusted kitchen appliance retailer has everything you need to simplify your meal prep.
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