Life is hectic when you have kids! From tots to teens there is always somewhere to be, someone to collect or drop, and a house to run too. Add in hungry kids (and adults) and preparing family meals, and it can feel like you just don’t have enough hours in the day.
These time crunch family meals, brought to you in association with Green Isle, are the perfect solution for what to make when you’re against the clock with work/life/afterschool activities and hungry kids!
Time Crunch Family Meal Ideas
When you need dinner on the table FAST, it’s easy to skip something healthy, but these family-friendly recipes pack plenty of flavour, are vibrant and versatile, but most importantly taste great.
Green Isle has been at the heart of most Irish meals for over 60 years, helping parents put nutritious food on the table for hungry kids. From the classic side dishes of garden peas, to flavoursome quick and easy stir-fry mixes and the more modern tastes of cauliflower rice, Green Isle makes it easy to eat well. These time crunch recipes are no exception. All ready in 3o minutes or less, making them perfect for busy family life.
Asian Stir Fry
Time: 20 minutes
Serves: 4
Perfect for a quick and easy lunch or dinner, the Green Isle Asian Stir Fry is a delicious medley of carrot strips, water chestnut slices, cut baby corn, green beans, red pepper, red onion and Chinese mushrooms. You can simply add it to the wok with a bit of soy or oyster sauce and serve with noodles or rice, or try out this delicious Vietnamese-style noodle salad, swapping noodles for courgetti!
Creamy Pea Gnocchi with Basil
Time: 30 minutes
Serves: 4
Gnocchi is a firm favourite in our house and the addition of sweet garden peas and spinach with some basil make it totally irresistible! This dish can be whipped up in just 30 minutes, making it the perfect comforting dish to enjoy after a long day at work or school.
Persian Jewelled Cauliflower Rice
Time: 25 minutes
Serves: 4 (as a side)
This Persian inspired dish is created with cauliflower rice, a great alternative to rice, potatoes or pasta. It is quick and easy to make with saffron, raisins and jewelled with pomegranate seeds. Serve it up with chicken, fish, pork or beef for a mid-week feast the whole family will enjoy.
Spicy Cauliflower Rice with Halloumi
Time: 30 minutes
Serves: 2 (easily doubled)
Give the family a real treat with this spicy cauliflower rice served with grilled halloumi cheese. You could also serve it with chicken, pork, beef or fish and everyone will get their 5-a-day with this tasty family dinner.
Easy Chilli Beef
Time: 20 minutes
Serves: 4
Enjoy this quick and easy Chilli Beef with minced beef, onion and mushrooms. Make it a lighter option by serving it with Green Isle cauliflower rice rather than classic rice.
Check you have the following store cupboard/freezer ingredients: vegetable oil, garlic, chilli flakes, oyster sauce, soy sauce, basil, Green Isle green beans, Green Isle cauliflower rice and you are good to go. You can make it as spicy or not as you wish, ensuring the whole family will be asking for seconds!
Stir Fry with Prawns and Peanuts
Time: 20 minutes
Serves: 4
Surprise the family with a simple luxury stir fry combining prawns and peanuts for added texture and taste. All the chopping has been done to save you time on prep and helping you to avoid food waste. And best of all, any leftovers make a tasty lunchtime treat!
Grilled Honey Salmon
Time: 15 minutes
Serves: 4
Fast and fabulous fish! This grilled honey salmon, combined with nutritious vegetables and cauliflower rice, will tempt even the fussiest of eaters.
Creamy Thai Coconut Chicken Curry
Time: 25 minutes
Serves: 4
The creamy curry is a great introduction to curry for little ones, combining coconut milk, chicken and Thai flavours with carrots and peas – who needs a takeaway!
Quick Beef Stir Fry
Time: 25 minutes
Serves: 2-3
Easy and tasty, simply add peppers, pak choi or spinach to strips of beef. With the addition of a few store cupboard ingredients and cauliflower rice you’ll have a family meal on the table in no time at all.
About the Author: Michelle
