10 amazingly simple recipes from around the world

French Cassoulet

A classic French Cassoulet can take hours - but this recipe couldn’t be easier and you still get the same great rich taste without all the waiting around. And the best thing, you can just throw all the ingredients into one pot and let the hob do most of the work. This cheat’s version only needs very few ingredients including sausages, carrots, cannellini beans and chicken stock. Serve in bowls with warm, crusty bread.

Chicken kebabs

Yoghurt makes a great marinade because it really helps keep meat tender and moist. This makes for perfect kebabs - a simple but healthy dinner. For best results try and marinade the chicken overnight to really give the yoghurt mix time to work its magic. Spices include paprika and cinnamon, and with the added zing of lemon juice, and kick of chilli flakes. If you don’t have skewers to hand, just bake the chicken in the oven until crisp. Serve with cous cous or rice, or in warm flatbreads with salad.

Swedish meatballs

Make these super simple and tasty Swedish meatballs in just 15 minutes. Buy pre-made meatballs from the supermarket to make a super quick meal, but if you’re unable to then just combine pork and beef mince, with breadcrumbs, onion, salt, pepper, nutmeg and whisked egg to form the meatballs, before frying off in a large frying pan. Accompanied with a buttery, creamy sauce and mash potato will make for a comforting meal.

Chicken Curry

With just a few spices, tinned tomatoes and chicken you can whip up a tasty curry in no time. And if you like a fiery heat to your curries, then don’t hold back on the chilli, as you can add this while whizzing up the garlic, onion and ginger. Another top tip, if you feel the curry has too much liquid, then simmer on the hob for longer and you’ll find this not only makes the sauce thicken but intensifies the flavour. Serve with rice and naan bread or popadums and a good sprinkling of coriander.

Spanish paella

This hearty wholesome dish can be easily whipped up, particularly if you have left over chicken or meat to use up. And throwing in Spanish sausage, frozen seafood and peas, means that there is even less preparation. For an authentic taste, adding saffron and garlic, as well as using Spanish paella rice, works the best. However, if you don’t have it to hand, risotto rice also works very well. This meal is great accompanied by a nice crisp glass of Spanish wine.

Pizza

Mamma mia! Bring the taste of Italy into your home. In just four easy steps you could be enjoying the freshly baked smell of Margherita pizza. All you need to make the simple dough is strong bread flour and instant yeast. The tomato base is a matter of combining passata and garlic and then adding mozzarella and basil. The key here is to not overload your base with too much cheese, which can make the dough wet rather than crispy. If you want to jazz your pizza up add your favourite toppings from ham and salami to mushrooms and peppers. Just go for it!

Thai green curry

With the distinctive flavours of lemon grass, fish sauce and coconut, Thai green curry really brings home the taste of the Far East. And while authentic Thai curry means making your own paste from scratch, shop brought pastes are pretty superior these days and means you can make a tasty curry in no time at all. This recipe sees the addition of green beans and new potatoes to make a really hearty meal. Serve with boiled rice, this will be a popular with the whole family.

Moroccan Tagine

When you can just put everything in one pot and cook to get rich flavour and tender meat, it leaves you with more time to get on with other activities. Be warned though, the smell might drive you to distraction! This recipe uses chicken instead of lamb, throw in spices, carrots, onions, olives, lemons and chicken stock and the combination makes for a warm and comforting dish.Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley and serve with cous cous. Healthy and filling.

Singapore noodles

Throwing together some fresh ingredients with some noodles, makes for a satisfying and quick supper - and Singapore noodles is a yummy dish. All you need are some ginger and garlic, curry powder and soy sauce to add the flavour, as well as lardons, prawns and beansprouts. If you don’t have beansprouts add some other crunchy veggies such as a pepper or sugar snaps. No prawns? Use left over chicken. And if you’re not into peanuts, you can just leave out. Dry rice noodles work best - but like this recipe says, egg noodles are a great alternative. 

Chicken schnitzel

There is something delightful about biting into crisp crunchy breadcrumbs and tender chicken. A staple in Austria, this simple chicken schnitzel recipe is super easy. Pound some chicken breasts and and dip in Dijon mustard , beaten egg, and panko breadcrumbs before frying to perfection. Perfect with a slice of lemon, parsley and accompanied by a fresh potato salad or if you’re feeling naughty, some French fries! 

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