Top 5 dinner ideas

Bolognai Penne Recipe

Bolognese penne is a classic Italian dish that combines the rich flavors of a hearty meat sauce with perfectly cooked pasta. This dish is beloved for its comforting taste and satisfying texture, making it a favorite among pasta enthusiasts. With a blend of savory ground meat, aromatic herbs, and tangy tomato sauce, Bolognese penne is sure to please everyone at the table.
Prep Time30 minutes
Cook Time30 minutes
Total Time1 hour
CourseDinner, Lunch
CuisineEuropean, Italian
Servings4 people
Calories350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz penne pasta
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 onion finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 carrot diced
  • 1 celery stalk diced
  • 8 oz ground beef or pork
  • 1 can 14 oz crushed tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup beef or vegetable broth
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Grated Parmesan cheese for serving optional
  • Chopped fresh parsley for garnish optional

Instructions
 

  • Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, diced carrot, and diced celery. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
  • Add the ground meat to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks.
  • Stir in the crushed tomatoes, beef or vegetable broth, dried oregano, and dried basil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Simmer the sauce over medium-low heat for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly.
  • Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet and toss until it is evenly coated with the sauce.
  • Serve the Bolognese penne hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley if desired.
KeywordMedium

Roasted chicken

Indulge in the succulent flavors of perfectly roasted chicken with this simple and classic recipe. The golden, crispy skin and juicy, tender meat make this dish a timeless favorite. Elevate your dining experience with this delicious roasted chicken that is both comforting and impressive.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time2 hours 15 minutes
Total Time2 hours 30 minutes
CourseDinner, Lunch
CuisineEuropean
Servings4 people
Calories350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 piece whole chicken about 3-4 pounds
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • 1 piece lemon halved
  • Fresh herbs for garnish rosemary, thyme, parsley

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
  • Rinse the chicken under cold water and pat it dry with paper towels.
  • In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, dried thyme, and dried rosemary.
  • Rub the chicken all over with the spice mixture, ensuring it’s evenly coated.
  • Optionally, let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours for enhanced flavor.
  • Place the lemon halves inside the chicken cavity.
  • Tie the chicken legs together with kitchen twine for more even cooking.
  • Place the chicken on a roasting pan or a baking sheet with a wire rack.
  • Roast in the preheated oven for about 1 hour and 15 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  • If the skin is getting too brown, you can tent it with foil during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
  • Once done, let the chicken rest for 10-15 minutes before carving.
  • Garnish with fresh herbs and serve.
KeywordMedium

Crispy Fried Fish Recipe

Indulge in the delightful flavors of this crispy fried fish that combines a golden, crunchy exterior with succulent and flaky fish on the inside. This easy-to-follow recipe ensures a perfect balance of textures and tastes, making it a fantastic dish for seafood enthusiasts.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Total Time30 minutes
CourseDinner, Lunch
CuisineEuropean
Servings4 people
Calories300 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 fillets of white fish such as cod or haddock
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 eggs beaten
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Vegetable oil for frying
  • Lemon wedges for serving
  • Fresh parsley for garnish optional

Instructions
 

  • Set up three shallow bowls. In the first bowl, place the flour. In the second bowl, add the beaten eggs. In the third bowl, combine breadcrumbs, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
  • Dredge each fish fillet in the flour, shaking off excess. Dip it into the beaten eggs, ensuring it is evenly coated. Finally, coat the fillet with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing the breadcrumbs gently onto the fish to adhere.
  • In a large skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (180°C). Ensure there’s enough oil to submerge the fish halfway.
  • Carefully place the coated fish fillets into the hot oil. Fry each side for 3-4 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the fried fish to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil.
  • Serve the crispy fried fish hot with lemon wedges. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
KeywordMedium

Vegetable Ragu

Vegetable ragu is a hearty and flavorful dish that celebrates the vibrant colors and tastes of a variety of vegetables. This versatile ragu can be served over pasta, rice, or polenta, making it a wholesome and satisfying meal for vegetarians and vegans alike.
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time40 minutes
Total Time1 hour
CourseDinner, Lunch
CuisineEuropean
Servings4 people
Calories180 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 onion finely chopped
  • 2 carrots diced
  • 2 celery stalks diced
  • 1 bell pepper diced
  • 2 zucchini diced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 can 14 oz diced tomatoes
  • 1 can 14 oz tomato sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions
 

  • In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté until translucent.
  • Add diced carrots, celery, bell pepper, zucchini, and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for about 10 minutes or until the vegetables are softened.
  • Pour in diced tomatoes and tomato sauce. Stir in dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper.
  • Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat and let it cook for an additional 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
  • Adjust seasoning if needed and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
KeywordMedium

Mushroom Risotto

Indulge in the rich and comforting flavors of creamy mushroom risotto, a classic Italian dish that highlights the earthy taste of mushrooms combined with the luxurious texture of Arborio rice. This recipe delivers a savory and satisfying dish that is sure to please both mushroom lovers and risotto enthusiasts.
Prep Time25 minutes
Cook Time35 minutes
Total Time1 hour
CourseDinner, Lunch
CuisineEuropean, Italian
Servings4 people
Calories380 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 1/2 cups Arborio rice
  • 1 cup mushrooms sliced (a mix of button and wild mushrooms works well)
  • 1/2 cup dry white wine
  • 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth kept warm
  • 1 onion finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese grated
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions
 

  • In a large skillet or pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions and garlic, sauté until softened.
  • Add Arborio rice to the pan, stirring to coat the rice with the oil until it becomes translucent around the edges.
  • Pour in the white wine, stirring constantly until the wine is mostly absorbed by the rice.
  • Begin adding warm broth one ladle at a time, allowing the rice to absorb the liquid before adding more. Stir frequently.
  • When the rice is almost cooked, add the sliced mushrooms and continue adding broth until the rice reaches the desired creamy consistency.
  • Stir in butter and Parmesan cheese, season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
KeywordMedium