The festive season is behind us, and after all that feasting on rich and luxurious dishes, it is time we went back to not-so-high calorie recipes that warm us up on this bitter cold January. Pockets are also kind of empty after the holidays, but that doesn’t mean we have to eat cheap-quality dishes. These easy light meals are packed with all the goodness we need to rest our bodies, and are also extremely satisfying and so delicious. Heart-warming and budget-friendly, these dinners are cater for all ages and lifestyles.

Baked Sardines

These Baked Sardines are so nutritious and delicious, and very pocket-friendly too. Serve them with polenta or another light side dish of your choice, and you get a comforting but light meal ready in 30 minutes.

GET THE RECIPE: Baked Sardines

Fish and Prawn Stew

This Fish and Prawn Stew is hearty yet light and flavourful, perfect for a cold winter’s day. It can be tweaked to your liking and budget too, it’s quick and easy and on the table in under 30 minutes.

GET THE RECIPE: Fish and Prawn Stew

Chicken Plov

This one-pot Chicken Plov is a heart-warming and satisfying meal that has it all. It’s delicious, easy to make, and a family-friendly dinner too.

GET THE RECIPE: Chicken Plov

Middle-Eastern Chicken Kabsa

A one-pot dinner with a Middle-Eastern touch, Chicken Kabsa is incredibly fragrant, with juicy chicken thighs and fluffy basmati rice cooked in aromatic spices. Easy to make, a fantastic dish to kick-start bland January.

GET THE RECIPE: Chicken Kabsa

Air Fryer Salmon Bites

Air Fryer Salmon Bites in a light garlic lemon butter sauce, a quick and easy dinner recipe that is on the table in 10 minutes. Healthy and nutritious, these salmon bites can be served with a fresh salad on the side or any other side dish of your choice.

GET THE RECIPE: Air Fryer Salmon Bites

Chicken and Mushroom Stroganoff

A quick and easy Chicken and Mushroom Stroganoff that will impress even the fussiest of eaters. It’s a healthy midweek dinner that is ready just about 15 minutes, it’s delicious, cooked with simple ingredients, and it’s as tasty as the classic beef stroganoff.

GET THE RECIPE: Chicken and Mushroom Stroganoff

Smoked Mackerel Kedgeree

If you are looking for a cheap meal to feed your family, this Smoked Mackerel Kedgeree with boiled eggs goes down a treat with everyone. It’s mildly spiced,quick and easy to make, and ready in under 30 minutes.

GET THE RECIPE: Smoked Mackerel Kedgeree

Baked Honey Mustard Chicken Breast

This Baked Honey Mustard Chicken Breast with a hint of lemon is an absolutely delicious, low-carb and healthy meal to enjoy this January. Serve it with greens or ligh side dishes, and you are in for a treat.

GET THE RECIPE: Baked Honey Mustard Chicken Breast

Stuffed Peppers with Ground Beef and Rice

Stuffed Peppers with Ground Beef and Rice, a healthy, kight easy dinner big on fantastic flavours. The bell peppers are stuffed with a ground beef and rice mixture, are incredibly delicious and comforting too.

GET THE RECIPE: Stuffed Peppers with Ground Beef and Rice

Chicken Cashew Stir Fry

Chicken Cashew Stir Fry served on a bed of fluffy basmati rice, a quick and easy dinner recipe with an Asian touch. The chicken and veggies are cooked in a delicious homemade sauce that makes the dish incredibly satisfying.

GET THE RECIPE: Chicken Cashew Stir Fry

Baked Chicken and Rice with Mushrooms

Baked Chicken and Rice with Mushrooms, a complete dinner recipe that even picky eaters will fully enjoy. It’s made with chicken drumsticks, basmati rice and mushrooms,a wonderful combo that says comfort food and deliciousness.

GET THE RECIPE: Baked Chicken and Rice with Mushrooms

Almond-Crusted Cod

A healthy and nutritious Almond-Crusted Cod baked to perfection with a topping made of breadcrumbs, almond flakes, seasoning and paprika, and served with roasted asparagus and couscous. So easy to make, and so delicious!

GET THE RECIPE: Almond-Crusted Cod

Green Lentil Stew with Chorizo

Green Lentil Stew with Chorizo, a hearty and delicious dinner with Spanish flavours. It’s so simple and easy to make with a few basic ingredients that are cheap and plentiful, and perfect for a frugal meal to feed your family. A great Winter warmer!

GET THE RECIPE: Green Lentil Stew with Chorizo

Chicken Goulash

Chicken Goulash, a delicious and easy one-pot dinner that is ready in 30 minutes. Packed with great flavours, this stew is a great comfort food for a cold winter’s day. Light and comforting, a firm family-favourite meal.

GET THE RECIPE: Chicken Goulash

Sweet and Sour Chicken

Sweet and Sour Chicken with vegetables, a fantastic dinner dish ready in about 15 minutes and is so much better than any takeout. Serve it with rice or noodles for a true Asian feast.

GET THE RECIPE: Sweet and Sour Chicken

Coconut Chickpea Curry

If you are giving Veganuary a try this year, you really have to make this Indian Coconut Chickpea Curry. It’s healthy and delicious meat-free curry that is simply bursting with flavours. Mild, but lightly spiced, this curry is so easy to make, and super quick too. 

GET THE RECIPE: Coconut Chickpea Curry

Thick Beef Stew

Nothing warms you up better on a cold day than a steaming hot bowl of stew. This Thickn Beef Stew is comforting and delicious, and a fantastic famiy-friendly dinner.

To learn more: Thick Beef Stew