Eat Well Without the Effort: Easy Meal Ideas That Work

Are you new to cooking or looking for simple ways to eat well for one? Here are some tried and tested tips to make fella-friendly feeds that are ready in a flash.

Frozen vegies are your friend

Frozen vegies are affordable, pre-cut, and just as good for you as fresh. Toss them into a stir-fry, bulk up a curry or casserole, or serve them as a quick side.

Eat eggs

If you’ve got eggs, you’ve got a meal. Scrambled eggs with baked beans or a curried egg sandwich work a treat or try a hearty cheese and spinach omelette that will elevate your cooking repertoire by helping you learn the art of the flip. Eggs are quick, versatile, and satisfying – our three favourite flavours.

Microwave rice makes things easy

Ready-cooked rice sachets are a lifesaver while you’re still trying to figure out the rice cooker. Pair with vegies plus shredded meat, tin tuna, flavoured tofu or a fried egg for an instant, balanced meal.

Cook once, eat twice (or more)

Meals like soups, curries, pasta sauces, and stews freeze beautifully. Make larger batches, portion them into containers or freezer bags, and save them for those nights you don’t feel like getting out the saucepan.

Choose quick-cook grains like couscous

Couscous is one of the fastest grains to prepare—just add boiling water, cover, and it’s ready in minutes. Perfect as a base for vegies, tinned fish, beans, or grilled meat.

Pep up your Ploughman’s lunch (or dinner)

A balanced snack plate can be just as nutritious as a cooked meal and it’s a great way to use what you already have. Just make sure to include each of the three key players - protein foods (meat, dairy, beans, eggs and nuts/seeds), fruit or veg and wholegrains. Think grainy bread or crackers, cheese, pickled onions, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, boiled eggs, hummus, pear slices or leftover meat. Keep it simple or dress it up, it’s up to you.