Quick Dinner Ideas: Recipes That Will Change Your Taste in Nepal

Finding time to cook a hearty meal can be a struggle as we juggle work, family, and other commitments. But what if we told you that there are quick dinner ideas that are easy to make and will change your taste in Nepal? Are you tired of eating the same bland food every day?

Do you want to add some variety to your dinner routine? If so, you’ve come to the right place. This article will share some quick and easy dinner ideas that will change your taste in Nepal. From traditional Nepalese dishes to international favorites, these recipes will satisfy your taste buds and make your dinner time more exciting.

Why are Quick Dinner Ideas Important?

A quick dinner idea can make all the difference on those busy weekdays when you don’t have the time or energy to cook an elaborate meal.

Preparing a quick dinner saves time and gives you a nutritious and tasty meal without breaking the bank. Plus, with the right ingredients and recipes, you can elevate your taste buds and try something new.

Traditional Nepalese Dinner Recipes

Nepalese cuisine is rich in flavor, spices, and health benefits. Here are some traditional Nepalese dinner recipes that you can try at home:

Quick and Easy Nepalese Recipes for Dinner

Dal Bhat

Dal Bhat is a staple dish in Nepalese cuisine. It consists of lentil soup (dal) and boiled rice (bhat). It is usually served with vegetable curry (tarkari), pickles (achar), and papadum (papad).

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of lentils
• 2 cups of water
• 1 tablespoon oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 tomatoes, chopped
• 3-4 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon ginger paste
• 1 teaspoon cumin powder
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder Salt, to taste
• 2 cups of rice
• 4 cups of water

Instructions:

1. In a pressure cooker, add lentils and water. Cook until the lentils are soft and mushy.
2. In a separate pan, heat oil and add chopped onions. Fry until they turn golden brown.
3. Add minced garlic and ginger paste, and fry for a minute.
4.  Add chopped tomatoes and cook until they turn soft and mushy.
5. Add cumin powder, coriander powder, turmeric powder, chili powder, and salt. Mix well.
6. Add the cooked lentils to the pan and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes.
7. In a separate pan, wash the rice and add 4 cups of water. Cook the rice until it is fluffy and tender.
8. Serve the dal bhat with rice.

Chicken Chow Mein

Chicken Chow Mein is a popular Nepalese-Chinese fusion dish. It is made with stir-fried noodles, vegetables, and chicken. It is a quick and easy dinner option perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

• 200g egg noodles
• 300g chicken breast, cut into strips
• 1 onion, sliced
• 1 bell pepper, sliced
• 1 carrot, sliced
• 3-4 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon ginger paste
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil Salt, to taste

Instructions

1. Cook the egg noodles according to the package instructions.
2. In a pan, heat vegetable oil and add sliced onions, bell pepper, and carrots. Fry for 2-3 minutes.
3. Add minced garlic and ginger paste, and fry for a minute.
4. Add chicken strips and fry until they turn golden brown.
5. Add soy sauce, oyster sauce, cornstarch, and salt. Mix well.
6. Add cooked egg noodles and mix well.
7. Serve hot.

Momo

Momo is a type of steamed dumpling, popular street food in Nepal. It is usually filled with ground meat or vegetables and served with a spicy dipping sauce. It is a great dinner option for those who love to try new flavors.

Ingredients

• 300g ground pork or chicken/buff
• 1 onion chopped
• 1 tablespoon ginger paste
• 3-4 cloves of garlic minced
• 1 teaspoon cumin powder
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon chili powder Salt, to taste
• 2 cups of all-purpose flour
• 1 cup of water
• 1 tablespoon oil

Instructions

1. In a bowl, mix all-purpose flour, water, and oil. Knead the dough until it becomes soft and smooth.
2. Mix ground pork or chicken, chopped onions, minced garlic, ginger paste, cumin powder, coriander powder, turmeric powder, chili powder, and salt in a separate bowl. Mix well.
3. Take a small portion of the dough and roll it into a circle. Add a spoonful of the meat mixture at the center of the process.
4. Close the process by bringing the edges together and pinching them to seal.
5. Steam the momos for 10-15 minutes or until they are cooked.
6. Serve hot with dipping sauce.

International Dinner Recipes

If you’re in the mood for something different, here are some international dinner recipes that you can try at home:

Spaghetti Carbonara

Spaghetti Carbonara is a classic Italian dish with spaghetti, eggs, pancetta, and cheese. It is a simple yet delicious dinner option to please the whole family.

Ingredients:

• 400g spaghetti
• 150g pancetta or bacon, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 large egg yolks
• 100g parmesan cheese, grated
• 100g pecorino cheese, grated
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Chopped parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1. Cook spaghetti according to package directions in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the spaghetti.
2. In a large skillet, cook the pancetta or bacon over medium heat until it is crispy. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
3. Mix the egg yolks, parmesan cheese, and pecorino cheese in a separate bowl—season with salt and black pepper.
4. Add the spaghetti to the pan with the pancetta or bacon and toss to coat. Remove from heat.
5. Pour the egg and cheese mixture over the spaghetti, stirring quickly to avoid scrambling the eggs. Add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed.
6. Garnish with chopped parsley and black pepper, if desired. Serve immediately.

Chicken Tikka Masala:

Chicken Tikka Masala is a popular Indian dish with marinated chicken cooked in a creamy tomato-based sauce. It is a flavorful and aromatic dish for dinner parties and special occasions.

Ingredients:

• 500g boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into cubes
• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 2 teaspoons paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• Salt, to taste
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon grated ginger
• 1 can (400g) diced tomatoes
• 1 cup heavy cream
• Chopped cilantro for garnish

Instructions:

1. Combine the chicken, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, cumin, paprika, cinnamon, coriander, cayenne pepper, and salt in a large bowl. Mix well and marinate for at least 1 hour or overnight in the refrigerator.
2. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion and cook until softened and lightly browned.
3. Add the garlic and ginger and cook for another minute.
4. Add the marinated chicken to the pan and cook until browned on all sides, about 10 minutes.
5. Stir in the diced tomatoes and their juices. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes.
6. Stir in the heavy cream and cook for another 5 minutes.
7. Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve with rice or naan bread.

With rice or naan bread.

Quick and Easy Dinner Ideas

If you’re short on time, here are some quick and easy dinner ideas that you can whip up in no time:

Grilled Cheese Sandwich

A grilled Cheese Sandwich is a classic comfort food perfect for a quick and easy dinner. It is made with bread, cheese, and butter and can be customized with your favorite toppings.

Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Ingredients:

• 2 slices of bread
• 2 slices of cheese
• 1 tablespoon butter

Instructions:

1. Preheat a skillet or a frying pan over medium heat.
2. Butter one side of each bread slice.
3. Place one slice of bread, butter side down, on the skillet.
4. Add one slice of cheese on top of the bread.
5. Place the second slice of bread, butter side up, on top of the cheese.
6. Cook the sandwich for 2-3 minutes or until the bottom bread slice turns golden brown.
7. Flip the sandwich over and cook the other side for 2-3 minutes.
8. Remove from the skillet and serve hot.

Quesadilla

Quesadilla is a Mexican dish that is made with tortillas and cheese. It can be filled with various ingredients, such as chicken, vegetables, or beans, for a quick and easy dinner.

Ingredients:

• 2 flour tortillas
• 1 cup shredded cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped onion
• 1/4 cup chopped bell pepper
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

Instructions:

1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Brush one side of each tortilla with vegetable oil.
3. Place one tortilla, oiled side down, on the skillet.
4. Sprinkle the shredded cheese, chopped onion, and chopped bell pepper evenly over the tortilla.
5. Place the second tortilla, oiled side up, on top of the cheese and vegetables.
6. Cook the quesadilla for 2-3 minutes or until the bottom tortilla turns golden brown.
7. Flip the quesadilla over and cook the other side for 2-3 minutes.
8. Remove from the skillet and let it cool for a minute.
9. Cut the quesadilla into wedges and serve hot.

Omelette

Omelette is a versatile dish that can be customized with your favorite ingredients. It is a quick and easy dinner option perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients:

• 3 eggs
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1/4 cup shredded cheese
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon butter

Instructions:

1. In a mixing bowl, beat the eggs and milk until well combined.
2. Add the shredded cheese, salt, and pepper to the egg mixture and stir well.
3. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat.
4. Add the butter to the skillet and let it melt.
5. Pour the egg mixture into the skillet and let it cook for 1-2 minutes or until the bottom of the omelet turns golden brown.
6. Using a spatula, fold the omelet in half.
7. Cook the omelet for another 1-2 minutes or until the cheese is melted and cooked.
8. Remove from the skillet and serve hot.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, dinner time doesn’t have to be boring. With these quick and easy dinner ideas, you can add variety to your dinner routine and try exciting new flavors. Whether you prefer traditional Nepalese dishes or international favorites, there is something for everyone on this list. So, the next time you’re in a dinner rut, try one of these recipes and change your taste in Nepal!