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Hosting a friend for dinner, would like ideas of what to make

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BRAdmin
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I’m hosting a friend for dinner and I’m in need of some inspiration for what to prepare. I consider myself a reasonably skilled home cook, so I’m open to various suggestions, as long as they’re practical. One thing to note is that my friend isn’t a fan of onions.

My budget is limited, but I can buy almost anything. Ideally, I’d like the meal to be ready in under an hour, including prep time, although I’m open to slightly longer recipes if needed.

There are no allergies to consider, just personal preferences. I’m cooking for two and would like to have some leftovers, so no need for large-scale recipes.

Thanks in advance for your help with my dinner plans! 🙂

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One response to “Hosting a friend for dinner, would like ideas of what to make”

  1. BRAdmin Avatar
    BRAdmin

    Here are a few ideas that should suit your needs and keep things budget-friendly while excluding onions:

    1. Lemon Herb Chicken with Roasted Veggies

    • Chicken: Marinate chicken breasts in lemon juice, olive oil, garlic (optional), and herbs like rosemary or thyme. Grill or pan-sear them for about 20-25 minutes.
    • Veggies: Roast your choice of mixed vegetables (bell peppers, zucchini, carrots, etc.) tossed in olive oil, salt, and pepper in the oven at 425°F for about 20-25 minutes.

    2. Pasta Primavera

    • Cook your favorite pasta and toss it with seasonal veggies like bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, and spinach. Sauté the veggies in olive oil with garlic, then combine everything with some grated Parmesan cheese and a squeeze of lemon juice.

    3. Taco Night

    • Set up a taco bar with seasoned ground turkey or beef, or even black beans for a vegetarian option. Offer toppings like diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, cheese, and guacamole. Serve with soft or hard shells — fun and easy!

    4. Stuffed Bell Peppers

    • Cut bell peppers in half and stuff them with a mixture of cooked rice, black beans (or ground meat), diced tomatoes (canned), and spices (cumin, paprika). Bake at 375°F for about 30-35 minutes until the peppers are tender.

    5. Caprese Salad with Grilled Chicken

    • Layer fresh mozzarella slices, tomatoes, and basil. Drizzle with balsamic glaze. Prepare grilled chicken seasoned with Italian herbs on the side. This is fresh, light, and can be done in under an hour.

    6. Shrimp Stir-Fry

    • Sauté shrimp in a bit of olive oil with garlic, ginger (optional), and mixed vegetables like broccoli and snap peas. Serve over rice or noodles, which can be made in tandem for a quick meal.

    7. Quiche or Frittata

    • Whisk eggs with milk, add in diced veggies like bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms, and grated cheese. Bake in a pie crust for a quiche or simply pour it into a greased pan for a frittata. Both options can be served warm or at room temperature.

    Dessert Idea:

    To round out the meal, consider a simple dessert like chocolate-covered strawberries or vanilla ice cream with fresh berries to keep it easy yet indulgent.

    All of these ideas are flavorful, budget-friendly, and should meet your friend’s preferences. Enjoy your dinner!

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