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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 dinner for a friend later and could use some help brainstorming meal ideas. I’m a pretty decent home cook, so I’m open to various suggestions, as long as they’re reasonable. Just a heads-up: my friend isn’t a fan of onions.

My budget is limited, but I can buy just about anything. I’d like to keep cooking time to under an hour, including prep, though I’m okay with slightly longer recipes if needed.

There are no allergies—just personal preferences. I’m cooking for two and would love some leftovers, so no need for anything too elaborate.

Thanks in advance for your dinner suggestions! 🙂

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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 work well for your dinner:

    1. Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken Thighs with Roasted Vegetables

    • Ingredients: Chicken thighs, lemon, garlic, olive oil, mixed veggies (like bell peppers, zucchini, and carrots).
    • Instructions: Marinate the chicken in olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and your favorite herbs (thyme or rosemary) for at least 15 minutes. While the chicken marinates, chop the veggies and toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast the veggies in the oven at 425°F for about 20-25 minutes. Grill or pan-sear the chicken for about 7-8 minutes on each side.

    2. Pasta Aglio e Olio (without the garlic)

    • Ingredients: Spaghetti or linguine, olive oil, red pepper flakes, parsley, and grated Parmesan.
    • Instructions: Cook the pasta according to package instructions. In a pan, heat olive oil and sauté red pepper flakes for a minute. Toss in the drained pasta, mix with chopped parsley, and serve with Parmesan on top.

    3. Stuffed Bell Peppers

    • Ingredients: Bell peppers, ground turkey or beef, rice, diced tomatoes, spices.
    • Instructions: Cook rice and mix it with browned meat, diced tomatoes, and seasonings. Cut the tops off the bell peppers, fill them with the mixture, and bake at 375°F for about 30-35 minutes.

    4. Caprese Salad with Grilled Chicken

    • Ingredients: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, basil, balsamic glaze, chicken breast.
    • Instructions: Season and grill the chicken breast. Slice the mozzarella and tomatoes, layer them with basil, and drizzle with balsamic glaze. Serve with the sliced grilled chicken for a light summer meal.

    5. Taco Night

    • Ingredients: Ground beef or turkey, taco seasoning, tortillas, toppings (cheese, lettuce, sour cream).
    • Instructions: Cook the meat with taco seasoning. Serve it with tortillas and let everyone build their own tacos. Quick, fun, and flavor-filled!

    6. Shrimp Stir-Fry

    • Ingredients: Shrimp, mixed vegetables (like bell peppers and snap peas), soy sauce, rice or noodles.
    • Instructions: Sauté the shrimp in a pan until pink, then add the vegetables and cook until tender. Toss in soy sauce and serve over cooked rice or noodles.

    Tips for Quick Prep:

    • Keep things simple by choosing dishes that don’t require extensive prep.
    • Use pre-cut veggies or rotisserie chicken to save time.
    • Don’t forget dessert! Something easy like store-bought cookies or ice cream can round off the meal nicely.

    These options should keep you on a budget, fit your time limit, and respect your friend’s preferences! Enjoy your dinner!

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