8 unique recipes to try for your family.
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Have you ever walked into your kitchen only to realize nothing sounds appetizing? There comes a time when the dishes you usually cook become bland and boring — and suddenly, you need a way to escape your dinner rut. That’s when you should look for out-of-the-box recipes to jazz up your repertoire.
Here are eight ideas to consider for your family’s next mealtime.
Sticky apricot chicken and broccoli
There’s no denying that chicken can get pretty dull. If you have several meat-eaters to feed, you should have a few different recipes under your belt so each dish tastes unique. This take on chicken may be exactly what you need.
If you like to mix sweet and savory flavors, you’ll love how the chicken and broccoli taste with the sauce, made from apricot jam, soy sauce, and a few other ingredients. Feel free to use whatever jam you like, whether you prefer orange or peach. Then, serve with rice.
Sweet potato frittata with ham
Here’s a dish you can serve for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. It differs from a traditional frittata in the best way, with crispy ham, gooey cheese, and, of course, creamy sweet potatoes. Although sweet potatoes may seem like they don’t work with eggs, you’ll be pleasantly surprised to discover how delicious they actually taste when paired together.
If you want to reserve the frittata exclusively for breakfast, you can add your favorite brunch sides to turn the dish into a meal. But for times like lunch and dinner, side dishes like kale salad and garlic potatoes will be your best bet. It’s up to you.
Tamale pie with mint yogurt
Anyone who enjoys savory, spicy flavors will appreciate tamale pie. This specific recipe puts a Moroccan spin on the traditional dish that originated in the southwestern United States. It includes a spice blend called ras-el-hanout that adds an exceptional taste. Plus, you can never go wrong with a mint yogurt sauce for some balance.
Coffee-braised roast beef
If you ever want to cook a special dinner, whether that’s for an anniversary or holiday, roast beef tends to be a solid option. However, roast beef can lack a bit in taste without the proper seasonings. This recipe uses coffee as a marinade, which creates a rich, deep flavor.
There are various delicious side dishes for roast beef, including mashed potatoes, green beans, glazed carrots, and roasted beets.
Cauliflower nachos
What’s tastier than a tray of nachos? But when you think you’ve tried every topping and sauce in the book, you may want to look for a more unique way to prepare them. Why not add cauliflower? Rather than tortilla chips, you’ll use seasoned cauliflower as the base for your add-ons — and that means fewer carbs!
It’s a recipe worth trying whenever you need something quick, easy, and delicious.
Seafood paella
Seafood isn’t for everyone, but you may be able to convince the crustacean skeptics in your house with a scrumptious paella. This Spanish dish combines lobster and shrimp with different vegetables on a bed of medium-grain white rice. It’s straightforward enough for every home chef to make — and tasty enough that your whole family will probably want seconds.
While seafood paella can be an entire meal, you can still serve side dishes for ravenous crowds. Try crusty bread and Spanish cheeses that complement the dish’s overall flavor, as anything else will be too overpowering. Don’t forget to include a Spanish wine, too!
Caprese-stuffed balsamic chicken
Check out another not-so-boring chicken recipe your family will adore. There’s nothing like a fresh Caprese salad — until you’ve added chicken, of course. After you stuff the chicken breasts with tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella, you baste the meat with a tasty balsamic reduction. It’s one of the best ways to pack chicken with tons of flavor.
Pair your dish with some pasta and roasted vegetables to complete your feast.
Pork belly miso ramen
Almost everyone has made microwaved ramen noodles when they need a fast, easy meal. But have you ever tried the real deal? This miso ramen recipe only takes 25 minutes to make. It’s filled with a spicy soup, fresh noodles, and countless toppings, from pork belly to bean sprouts.
Feel free to make the ramen according to your tastes. If you’re a vegetarian, you can always use tofu instead. There are various ways to customize ramen for a delicious and authentic meal.
Try these new ideas to freshen up mealtime
If you’re stuck in a recipe rut, you may want to be a bit more adventurous with your tastes. Between tamale pies and cauliflower nachos, you and your family can enjoy endless unique recipes for your next meal. Try them this week to see which ones you like best.