Quick and Easy Meal Ideas for Impromptu Dinner Parties*

Hosting dinner parties can be stressful — it’s a fact. It’s so easy to over complicate things and end up spending most of the evening fawning over a hot stove while friends relax around us. Impromptu gatherings have the potential to remove such a strong desire for gourmet perfection. Instead, they’re all about sharing good food and conversation in a far more casual atmosphere. Read on to discover four easy to make recipe ideas for your next spur-of-the-moment dinner party…

Exotic steak and chips
Steak and chips might sound quite basic for a dinner party, but our exotic twist on this popular classic is sure to have your guests begging for the recipe. For the steak, make a simple Argentinian Chimichurri sauce by blending together oil, parsley, lemon zest and juice, garlic, white wine vinegar and oregano. Brush this uncooked sauce over the steaks and cook to your liking.

To continue with the twist, serve with potato fries that pack some added spice. Simply cut regular potatoes into thin wedges and bake in the oven for 15 minutes, sprinkling with paprika as you go. If you’d like to spend more time entertaining your guests than in the kitchen, you could even head to the frozen food section and grab some delicious McCain Quick Cook Fries — once again seasoned with paprika to taste.

Spicy shepherd’s pie
Made with readily available ingredients and a mere five minutes prep, whip up the ultimate comfort food with this spicy take on everyone’s favourite, which can be served with fresh green beans.

In a large frying pan, heat some oil and soften an onion with one teaspoon of cumin before adding minced beef. Once browned, add garlic, a jar of Homepride Chilli Sauce and just a little water before seasoning and covering for 20 minutes. Top with mashed parsnips and cumin seeds and grill until golden brown.

Creamy risotto
Risotto dishes have a reputation for being difficult, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Versatile and quick, simply throw your chosen ingredients into a big pot, simmer and stir.

For the risotto base, heat some oil and butter in a big saucepan and gently fry an onion and some garlic. Add the risotto rice and fry until slightly transparent before adding your stock and white wine. Simmer gently, stirring occasionally until all the liquid is absorbed and the rice is cooked. Mix in whatever you fancy, from roasted pumpkin and sage to chicken and mushroom. Once cooked, stir in some freshly-grated parmesan and rocket before serving.

Spanish tortilla
Impress your friends with flavours of the Med as you whip up some tasty Spanish omelettes. Served hot in the winter, this dish is warm and comforting. In the summer it can also be enjoyed cold and eaten al fresco in the evening sun.

For a basic tortilla, you’ll only need a small bag of waxy potatoes, an onion and five free range eggs. From there you can add in any extra’s you like, from cooked sausage to leftover vegetables. Jamie Oliver has a fantastic recipe which is both simple and easy to follow. Serve with a fresh green salad or a selection of tapas.

Quick curry
Observed as one of Britain’s national dishes, you can’t go wrong with a homemade curry. From chicken to chickpea, there’s a recipe to cater for every dietary requirement, with the option to make a dish that’s as mild or as spicy as you like.

With high quality, ready-made curry pastes available, you needn’t worry whether your store cupboard is stocked with cumin, garam masala and turmeric. In fact, this can become really quick dish to turn out. Serve with warm naan bread, basmati rice and a selection of poppadoms and chutneys.