7 quick meals in 15 minutes

Story and Photos YASMIN AHMAD KAMIL AND AIDA AHMAD

FROM busy mums to the bachelor who works long hours, many may find themselves eating out frequently for the convenience but these meals may fall short on nutrition.

While most of us may not be up to the challenge of preparing an elaborate dinner, some dishes can be easy to make, requiring little skills from the inexperienced cook.

Metro Online Broadcast shares some recipes for quick meals and desserts that can be served in about 15 minutes.

You may even be able to impress some friends. Watch video: Fast and easy meals in 15 minutes

1) Vegetarian toasted couscous (serves 6)

In a large skillet over medium heat, toast two cups of couscous until golden brown. Turn off the heat and transfer the couscous into a large bowl, pouring in 2¼ cups of vegetable broth.

Soak until liquid is absorbed, using a fork to fluff the couscous.

Heat some olive oil in a large skillet on medium heat, adding two chopped garlic and half an onion and fry until fragrant.

Add raisins and sauté for three minutes before tossing them in the toasted couscous, stirring until it is mixed well. Add salt and pepper to taste.

Transfer to a serving bowl and add lemon juice, tomatoes, parsley and almonds, lightly mixing everything together before serving.

2) Cheese omelette

Whisk three eggs in a bowl and add salt and pepper.

Saute some onions and one medium-sized tomato in a pan over medium heat and pour in the egg mixture.

Spread the egg all over the pan and add your preferred choice of cheese, letting it cook for about one-and-a-half minutes. Fold the egg in half and let it cook some more, if needed.

Play around with this versatile recipe and add optional ingredients available in your home, including crushed cashew nuts, sausages or vegetables.

3) Panfried salmon on a bed of salad

Heat a cooking pan over medium heat and add some oil.

Season a salmon slice with salt and pepper and place it skin-side up in the hot pan. After four minutes, flip it over to cook the other side for another three minutes.

Once cooked, place the salmon on a bed of lettuce and tomatoes, or on packed mixed salad sold in most supermarkets.

Squeeze some lemon on top of the fish for flavour or add other dressing of your choice.

4) French toast

Heat a skillet and add some oil. While waiting for the pan to heat, whisk two eggs, with a tablespoon of milk and a pinch of salt and pepper in a bowl.

Soak two slices of bread in the egg mixture and place on the pan. Pour the remaining egg mixture over the bread and let it cook for about one minute before flipping it over.

Put two chicken cold cuts on one slice and sprinkle cheese on top of it.

Place the other slice of bread on top of the first slice and flip it over to allow the cheese to melt.

5) Nutella mug cake (above picture)

In a large mug, add three tablespoons of sugar, cocoa powder, milk, vegetable oil and nutella. Add four tablespoons of self-raising flour and an egg.

Mix well with a fork and microwave on high for one-and-a-half to three minutes.

Let the cake cool before serving.

Alternatively, drizzle some chocolate sauce, whip cream or nutella on top before digging in.

6) Tuna tortilla wrap 

Unfold a tortilla wrap and spread canned tuna on.

Add chopped lettuce and tomato before folding the wrap.

You can serve this meal at room temperature or place the wrap in a microwave, heating it for 30 seconds for a toasty and warm meal.

Alternatively, cook some minced meat with peas or your preferred vegetables, adding salt and pepper for seasoning. Place in wrap, fold and serve.

7) Pasta with tomato sauce

Bring a pot of water to a boil, adding oil and some salt. Break a handful of angel hair pasta and boil for three minutes or until cooked. Meanwhile, heat some oil in a skillet and add some diced onions and garlic, cooking for three minutes or until fragrant.

Then add a small can of tomato puree and bring it toa boil, adding some sliced tomatoes and salt and pepper for seasoning. Alternatively, blend four medium sized tomatoes into a puree and add to the garlic and onion saute.

Drain the pasta and stir in the tomato sauce. Lastly sprinkle parmesan or cheddar on top before serving.