Dinner ideas

These inexpensive but elegant puddings would add the perfect finishing touch to a dinner party, or spoil the family and serve them as a weekend treat.

Full of texture and delicious savoury flavours, this divine artichoke, almond and olive sauce is beautiful tossed through al dente pappardelle.

Topped with asparagus, melted cheese and roasted tomatoes, these moreish tarts are great on their own as a warm snack or paired with a crisp green salad for lunch.

This beautiful seafood dish is perfect for entertaining guests. Moist, flaky salmon is beautiful topped with a fragrant olive, capsicum and basil salsa.

Prepare these succulent spatchcocks in advance then give them a spicy and herbaceous kick to make them dinner worthy for any occasion.

A pilaf takes a basic staple to a whole new level of deliciousness! This simple version can be eaten by itself or as an accompaniment to your favourite meat and vegetables.

It doesn't get much more wholesomely satisfying than whipping up this simple stir-fry for lunch or dinner.

These hearty homestyle rissoles partnered with a sharp gravy and mashed potato are well suited for a delicious weeknight family dinner - especially comforting in winter.

Spruce up a family dinner or mark a special occasion by preparing this succulently seasoned beef, fittingly partnered with tender roasted beetroot and creamy mashed potato.

Prepare this delicious meat dish for your family in no time at all. Teriyaki glazed beef is cooked to perfection and thinly sliced, perfect served with freshly grilled asparagus.

You only need 30 minutes to make this creamy, juicy mushroom and chicken dinner delight and you don't need to worry about washing up - everyone will be licking their plates clean!

Escape to the villas of rural France with all the delicious flavours of coq au vin but only 20 minutes of the cooking time.

No need to spend hours cleaning up with this delicious one-pot meal. Juicy chicken is roasted to perfection with salty olives, garlic potatoes and a seasoning of rosemary.

This tasty caserecci pasta will be ready to eat in just 30 minutes. Enjoy salty green olives and spicy chorizo with capsicum and chicken in this healthy Italian dish.

Perfect for those hot summer days by the water, prepare this glorious cold seafood platter for your family and friends. Prawns, salmon and Balmain bugs are wonderful accompanied by a zesty herb yoghurt and a squeeze of lemon.

There is nothing more comforting than a hot pie on a cold winter's night. Combining the classic flavours of chicken, wine, mushrooms and bacon, this modern twist on coq au vin will win the whole family over.

This fast family pasta dinner, with chicken and mushroom in a creamy mustard sauce, is perfect comfort food for cool nights. Everyone will love curling up with a bowl to themselves.

Adding the texture of toasted pine nuts makes the classic flavour combination of this pasta dish soar.

Give classic butter chicken a rise, by incorporating New Zealand-revered sweet potato and encasing it with layers of flaky filo pastry.

Crumbly feta and spicy chorizo sausage chunks fill this delicious pastry. Chilli dip gives this easy dish some heat while fresh rocket cools it down.

Despite the name, buckwheat is not related to wheat. It’s derived from a seed, not a grain, and pure buckwheat is gluten-free.

To get that golden glow, spray oil between the layers instead of using butter.

Don’t overcook your risotto – the grains should be al dente when served.

Buns, rolls, baps and sliders make a perfect vehicle for tasty fillings. Depending on the style of filling, they are ideal for any occasion, whether it’s a party, mid-week dinner or Sunday supper.

Non meat eaters can also enjoy these New York flavours. Just replace the frankfurter with a vegetarian sausage.

This whole scotch fillet roast is delicious served with a delicious garlic cream sauce and crispy potatoes for a tasty family Sunday dinner.

Bearnaise sauce comes from the French province of Bearn and is traditionally paired with steak.

The tartness of the cranberry relish balances out the rich, gamey flavour of the meat.

Make sure your fillings are well seasoned and your buns are fresh!

This family-sized roast lamb needs several hours in the oven to become tender and juicy. But that just means more free time for you to spend outside the kitchen with your loved ones.

Simple and fresh, these prawn and vegetable spring rolls with soft vermicelli noodles will allow you to recreate a taste of Vietnam. Savour their fish and sweet citrus punch during the balmy Australian summer or as a lunch or dinner starter all year round.

Add this greek spring to a leg of lamb by injecting aromatic herbs then slow cooking to perfection. Serve it as the hero of your next main dish or as a twist on the traditional Sunday family roast.

This feel-good soup goes up a notch, seasoned with a hint of citrus in the form of coriander-blended yoghurt.

Give your taste buds a Mediterranean trip with this delicious seafood meal,enriched with hearty vegetables and flavoursome herbs.

Fill up the family with this sweet and spicy chicken and kumara roast bursting with flavours of honey, garlic and green chilli.

Fill up on zucchini, capsicum, spinach and lamb backstrap with this spicy and easy pasta dish.

A hearty, warming lamb and rosemary filling sits perfectly in a case of golden, flaky pastry, waiting to ooze out with every mouthful. This beautiful pie makes the ultimate Winter dinner dish.

This popular marinated Indian curry is slow-cooked to perfection, producing tender lamb and aromatic, spicy flavours able to ignite the senses at any time of year. Heighten with naan bread and basmati rice or try it specifically as a winter warmer.

Take these beautifully tender lamb racks to another level, with the uplifting combination of lemon and garlic and served alongside an abundance of roasted vegetables.

Impress with this Italian classic, complete with creamy, smooth mashed potatoes, aromatic tomatoes and juicy veal.

Delicious Italian cooking doesn't need to take days of preparation; you'll be eating this pasta in just 25 minutes! Pesto and parmesan provide the basis for this linguine treat.

Drape sweet potatoes with the extra sweetness and rich flavour of maple syrup in this easy to prepare vegetable dish. A worthy accompaniment to any family main meal.

Transport yourself to a cosy Greek taverna with these lamb and pork meatballs paired with a salty tomato and green olive salsa.

This fragrant curry is herbaceous, nutty and spicy - and it can be brought to life in no time.

If you enjoy a risotto but don't have time for the continuous stirring this creamy dish usually requires, then this microwave recipe is for you.

Prepare this warming dinner for your family in no time at all. Perfect for weeknights, it's packed full of flavour to keep the whole table satisfied!

Laced with goodness, there's always reason to whip up this effortless and tasty accompaniment for any meal or occasion.

Pungent aromas and big flavours are the signatures for this spicy vegetable casserole. It combines well with herb and nut-sprinkled couscous.

This vegetarian take on a Russian classic will fill you up with fresh vegetables smothered in spices of paprika, cumin and red chilli.

Cook up this marriage made in heaven, with firm, fleshy snapper served on spinach and drizzled with a zesty lemon, raisin and nut dressing.

Enjoy a hearty pasta for dinner complete with salty olices, eggplant and tender lamb.

This beautifully grilled pork, on a fragrant bed of minted lentils and peas, is a nutritiously satisfying dinner to serve family or friends.

This hearty slow-cooked pork ragu combines beautifully with fresh, flat pasta noodles for a dinner or weekend lunch prepared in advance.

Whip up this flavour-packed pork stir-fry for a fast, filling weeknight dinner.

This soft, light butternut pumpkin ravioli with cheese and the earthy herb flavour of sage is truly satisfying.

Drink while you cook with this seafood risotto which makes use of some of your favourite ingredients: tender scallops and dry white wine.

This trim lamb is rubbed with aromatic oregano, garlic and paprika then roasted to perfection.

Power load meal time on any day of the week, whipping up these light and fresh salmon and vegetable patties drizzled with a nutritious herb salsa.

Give your usual sweet salmon a surprising twist with creamy and zesty hollandaise, crunchy potato chunks and a tasty stuffing of almonds, breadcrumbs and garlic.

This aromatic and easy to prepare classic thai stir-fry is able to tingle the senses at any lunch or dinner time.

Embrace the wok and whip up this flavour-packed chicken stiry fry for your friends and family. Full of Vietnamese herbs and spices, rice noodles and toasted almonds, this is a delicious dish for any occasion.

This quick and fresh seasoned beef salad packs a punch courtesy of spinach and herbs blended with mustard and a lemon zing. Perfect to enjoy barbecued or grilled during summer.

Take a different approach to a classic family lasagne, adding this versatile summer vegetable to a spiced pork and veal mince filling.

Quick and easy, these pizzas are just the ticket for a lazy lunch or laidback dinner - just throw in a salad! A great way to use up leftover Christmas ham.

Create a marriage made in heaven with this succulent beef baked and brushed with the flavours of sweet berry jam, port and rosemary.

Fresh, healthy and flavoursome, this Asian inspired steamed fish recipe, served with bok choy, mushrooms and chilli, is a wonderful weeknight dinner for any day of the week.

Stuffed with a fragrant pine nut filling, this whole crispy snapper is grilled to perfection and served with freshly squeezed lemon wedges.

These tasty bite-sized pork pies are delicious served fresh out of the oven, their flaky golden pastry surrounding a flavoursome pork, bacon and sweet apple filling.

Packed full of flavour, this tasty prawn pasta dish, tossed in a fragrant white wine sauce, is quick to make and is perfect for a romantic night-in.

Give the humble pork chop a Chinese-style twist and it can still go from the stove to the table in less than 30 minutes.

Piping-hot hearty beef pies are the ultimate in comfort food.

Add your own twist to shepherd’s pie -- try kumara mash and minted peas.

Crispy pastry, creamy salmon and greens, this will soon become a regular favourite.

To reheat, thaw, then cover with foil and bake for 30-40 minutes (or 20-30 minutes for smaller dishes).

This recipe for sweet and sour meatballs in a fragrant and tangy plum sauce makes 4 serves. Why not take some to work and be the envy of your colleagues?

You can make this in advance and freeze it for later or divide it into individual takeaway portions to give away. Simply defrost and heat.

Delicious and hearty, these dishes freeze like a dream too – perfect for a cook’s night off.

Parmesan mash with beef stew

The addition of fresh mint, peas and ricotta adds a wonderfully fragrant and creamy note to these delicious chicken meatballs. Served in a rich tomato sauce over fresh pasta, it makes a great family meal.

Mike’s Top Tips: By making your own pasta, you’re learning a great new skill. Plus it’s super-easy. But if you haven’t got the time, buy fresh lasagne sheets from the supermarket and cut them into wide strips Frying the herbs for the pappardelle gives beautiful colour, texture and flavour to the dish. Just be careful […]

Rich duck cooked in wine and tomatoes makes for a perfect winter dish.

The thoughtfully prepared sides make this simple chicken dish extra special.

A quick and easy family meal for a "meatless Monday", utilising pantry and freezer vegies and sauces.

Give your mouth a burst of flavour with this vegetarian curry. Fresh vegies burst with turmeric, cumin and fresh mint to warm you up after a long day.

Lamb, zucchini and olives bring the flavours of the Mediterrean to your table. This slow-cook meal will delight the family and dinner guests alike.

These tasty Thai spiced meatballs are infused with a fragrant coriander and rolled in crunchy coconut for an authentic flavour kick. Serve up with steamed Asian greens and a sweet chilli dipping sauce for a tasty and nutritious dinner.

This cheesy chicken and vegie bake can be made in individual dishes or one big one. It's a budget family meal that is packed full of flavour and goodness.

This delicious vegetable and bean curry can be served as a side dish or as a main dish in its own right.

Perfect for a warm Summer evening, these delicious fresh prawn and mango cocktails are wonderful drizzled with a zesty homemade dressing and a cold glass of white wine.

Baby potatoes are perfect for skewering as they stay firm after cooking due to their low starch content.

Sprinkle over the bhuja mix just before serving, to preserve the crunch!

Leave a few green vegetables to pop in at the end so the meal doesn't only taste delicious but looks great too.

Keep a healthy theme going by swapping fried chicken or nuggets for delicious poppy-crumbed bingo wings.

Try these unique meals inspired by curry and spices to pep up your mid-week menu or introduce your family to a few different flavours.

Pizza with a twist! Pile your base high with veges that are packed with nutrients.

Serve with rice and green beans to even out the cream content.

The bird is the word! Cheep and cheerful, nothing will go to waste with chicken.

Homemade satay is simply the best with its crunchy peanuts and tangy flavour. You can use nibbles, drumsticks or thighs for this recipe. The noodle salad makes it a complete meal – and in just 40 minutes.