Question

What could you cook in 30 minutes for an unexpected dinner with friends?

Answer 1

For an unexpected dinner with friends that you need to prepare in 30 minutes, it's best to opt for a delicious and quick-to-make meal. Here's a simple three-course menu that you can whip up in no time:

Appetizer: Bruschetta

Ingredients:

• Baguette or Italian bread, sliced
• Cherry tomatoes, diced
• Fresh basil leaves, chopped
• Garlic cloves, minced
• Balsamic vinegar
• Extra-virgin olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Arrange the bread slices on a baking sheet and toast them in the oven until lightly golden and crispy.
3. In a bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, minced garlic, chopped basil, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
4. Once the bread slices are ready, top each slice with the tomato mixture. Serve immediately.

Main Course: Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta

Ingredients:

• Linguine or spaghetti pasta
• Shrimp, peeled and deveined
• Garlic cloves, minced
• Heavy cream
• Parmesan cheese, grated
• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil

Instructions:

1. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for a minute until fragrant.
3. Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook until they turn pink and opaque, usually 2-3 minutes per side.
4. Reduce the heat to medium-low, pour in the heavy cream, and bring it to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for a couple of minutes to thicken slightly.
5. Add grated Parmesan cheese to the sauce and stir until it's melted and creamy.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, toss everything together until well coated, and cook for an additional minute or two until the pasta is heated through.
8. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

Dessert: Fresh Fruit Salad with Honey-Lime Dressing

Ingredients:

• Assorted fresh fruits (e.g., strawberries, blueberries, kiwi, mango, grapes)
• Fresh mint leaves (optional, for garnish)
• Honey
• Fresh lime juice

Instructions:

1. Wash and cut the fresh fruits into bite-sized pieces and place them in a large bowl.
2. In a separate small bowl, whisk together honey and fresh lime juice to make the dressing.
3. Pour the dressing over the fruit salad and gently toss to coat all the fruits.
4. Garnish with fresh mint leaves if desired.

Remember, when cooking for friends, the presentation matters too! Arrange the dishes nicely on serving plates or platters to make the dinner feel even more special. Enjoy your impromptu dinner with friends!