Low Energy Dinner Ideas for Nights When You Are Tired

You need

• 1/2 cup macaroni
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/4 cup milk
• handful grated cheese
• salt, pepper

Method

1. Microwave pasta and water in a big mug 3–4 min, stirring once (watch it doesn't boil over).
2. Drain off excess water; stir in milk and cheese.
3. Microwave 30–60 sec more until creamy.
4. Season and eat from the mug.

You need

• 1 tortilla
• grated cheese
• optional: beans, leftover veg, salsa

Method

1. Fill half the tortilla with cheese and any extras, fold over.
2. Dry-fry on medium until golden and melting, ~2 min a side.
3. Cut into wedges.
4. Dip in salsa or yogurt.

You need

• whatever's around: cheese, crackers, fruit, nuts
• hummus or peanut butter
• something crunchy

Method

1. Pick one creamy, one crunchy, one sweet thing.
2. Arrange on a plate so it feels intentional.
3. Add a dip.
4. No cooking required.

You need

• good bread
• options: avocado + chilli + lemon / ricotta + honey / beans + cheese

Method

1. Toast the bread well.
2. Pick one topping set and pile it on.
3. Finish with salt, a squeeze of acid, or a drizzle of honey.
4. Eat warm.

You need

• 1 bundle soba
• 2 tbsp soy
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 tsp sugar
• cucumber
• sesame seeds
• spring onion

Method

1. Boil soba, then rinse under cold water until cool.
2. Whisk soy, sesame oil and sugar.
3. Toss noodles with the sauce and sliced cucumber.
4. Top with sesame and spring onion.

You need

• 1 pack shelf gnocchi
• 1 can chopped tomatoes
• 1 garlic clove
• handful spinach
• olive oil
• grated cheese

Method

1. Fry the garlic in oil for 30 seconds.
2. Add tomatoes and gnocchi, simmer ~8 minutes until gnocchi is tender.
3. Stir through spinach until wilted.
4. Top with cheese off the heat.