The 10-Minute Dinner I Make At Least Once a Week

I love to cook. It’s like magic, honestly—transforming ingredients into a dinner that’s the highlight of my family’s day.

Some days, though, I don’t want to sauté onions or boil water or chop vegetables. It’s been a long day! I’m hangry and/or exhausted! It’s a Monday! You know the feeling. 

It’s time to skip the magic and rely on my backup plan. In 10 minutes, I can have a balanced, tasty meal on the table without breaking a sweat.

Key Ingredients

The centerpiece of this backup plan is Whole Foods' Frozen Falafel Burgers. I discovered them after Simply Recipes released its grocery awards, and now I keep a box on hand at all times. You can also substitute your frozen falafel of choice.

The other ingredients for this emergency meal are staples I almost always have at home: fresh tomatoes, cucumber, hummus, feta cheese, and lemon. (Keep a lemon or three on your counter, I can't recommend this highly enough.)

How To Make My Easy 10-Minute Falafel Bowls

For two servings, you’ll need: 

• 2 frozen falafel burgers (I use the 365 by Whole Foods Market brand)
• 1/2 cup cherry or grape tomatoes
• 1/2 cucumber
• 3 tablespoons crumbled feta cheese
• 1 pita
• 1/4 cup hummus
• 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
• Optional: Paprika; torn fresh mint, cilantro, and/or parsley for garnish

Cook the falafel burgers in an air fryer or on the stovetop according to package directions. (Your mileage may vary, but this takes me about four minutes per side in a nonstick frying pan.) 

While the falafel crisps, slice cherry or grape tomatoes in half. Quarter the cucumber lengthwise, then slice crosswise. Then toast a pita before slicing it into triangles. By now, the falafel should be nice and crispy.

Spend about 12 seconds arranging everything in a bowl, then top with a swoop of hummus, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, and a dash of paprika. The 10-minute meal is ready!

How To Make Your Own 10-Minute Meal

My emergency falafel bowls may not work for you. Think about what’s in your refrigerator and pantry and come up with a backup meal that works. You don't want to have to buy special ingredients for this one.

If your staples are eggs, fresh vegetables, and good cheese, cook a beautiful over-easy egg, drape it over quick-roasted asparagus, and top with grated Parmigiano Reggiano and a pinch of salt and pepper. If you keep bread, deli meat, and sliced cheese on hand, whip up a toasted ham and cheese.

The most important part of a backup meal is that it shouldn't feel like Plan B. You need a squirt of lemon, a dab of fig jam, thin slices of apple, or a spoonful of chili crisp—something that makes the meal feel intentional and special.

Why "Lazy" Meals Are So Important

I keep a couple of quick-but-tasty meals in my repertoire so cooking won’t ever become a chore. On days when I don't want to sauté or simmer or marinate, I don't. I save those recipes for days when I have time to savor the magic of cooking. 

You don’t need to spend an hour on dinner every day. Instead, have a backup plan, embrace simplicity, and keep loving your time in the kitchen.