15-Minute Meals

Short on time? These main-course recipes will have you eating dinner in just 15 minutes or less.


Salmon With Bok Choy and Apple Slaw

The no-cook slaw is what speeds up this dish: Combine sliced bok choy with apples, scallions, and plain yogurt to add creaminess.

Serves 4| Hands-On Time: 15m| Total Time: 15m

Ingredients

  • 1 teaspoon olive oil

  • 1 1/4 pounds skinless salmon fillet, cut into 4 pieces

  • kosher salt and black pepper

  • 1/2 head bok choy, thinly sliced (about 6 cups)

  • 1 red apple, cut into bite-size pieces

  • 4 scallions, thinly sliced

  • 1/3 cup plain low-fat yogurt

  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

Directions

  1. Heat the oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Season the salmon with ¼ teaspoon each salt and pepper and cook until opaque throughout, 3 to 4 minutes per side.

  2. Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, toss the bok choy, apple, and scallions with the yogurt, lemon juice, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon pepper. Serve with the salmon.

By Charlyne Mattox , November, 2011

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Bean and Chicken Sausage Stew

This rich, hearty stew has a wonderful depth of flavor-it's hard to believe it all comes together in just 15 minutes

Serves 4| Hands-On Time: 15m| Total Time: 15m


Ingredients


1 tablespoon olive oil

1 12-ounce package fully cooked chicken sausage links, sliced

  • 2 cloves garlic, thinly sliced

  • 1 19-ounce can cannellini beans, rinsed

  • 1 14.5-ounce can low-sodium chicken broth

  • 1 14.5-ounce can diced tomatoes

  • 1 bunch kale leaves, torn into 2-inch pieces

  • kosher salt and black pepper

  • 1 loaf country bread (optional)

Directions

  1. Heat the oil in a large saucepan or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the sausage and cook, stirring once, until browned, 2 to 3 minutes.

  2. Stir in the garlic and cook for 2 minutes more.

  3. Add the beans, broth, and tomatoes and their liquid and bring to a boil.

  4. Add the kale and ¼ teaspoon each salt and pepper. Simmer, stirring occasionally, until wilted, 2 to 3 minutes. Serve with the bread, if using.

By Kate Merker , January, 2007


More from RealSimple.com:40 Speedy, Savory Soups and Stews



Kitchen-Sink Quesadillas

These easy quesadillas are stuffed with delicious ingredients-black beans, corn, salsa, and cheese.

Serves 4| Hands-On Time: 15m| Total Time: 15m


Ingredients

  • 1 15.5-ounce can black beans, drained

  • 1 11-ounce can corn kernels, drained

  • 3/4 cup salsa, drained

  • 1 8-count package large flour tortillas

  • 1 1/2 cups (6 ounces) shredded Cheddar or Monterey Jack

  • 1 small red onion, thinly sliced

  • 1/3 cup fresh cilantro leaves

  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

  • juice of 1 to 2 limes

  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

  • 1 head romaine lettuce, sliced 1 inch thick

Directions

  1. Heat oven to 400° F. In a medium bowl, combine the beans, corn, and salsa. Place 4 tortillas on a parchment- or foil-lined baking sheet.

  2. Sprinkle the tortillas with half the cheese. Using a slotted spoon, top with the bean mixture. Sprinkle with the remaining cheese; top with the remaining tortillas.

  3. Bake the quesadillas until the cheese has melted, 5 to 7 minutes. Transfer to a cutting board.

  4. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, combine the onion, cilantro, salt, pepper, lime juice, and oil. Add the lettuce and toss.

  5. Cut each quesadilla into 6 wedges. Serve with the salad.

By Kate Merker , January, 2007

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