> Skip to content

Article  •  29 March 2019

 

10 quick and healthy dinner ideas from Chris Bavin

Inspiration for no-fuss, full-flavour meals.

Chris Bavin’s first solo cookbook Good Food, Sorted is packed with simple recipes and delicious meal ideas for time-pressed families. Take a sneak peek at some of the nutritious dinner recipes below, including many that are perfect for freezing, and taste great as leftovers.

1. Quick spicy sausage ragu 

This spicier twist on the classic ragu is tasty, satisfying, and quick to prepare and cook. Try experimenting with different sausages to find your favourite flavour combination.

2. Prawn and summer vegetable risotto 

Think you'll be hungry for more? Not only is this dish incredibly simple to make – it works great to freeze and enjoy later.

3. Slow roasted lamb shoulder with capsicum and tomatoes

This lighter version of lamb roast is very easy to make thanks to the long, slow roast, and leftovers work great as part of a stir-fry or curry.

4. Chicken kebabs with mint and yogurt dressing

Everyone loves a kebab and these lightly spiced chicken ones take no time at all to prepare. They're a perfect mid-week treat but also special enough for a weekend lunch or dinner with friends – simply serve alongside a bowl of rice for a more substantial meal.

5. Chicken pie

Make and serve this delicious pie in the same pan, so there's hardly any washing up.

6. Smoked salmon and horseradish fish cakes recipe with garlic and lime mayo​

Plenty of people have a jar of horseradish sauce in the fridge for a roast beef on Sunday, but not so many know it's a great flavour to match with smoked fish – as this recipe demonstrates beautifully.

7. Teriyaki salmon

The sauce in this dish has such a depth of flavour that you can coat the salmon in it and cook it straight away for a delicious meal. However, if you want to prep ahead and make the salmon even tastier, you can marinate it in the sauce overnight for the following day.

8. Sweet potato wedges with rocket and blue cheese

Have some leftovers of this delicious dish? Assemble them on top of a flatbread and warm in the oven with a bit of cheese for a quick lunchtime pizza.

9. Open leek and sage pie

This lighter pie dish cuts back on the pastry and ups the veg, making a lovely starter or lunch dish.

10. Vegan chilli

This vegan chilli is packed with flavour and perfectly spiced – meat eaters certainly won't be left feeling hungry.

Feature Title

Good Food, Sorted

The first solo cookbook from TV presenter Chris Bavin

Read more

More features

See all
Article
The most anticipated YA novels of 2027

Wondering what YA books are coming out in 2027? From spellbinding new fantasy books to unforgettable contemporary stories, there’s plenty for teen readers to look forward to.

Article
How to recognise and avoid publishing scams

Penguin Random House (PRH) has been made aware of people impersonating our authors, including Richard Flanagan, and contacting members of the public by email or through social media.

Article
Discover the debut books of some of Australia’s bestselling authors

Every great author must start their story somewhere.

Article
Are audiobooks better than reading?

Both audiobooks and paperback books offer different ways to experience a story, each with its own distinct benefits.

Article
R. A. Spratt on writing for dyslexic readers

October is Dyslexia Awareness Month, a time to build greater awareness and understanding of dyslexia and the different ways people experience reading. Author R. A. Spratt shares some of the techniques she uses to make her books more accessible for dyslexic readers, along with practical reading and writing tips drawn from her own experience.

Article
What is Sense and Sensibility about? Your guide to the 2026 movie

The Dashwood sisters return to the big screen in a new Sense and Sensibility adaptation starring Daisy Edgar-Jones and Esmé Creed-Miles.

Article
Read about the inspiration behind Blunderbore!

This is Jack and the Beanstalk like you’ve never seen it before! An exciting action-packed graphic adventure story set in the world of Jack in the Beanstalk. From award-winning author Sofie Laguna and monster-illustrator extraordinaire, Marc McBride.

Article
Young adult fiction favourites

Some of the top young adult fiction novels to read right now

Article
The best history books to read now

The past has never felt so present.

Article
QUIZ: Discover Your Spark from Protector of Beyond

Your unique spark determines which Fiercer will choose you, and which Gard you will belong to!

Article
Our Dark Unravelling: the gothic revival is upon us

Margot McGovern’s Our Dark Unravelling is the must-read YA horror thriller for 2026.

Article
Discover Protector of Beyond, the blockbuster new fantasy series

Magical creatures, perilous trials and one unbelievable adventure await in Protector of Beyond, the first book in a gripping new fantasy book series from exciting new voice Shara Curlett.

Looking for more articles?

See all articles