Healthy(ish) bung it in the oven ideas

[JonahAndTheSnail]

Stuck in a food rut and starting to get back to meal planning. Ideally looking for dishes that have a decent amount of flavour (I'm good with pretty much all herbs, spices, garlic). Can be meat, fish or veggie. Fairly minimal prep is helpful as I work two 12 hour days a week and am looking for something to stop me ordering take out or processed junk food on those days. Ideally it can be oven cooked in less than an hour, with minimal attention needed as I want to go on the treadmill whilst it's cooking. TIA

If the alternative is take away, would you consider 2 days of Gousto (or similar)? They have specific sections for “10 minute recipes” and “5 minute prep” which would sit in the oven while you exercise. Might be worth doing for a month or so to gather some ideas.

Traybakes might work. Basically you chop everything up, Chuck it in the tray, season and bung it in the oven. You can vary the ingredients / flavours. Our favourites are:

chicken drums sticks / thighs, halved new potatoes, red onion sliced, all mixed with some oil, salt and curry spice. Served with salad.

chicken as above, with onions, red peppers, slices of chorizo, mixed with oil and paprika. Served with salad and / or rice.

I’ve recently discovered Taming Twins and loved everything I’ve tried of hers so far (mostly slow cooked stuff, but some one pot pasta stuff too)
I don’t normally follow recipes, as I’m too much of a rebel, but I work longer days too, so feel like I need someone to do some thinking for me sometimes!

Love a traybake. I do one with new friends orators, cherry tomatoes, red onion, sliced peppers, garlic, paprika and chorizo. Add cod pieces (or any fish really) 30 mins before serving. Lovely with a fresh side salad and some bread if you want more carbs.

Slow cooker is good. Or also batch cooking, we have bolognaise every weds as it’s a meal everyone will eat and I can defrost and just boil pasta.

New friends orators???

New potatoes!!

This halloumi & veg traybake has been a big hit with family & guests. We found it needs bread & pickles to balance the unctuousness.

Speedy quiche traybake
Sausage traybake
Aloo gobi traybake

Another vote for tray bakes. Sausage/ Veggie sausage with parsnips, apples, shallots, mustard and sage. We also like cod wrapped in pancetta with cous cous and Mediterranean veg.

The roasting tin series of cookery books would suit you.

If you are on Instagram look at the hashtag #tinlads

I do loads of things by just shoving a tray in the oven these days:

fajitas - sliced peppers and onions / Quorn pieces / spices
roast until nearly done then add drained black beans and sweetcorn and warm through. Serve with microwaved tortilla wraps and soured cream, plus a salsa or guacamole if you can be bothered.

curry - chunks of pepper and onion, cubes of paneer, maybe some chunks of butternut squash or sweet potato - roast (add the paneer a bit later as it doesn't need as long as the vege)
add ready made curry sauce (the Spice Tailor brand is delicious) plus chickpeas and warm through

I'd also recommend the Roasting tin series of cookbooks.

Or for a super easy tea that is always satisfying pop good quality sausages in a roasting tin with chopped new potatoes and peppers (oil and season the veggies) after around 30 mins add halves cherry tomatoes and sprinkle over grated cheese.
Adjust the veggie choice to your preference/whatever happens to be in your fridge. Always yummy 😋

Also, take a look at the Gousto website, all the recipes are on there ready to access without having to buy the boxes and tend to be quick and easy whilst also be fairly nutritious and tasty.

Thanks everyone for your great suggestions. I've ordered one of the Roasting Tin books for inspiration. Just need to work my way through the last of the Christmas leftovers first!