10 Dishes Guaranteed to Bring the Family to the Table - Fast (2024)

01 of 10

Balti Curry

Almost any curry could have made it to this list because Britain loves a good curry. Thanks to diverse ethnic communities in the country, curries in the UK come from diverse places in Asia.

Traditionally cooked over a high flame, this flavorful type of curry is served in a classic round-bottomed balti dish. Our recipe uses chicken and the classic balti spices which you can make yourself in bigger batches and keep in an airtight container (mustard, garam masala, cumin, cloves, and turmeric are just a few of the spices that go into the fantastic blend). Ready in 1 hour, this aromatic dish is great served over rice.

02 of 10

Fish and Chips

A national staple in the UK, fish and chips is an example of cultural exchange through cuisine. Spanish and Portuguese immigrants of Jewish descent introduced the concept of battered and fried fish into the main island, and although chips were actually a substitution for fish in times of scarcity, they appeared together later on to make for a quick, wholesome, and complete meal.

Chippys are common all over the nation; the fish used is usually haddock or cod, and the potatoes should be of a floury type. Our recipe brings you the best beer batter to coat your fish with, and crunchy doubly-fried homemade chips to go with it. Ready in 40 minutes after 30 minutes of rest for the batter, serve your fish and chips with lemon wedges, vinegar, or tartar sauce.

03 of 10

Bangers and Mash

Bangers is the familiar term for sausages because they "bang" on the pan when cooked too quickly. A family favorite, this dish is easy and quick to make; you need 1 hour, sausages, potatoes, milk, and butter. Onion gravy is excellent on top but feel free to make without or serve on the side.

Chose the sausages of your liking, from beef to pork, chicken or turkey. Make a buttery and creamy mash, and place your pan-fried sausages on top. Pour a generous amount of onion gravy on top and serve. This easy and filling dish is also budget-friendly and an excellent choice for a weeknight meal if you have kids.

04 of 10

Spaghetti Bolognese

Once the de rigueur dinner party dish of the '60s, spaghetti bolognese is making something of a comeback in British food. Although Italian in origin, this dish isn't strictly Italian and takes other names in the peninsula. A rich meat ragout and long pasta makes this dish a complete and filling meal, budget-friendly and easily converted into a fancier meal with the right accompaniments (think of a fancy salad, fresh bread, and great Italian wine).

The meat sauce made out of pancetta, milk, wine, vegetables, and tomatoes cooks for 2.5 hours until thick and all the flavors developed. Serve with spaghetti or linguini, and top with a generous amount of Parmesan cheese.

05 of 10

Stew and Dumplings

This delicious hearty beef stew and dumplings is the backbone of winter food in Britain and Ireland. It requires a long, slow cook, so go ahead and double the amounts to have enough for a couple of meals or to freeze for a different occasion.

Made using suet, this dish is particularly caloric, but worth every bite. A tender beef stew made with vegetables, stock and brandy is the perfect base for fluffy, soft dumplings. Ready in 2 hours and 40 minutes, this dish is a classic and you can't miss.

06 of 10

Fish Pie

Easy to make, and absolutely budget-friendly, this pie goes a long way. Using fish scraps you'll save a ton of money, and the rest of the things you need are just potatoes, butter, seasonings, fish stock, and milk. Ready in just 1 hour this dish is quick to prep and assemble, and needs barely 30 minutes in the oven.

Poach your fish in milk, make a thick sauce with leeks, milk, and flour, mix both and cover with mashed creamy potatoes. Top with cheese and bake. That's all that you need to do to enjoy this British classic. Serve with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables.

07 of 10

Shepherd's Pie

Be it a Shepherd's pie, made with ground lamb, or a beef Cottage pie, this is the ultimate comfort food. Creamy mashed potatoes cover a generous layer of meat and mushrooms in a delicious gravy. Easy and inexpensive, this British classic uses leftover lamb from the Sunday Roast.

Ready in 70 minutes, assemble by covering the meat with potatoes, topping it with cheese and baking it for 35 minutes. Serve with roasted veggies or a fresh salad, warm bread and butter.

08 of 10

Toad in the Hole

Although the origin of the name of this dish remains a mystery, what's clear is that this beloved meal is an absolute hit when served for your Sunday roast or weeknight meal. A variation of the ever-famous Yorkshire Pudding this buttery preparation uses sausages and batter for a beautiful presentation.

Pan-fry sausages and place them in a hot oven, carefully pour rested eggy batter on top before baking it for 35 minutes. The batter will fluff up and the sausages with peak from inside the batter. Serve with onion gravy and vegetables.

09 of 10

Lancashire Hot Pot

Hotpot is a long, slow-cooked recipe, but unlike many stews, it is still less heavy and suitable for eating all year round. Made with lamb and optional lamb kidneys. Substitute the onions with leeks, or add turnips instead of carrots for a sweeter flavor.

Lard adds a deep fatty touch, but use beef drippings instead for a less intense flavor. Serve immediately from the oven, with steamed vegetables.

10 of 10

Roasted Lemon Chicken

The mouth-watering scent in the kitchen when this lemon chicken is cooking makes it a must-have supper dish. A whole chicken perfumed with garlic, wine, and lemons is the perfect family dinner. Place some small potatoes, cubed carrots, and sweet onions in the same pan for a complete meal in just 1.5 hours in the oven.

Roasting a chicken is an easy way to make a whole dinner in just one pan. It is an inexpensive, and delicious way of feeding 4 to 6 people. Double the amounts for a larger dinner party, and serve with a colorful salad and warm bread.