Ep 1. Weeknight Meals

Donal's Meals in Minutes is a cooking show hosted by Irish television presenter and chef Donal Skehan. In season 2 episode 1, titled "Weeknight Meals," Donal focuses on quick and easy recipes that are perfect for busy weeknights.

The episode starts with Donal introducing the concept of the show, explaining how he believes that cooking doesn't have to be complicated or time-consuming. He believes that even on the busiest of nights, there's always time to make a delicious, home-cooked meal.

The first recipe Donal shares is for a one-pan chicken tray-bake. He starts by seasoning chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika, then adds them to a baking tray with baby potatoes, carrots, and red onions. He drizzles everything with olive oil and pops it in the oven for 30 minutes. While that's cooking, he whips up a quick garlic and herb yogurt sauce to serve on the side. Donal loves this recipe because it's easy to customize with different vegetables and herbs, and it's a great way to get a hearty meal on the table with minimal effort.

Next up, Donal shares a recipe for a seafood linguine that comes together in just 15 minutes. He starts by cooking the linguine in boiling salted water. In a separate pan, he sautés garlic, chili flakes, and cherry tomatoes until the tomatoes start to burst. Then he adds a mix of seafood (prawns, mussels, and squid rings) and cooks everything for just a few minutes until the seafood is cooked through. He adds the cooked linguine to the pan, along with some fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice. Donal loves this recipe because it looks and tastes impressive, but it's actually very simple to make.

For the third recipe, Donal switches things up and shares a vegetarian option - a simple lentil dhal. He starts by sautéing onions, garlic, ginger, and spices (ground coriander, cumin, and turmeric) in a large pot. Then he adds lentils, coconut milk, and vegetable stock, and lets everything simmer for 20 minutes until the lentils are tender. He finishes the dhal with some fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice. Donal loves this recipe because it's healthy, filling, and packed with flavor.

The final recipe Donal shares is for a delicious dessert - individual apple and blackberry crumbles. He starts by preheating the oven and preparing the fruit filling (chopped apples, blackberries, sugar, and vanilla extract). Then he makes the crumble topping by mixing together butter, flour, sugar, and oats. He assembles the crumbles in individual ramekins and bakes them for 20 minutes until golden and crisp. Donal loves this recipe because it's a great way to use up any leftover fruit, and it's a comforting and satisfying way to end any meal.

Throughout the episode, Donal shares plenty of tips and tricks for making cooking easier and more manageable. He emphasizes the importance of having a well-stocked pantry with basics like canned lentils, dried pasta, and tinned tomatoes, as well as plenty of spices and herbs. He also shows how to make the most out of leftovers, whether it's using extra chicken in a salad, or using up fruit in a crumble.

Overall, "Weeknight Meals" offers plenty of inspiration for anyone looking to make quick and easy meals without sacrificing flavor or quality. Donal's friendly and approachable style make it easy to follow along and feel confident in the kitchen, no matter what your skill level.