Moving into a brand-new house can be exciting, but cooking your first meal when pressed for time and busy getting the new place in order can be overwhelming. Perhaps not everything is unpacked, or you don’t have all the ingredients yet. Nevertheless, your first night in a new house is still the perfect time to start making beautiful meals and memories. To get your new kitchen off to a great start without too much hassle, we’ve gathered five easy meal ideas to please everyone in the family.
1- Vegan Burgers
Start your first night in a new house with a delicious vegan burger. To make, mash together cooked chickpeas, chopped onion and garlic, some breadcrumbs, and spices of your choice to form the burger patty. Then lightly fry each side on the stove until golden brown. Serve in a bun with avocado slices, lettuce, and tomato for an easy yet satisfying meal!
2- Pasta Primavera
This classic Italian dish is vibrant and delicious – great for making your first night in the new house extra special. Start by boiling some pasta of your choice, then sautéing fresh vegetables like broccoli, peppers, mushrooms, onion, and garlic in olive oil until tender. Add in your favorite tomato sauce and fresh basil leaves, then let it all simmer together for a few minutes before serving over the cooked pasta.
3- Sheet Pan Nachos
This is an easy weeknight dinner or snack that will surely please everyone! Begin by preheating the oven to 375°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place tortilla chips onto the sheet pan, then top with black beans, corn, bell peppers, onion, and jalapenos (optional). Finish by sprinkling shredded vegan cheese on top and baking for 10-15 minutes until everything is melted and golden brown. For a fantastic meal, serve warm with guacamole, salsa, and sour cream.
4- Homemade Waffle-Iron Pizzas
This versatile dish uses either store-bought dough (like frozen pizza dough) or create your own using flour, baking powder, and some salt. Knead the dough and roll it out in a circle larger than your waffle iron. Place half of the circle in the waffle iron, top with a thin layer of tomato sauce, and desired toppings, then top with the remaining dough half. Let it cook for a few minutes, and enjoy those crispy waffle-iron pizzas with the cheesy topping!
5- Jambalaya
Finally, gathering around the table with friends and family to enjoy a new home and a delicious jambalaya is the perfect way to kick off a move to a new house. To make the dish, lightly sautéing a selection of chopped vegetables such as onion, celery, bell peppers, and garlic in a skillet. After they’re just cooked, add a can of diced tomatoes, cooked rice, herbs, and a cup of vegan chicken broth. Simmer the mixture until all the flavors meld together, then add proteins such as sausage, shrimp, or chicken. Once the proteins are cooked all the way through, take the dish off the heat, scoop it into a bowl, and enjoy the great smells and flavors of the jambalaya. The cherished memories created over this meal will last a lifetime, so start the first night in the new house with jambalaya and create beautiful memories with the ones you love.
Whether you’re looking for an easy idea for your first night in a new house or just a simple meal idea for any day of the week, these four recipes have you covered! Create a cozy and inviting atmosphere with your family and dig into one of these delicious dishes.
FAQs
What are some easy meal ideas for my first night in a new house?
Try making vegan burgers, pasta primavera, sheet pan nachos, homemade waffle-iron pizzas, or jambalaya. These recipes are easy to make and sure to please everyone in the family!
How do I make vegan burgers?
Start by mixing cooked chickpeas, chopped onion and garlic, breadcrumbs, and spices of your choice to form the burger patty. Then lightly fry each side on the stove until golden brown. Serve in a bun with avocado slices, lettuce, and tomato for an easy yet satisfying meal!
What type of pasta should I use for a Pasta Primavera?
Any long pasta like fettuccine, linguine, spaghetti, or ziti works excellently. Cook the pasta according to the package directions, then follow the recipe!
Are sheet pan nachos vegan-friendly?
Yes – you can make this dish vegan-friendly by substituting vegan cheese and sour cream instead of regular dairy items. Check your tortilla chips, as some brands may contain animal products.
How do I make homemade waffle-iron pizzas?
Start by preheating your waffle iron to medium heat. Roll out pizza dough into a circle slightly larger than your waffle iron. Place half of the dough in the waffle iron, top with desired toppings and a thin layer of tomato sauce, then add the remaining dough half on top. Cook until golden brown, and enjoy!
What proteins are best for making jambalaya?
Great options to make your jambalaya vegan-friendly include vegan sausage, shrimp or chicken substitute. Alternatively, add cooked beans such as black or kidney beans for protein!
What type of herbs works well for jambalaya?
Delicious herbs to try when making this dish include oregano, thyme, paprika, cayenne pepper, and parsley. Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices for a unique flavor!
What other dishes could I make when moving into a new house?
You can also try making tacos, chili, stir-fries, fried rice, macaroni, and cheese or even vegan lasagna. These recipes are easy to make and sure to please everyone in the family!
What is the best way to create memories around the table when eating these meals?
The best way to create memories is by gathering with friends and family around the table. Enjoying conversation over food creates an inviting atmosphere lasting long after the meal. Making traditional meals together is also a great way to build relationships and share stories!
