3 min read
What do children love most? Fun toys, sure, but also simple, delicious meals and parents who have time to play with them.
That’s why we’ve gathered a selection of quick and tasty recipes for you to whip up while on holiday.
Eating out all the time can get stressful, expensive and sometimes even disappointing.
So why not prepare the dishes your children love, wherever you are, and bring them a comforting taste of home?
How to make the most of your self-catering holiday: tips for a stress-free stay
The freedom of having your own kitchen on the road can be a real game changer. But to fully enjoy your getaway without spending too much time cooking, here are a few tips:
Plan simple and quick recipes
Before you set off, think about meals that are easy to prepare (like the ones in this article). No one wants to be stuck in the kitchen while everyone else is having fun! Opt for dishes that need minimal prep and cooking time so you can savour your holiday, stress-free.Consider the equipment available
Serviced apartment kitchens usually have just the basics. You might not find a hand mixer or other specialised utensils. Choose recipes that don’t rely on fancy gadgets – this way, you won’t be caught halfway through cooking, missing an essential tool.Shop smart
It’s tempting to over-shop but remember, you only have a few days to use everything. Avoid overpacking your trolley and aim for versatile ingredients. Leftovers from breakfast can easily turn into a light lunch, helping you prevent waste and minimise what you’ll need to take home.
Navigating local markets: fresh produce for your meals
One of the joys of a self-catering holiday is exploring local markets. These vibrant places are a treasure trove of fresh, seasonal ingredients. Here’s how to make the most of them:
Embrace the local flavors
Pick up fruits, vegetables, cheeses and meats that are in season. Not only will this give you a taste of local cuisine, but fresh produce often requires less cooking, which saves time.Ask for recommendations
Stallholders can be full of helpful advice. Don’t hesitate to ask how to prepare something you’ve never tried before – they might even share a local recipe with you!Keep it simple
Stick to ingredients that are easy to cook or require little preparation, like salad greens, bread, and fresh cheese. These can be turned into quick, satisfying meals with minimal effort.
A taste of Italy, anytime, anywhere
Lemon pasta brings a fresh taste of Italy to your plate. This dish is light, creamy, and full of flavour – simple yet incredibly satisfying. It’s the perfect quick meal for holiday evenings or whenever you crave a little Italian sunshine.
For 4 portions you need:
70g parmesan
3 cloves of garlic
40g butter
3 tbsp olive oil
500g spaghetti
3 stalks basil
3 lemons
How to make it:
Grate the parmesan finely and zest the lemons after giving them a good wash. Squeeze the juice from two lemons and set it aside. Tear the basil leaves and slice them into thin strips.
Cook the spaghetti al dente in salted water. While the pasta is boiling, heat some olive oil and butter in a pan. Toss in the peeled garlic cloves for a quick sizzle, just enough to release their flavour.
Drain the spaghetti, but keep around 150ml of the pasta water. Add the spaghetti to the pan with the lemon zest, juice, and a splash of pasta water. Stir everything over medium heat.
Add two-thirds of the parmesan and mix well until the pasta is coated in a silky sauce. If it looks too dry, add a bit more pasta water until it’s just right.
Serve immediately, sprinkled with the remaining parmesan and basil for a fresh finish.
A simple holiday delight
Looking for an easy, one-pan dish that’s perfect for your holiday kitchen? This pepper and rice skillet is quick to make, full of flavour, and requires minimal effort—ideal for a relaxing evening meal.
For 4 portions you need:
- 1 each of green, yellow and red peppers
- 2 garlic cloves
- 2 tbsp oil
- 3 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp paprik powder
- 250g rice
- 500 ml vegetable stock
- salt, pepper
- fresh parsley to garnish
How to make it
Prepare the vegetables: Core and dice the peppers into small cubes, then peel and finely chop the garlic.
Sauté the peppers: Heat some oil in a large, deep pan. Add the pepper cubes and sauté until softened. Stir in the garlic, followed by tomato purée and paprika powder, and cook briefly.
Add the rice: Reduce the heat, mix in the rice, and pour over vegetable stock. Cover with a lid and let it simmer for 25-30 minutes, until the rice is tender and has absorbed the flavours.
Finish and serve: Take the pan off the heat, season with salt and pepper, and garnish with freshly chopped parsley.
A one-pot wonder
This creamy spinach tortellini is perfect for a fuss-free dinner that only needs one pot – ideal when you’re on holiday and want to spend more time relaxing. A delicious holiday meal that not only the children will love.
For 4 portions you need:
- 500g tortellini
- 300g frozen spinach
- 150g grated parmesan
- 1 garlic clove
- 50g butter
- 150ml water
- 250ml cream
- 2 tbsp cream cheese or melting cheese
- Salt, pepper, nutmeg
How to make it:
Prep the garlic by peeling and chopping it.
Melt the butter in a large pot and sauté the garlic for a minute until fragrant to start the sauce.
Stir in the frozen spinach and season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg.
Combine the ingredients by pouring in the water and cream, then add the tortellini. Let everything simmer for about 5 minutes until the tortellini is cooked.
Gently stir in the cream cheese and grated parmesan. If the sauce is too thin, thicken it with a little cornflour or sauce thickener.
A classic treat
Kaiserschmarrn is always a good choice, even if you’re not on holiday in Austria! Whether as a dessert or main course – children love the ruffled pancakes. The best thing about them: they are always a success and take very little time to make.
For 4 portions you need:
- 150 g flour
- A pinch of salt
- 375 ml milk
- 4 eggs
- Icing sugar, for dusting
- 1 tbsp clarified butter (or butter), for the pan
- 1 tsp sugar, for caramelising
How to make it:
Make the batter: In a bowl, mix the flour, salt, milk, and eggs until you have a smooth batter.
Cook the pancake: Heat the clarified butter in a large pan. Pour in the batter and let it cook until golden brown on the bottom. Flip it over in one piece to cook the other side.
Tear and caramelise: Use two spatulas to tear the pancake into bite-sized pieces. Sprinkle with sugar and stir the pieces around until the sugar caramelises.
Serve: Divide the Kaiserschmarrn onto plates, dust with icing sugar, and enjoy this warm, fluffy treat.
Quick, quicker, Pizza rolls
They only need 4 ingredients and are perfect to take with you. Whether you’re going to the beach, on a bike tour or on other excursions – these snails are a filling snack for on the go but also a good meal for a cosy movie night in your apartment.
For 4 portions you need:
- 1 roll of puff pastry (275g, from the fridge section)
- 4 tbsp tomato sauce
- 1 tsp pizza seasoning
- 100g grated cheese (e.g. mozzarella)
How to make it:
Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 200°C (top and bottom heat).
Prepare the pastry: Unroll the puff pastry. Spread the tomato sauce evenly over it, then sprinkle with pizza seasoning and grated cheese.
Cut into strips: Using a pizza cutter or a knife, slice the pastry into thin strips. Roll each strip into a small pinwheel.
Bake: Place the pinwheels on a baking tray lined with parchment paper and bake for 15 minutes, or until golden and crispy.
Making time for fun: balancing cooking and relaxation
It’s easy to feel like you should be cooking elaborate meals when you have your own kitchen, but remember, you’re on holiday! Here’s how to strike the perfect balance:
Plan for no-cook days
Enjoy the flexibility of your self-catering stay by setting aside days where you dine out or put together no-cook meals. Fresh sandwiches, salads or a simple picnic can be a fun, relaxing alternative to cooking.Involve the family
Turn meal preparation into a family activity. Kids love getting involved in the kitchen, and they’re more likely to enjoy a meal they’ve helped create. It’s also a great way to make lasting memories together.Keep a relaxed schedule
Avoid packing your days with activities that leave you too tired to enjoy dinner. Mix busy sightseeing days with quieter ones where you can enjoy cooking a meal at your own pace.
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