Nine 30 Minute Meals and Wine Pairings
A healthy, delicious meal that you can make in 30 minutes or less? Yes please. These nine 30 minute meals and wine pairings make weeknight dinners simple and delicious!
We get it. Most nights, there simply isn’t enough time to prepare a gourmet meal. But just because you’re pressed for time, doesn’t mean your only option is take-out.
If you have 30 minutes to spare and groceries in the fridge that are pleading to be used before their expiration date, you can treat yourself to a healthy restaurant-quality meal with a glass of wine to match.
Check out how to pair wine with these 9 easy and versatile 30-minute recipes.
1. Pumpkin Soup
In the mood for soup? Who isn’t. Try this easy vegan Spiced Pumpkin Soup along with a crisp light-bodied white wine like Pinot Grigio or Verdejo. The bright acidity in the wine will cut through the creaminess of this dreamy autumn soup.
2. Cheesy Spinach & Artichoke Stuffed Spaghetti Squash
This quick recipe is perfect when you’re in the mood for low-carb comfort food. Enjoy this hearty and cheesy Spinach & Artichoke Stuffed Spaghetti Squash with a dry white wine like unoaked Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc. The delicate fruit flavors in these white wines make a good match for this creamy dish.
Our favorite Chardonnay for this 30 minute meal pairing is the Humdrum Chardonnay. This full-bodied white wine features flavor notes of yellow apple, mango, lemon, and coconut.
[mc4wp_form id=”7238″]3. Apple Cider Glazed Chicken
Apple Cider Glazed Chicken is bursting with fall flavors. This easy recipe pairs well with an aromatic white wine like Gewürztraminer or a buttery oaked Chardonnay. If you prefer red wine, you could go with a fruity medium-bodied red like Merlot.
We like to go with the Jetbird Merlot for this pairing! This slightly acidic red wine has dark fruit aromas of juicy plum, raspberry and black cherry. The velvety tannins and balanced acidity is brought together with the dark chocolate finish.
4. Teriyaki Salmon
This delicious recipe for Baked Salmon Teriyaki with toasted sesame seeds and green onions will help keep out the autumn chill. Pair your perfectly cooked salmon with a light red wine like Pinot Noir, or a slightly-sweet wine like an off-dry rosé or Lambrusco to play off the sweetness of the sauce.
5. One-Pot Lemon-Broccoli Pasta with Parmesan
When you’re in a rush, recipes that can be made in one pot are truly a lifesaver. That’s one reason why we love this light and savory Lemon-Broccoli Pasta with Parmesan. This easy pasta pairs well with a creamy Chardonnay or a light-bodied red wine like Beaujolais.
6. Turkey Chili
Can you achieve the rich flavors of a hearty stew that’s been simmering for hours in just 30 minutes? Thankfully, yes. Enjoy this quick and easy recipe for Turkey Chili with a bold red wine, like a jammy Shiraz with deep fruit notes, or a savory Sangiovese with notes of roasted tomato and spice.
The Acquaforte Sangiovese is a savory red wine that has a great mix of ripe, juicy fruit notes like cherry and pomegranate. Along with the fruit flavors this Sicilian wine features old world flavors of dried herbs and terra cotta clay.
7. Winter Squash and Lentil Stew
Nothing gives you that cozy fall feeling like rich butternut squash. Enjoy this Winter Squash and Lentil Stew along with a hunk of freshly baked bread and a medium-bodied rustic red wine like Syrah or Sangiovese.
8. Sesame Ginger Beef
If you missed the ordering deadline from your favorite take-out spot, fear not: You can make a quick and healthy version of Sesame Ginger Beef at home. Pair this hearty meal with a medium-bodied red like Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon. If you prefer white wine, an off-dry Riesling is a great choice, particularly if you like an extra kick of sriracha.
The Nihilist Wine Co. Cabernet Sauvignon is an elegant red wine that will go great with your Sesame Ginger Beef. The medium-bodied wine has rich dark fruit flavor notes like plum and black cherry. It features an oaky finishing with smooth tannins.
9. Gnocchi with Bacon & Creamy Pumpkin Sauce
This decadent recipe for Gnocchi with Bacon & Creamy Pumpkin Sauce pairs well with a light and fruity white wine with a decent amount of acidity like Pinot Grigio. You could also go with an off-dry Riesling or a light-bodied red wine like Pinot Noir.
In Vino Finito
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