Quick Zucchini Relish

A simple small-batch relish is a good way to turn abundant zucchini into something more creative than the typical side dish. The single-jar yield means you don't have to process it in a boiling water canner – just refrigerate it in an airtight container. Serve the relish with grilled chicken or pork, on grilled burgers or sausages, or even in place of salsa with tortilla chips.

Hanoi-Style Vermicelli Noodles with Fish

Apricot Almond Couscous with Chicken

Having a selection of dried spices on hand brings flavours from around the world to your table. For example, this salad features a Moroccan-inspired, pantry-friendly combination of dried fruit, nuts, couscous and spices, plus chicken from the freezer.

Spicy Patties

Spiced Roast Chicken with Orange-Cilantro Chimichurri

Roast chicken is so reliable and satisfying that it keeps making its way onto our tables night after night. This spiced version, served with a citrusy, herbaceous chimichurri, is an update on the classic. Make the chimichurri the day before, if you wish, and add any leftovers to potato salad, grilled meats or fish.

Squash Couscous

Couscous, the final course at a special meal, is served to satisfy guests so that no one leaves hungry. This steamed preparation takes a little longer than the instant method familiar to most Canadians but the plumper al dente texture is well worth the effort.

Chicken Tikka Masala

There's no need to dial up dinner when you can make this takeout classic – better, cheaper and faster – at home.

Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala

This aromatic curry starts with a practically prep-free sauce that gets its potent flavour from garam masala, a finely ground blend of cardamom, cinnamon, nutmeg, coriander, mace and cloves. To save time on prep, look for the ready-made mix in the spice aisle.

Sri Lankan Devil's Chicken

Ontario
This dish comes from Ontario's large South Asian community. Look for curry leaves in Asian markets (freeze leftovers in a resealable bag for up to three months). If you can't find them, this dish is still tasty without them. Serve with steamed basmati rice.

Moroccan Vegetable Couscous

This vegetable and chickpea couscous fills you up without filling you out. Chickpeas are high in fibre and iron, and the prunes add a hint of natural sweetness, which makes this all-in-one dish feel indulgent.