Pressed for time on a weeknight? These easy meals can be on the table in 20 minutes.

1. Croque-monsieur

As far as comfort food goes, it doesn’t get much better than a grilled ham-and-cheese sandwich. This version of the classic is by David Williams, head complex executive chef at Montecasino in Joburg.

Croque Monsieur

2. Pan-fried fish with cucumber yoghurt

A lovely tzatziki adds zing and freshness to fried fish. Oven-bake the fish for a low-fat version.

3. Sautéed chicken livers with sherry and chilli cream

These moreish creamy chicken livers are beautiful served with fresh bread and a little extra sherry. They’re the creation of chef Peter Ayub, from his scrumptious book, Sense of Taste.

Chicken livers with sherry and chilli cream

4. Beetroot, dill and feta pitas

This tasty pita meal, which will take you about 7 minutes to whip up, goes really well with chilled beer.

5. The perfect Thai green curry

This fuss-free recipe for the South-East Asian favourite by Hannah Lewry has green curry paste as the base of all the flavours, with green chillies lending their intense, fresh green flavour.

The perfect Thai green curry

6. Creamy salmon and rocket pasta

A tub of smoked salmon cream cheese takes the fuss and expense out of the equation. If you’re feeling decadent, stir some sliced smoked salmon through the pasta once it’s cooked.

7. Aromatic Asian broth

Add or leave out ingredients for this comforting broth as you see fit – and as time allows.

8. Fried fish with hand-cut chips

Here’s how to deep-fry fish and real potato chips at home. Doing it old-school, with piping-hot oil, always tastes better. Here’s Hannah Lewry’s guide to getting it right.

Fish and chips

9. Char-grilled salmon with litchi and cucumber salad

Sweet litchi, fresh coriander and wedges of lime make a zingy accompaniment to grilled salmon.

10. Jamie Oliver’s chorizo carbonara with Catalan market salad

The zesty salad goes beautifully with the chorizo, chilli and rosemary in the pasta. The recipe is from Jamie Oliver’s 15-Minute Meals. Tags: chicken livers, Thai green curry, chorizo, pita, pasta, salmon, fish,