Ditch the takeaway menus and try some homemade alternatives

Sure, takeaway nights are quick, easy and convenient, but there's no getting away from the fact they can often (not always) be on the unhealthy side.

Making tasty 'fakeaway' dishes is less challenging than you might first think, plus you know exactly what's been used in each meal.

Many recipes are ready in 30 minutes or less, and are sure to please the whole family.

Crispy chicken tenders

Crispy chicken tenders can be made entirely in the air-fryer, making them healthier than ever.

Alternatively, try a crushed cornflake batter — dip the chicken strips in egg, flour, egg again and then in a bowl of crushed corn flakes until coated — and bake them in an oven at 170C for around 15 minutes.

Make sure the chicken is cooked thoroughly before serving.

Serve with a sticky honey mustard sauce, or your favourite ketchup, and get dipping.

Oven fries or potato wedges are usually a better choice than deep, or pan, fried potato options.

Prawn noodle stir-fry

You can’t go wrong with a classic stir-fry recipe and the right spices can make all the difference.

There are tons of simple recipe combining sticky soy sauce glazed prawns or chicken thighs with plenty of veg, toasted cashews, sesame seeds and noodles.

If all your ingredients are ready to go, you can have dinner on the table in half an hour.

Minced lemongrass, fish oil and fresh, red chilli peppers will make all the difference in this dish.

Homemade shawarma

Bring the flavours of the Middle East to your mid-week meals with a stunning beef, fish or chicken shawarma.

We know you can grab them on any street corner, but making your own gives you the opportunity to really mix things up.

The ideal meal for sharing – pile a platter full of warm Arabic bread flatbreads, mint-yoghurt and sumac-spiced beef, prawn or chicken strips, then let everyone dive in and wrap up their own delicious dinners.

A bowl of crisp lettuce and cucumber, as well as the obligatory oven chips plate, will be welcome by those wanting to add some greens.

Try this easy marinade

1. Put your meat or fish strips/pieces in a freezer bag.
2. Massage 3 tbsp of extra virgin olive oil, 1 tsp sumac, juice of half a lemon, 1 clove of crushed garlic, sprinkle of thyme and chilli flakes; season.
3. Leave to marinate for 10 mins or chill overnight if you have the time and are planning ahead.
4. Preheat the grill to high, and grill the meat for 10-12 mins, until the outside is lightly charred and the middle is cooked through with no pink showing. Remove from the grill and set aside.
5. Combine a pot of natural yoghurt with a handful of finely chopped, fresh mint leaves. Add a tsp of sumac and a squeeze of lemon juice and season to taste. Set aside until needed.

To assemble, spread each flatbread with a spoonful of the yoghurt mixture, then top with lettuce and cucumber (if using). Divide the meat between the flatbreads. Top with a few chips and add some extra hummus if you feel it.

Pomegranate seeds are also a great addition.