Hey there, I’m Anna!
Welcome to 30 Minute Plates, where real life meets real food, fast.
Welcome to my corner of the internet! 30 Minute Plates was established in 2024 out of a very personal necessity: I love good food, but I simply don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen every day. Here, I share tried-and-true recipes inspired by my busy life, my travels, and the belief that a home-cooked meal shouldn’t be a source of stress.
Since launching, this blog has grown into a community of home cooks who want flavor without the fuss. My mission is to help you put delicious, wholesome meals on the table before you even have time to think about ordering takeout.
What You’ll Find Here
⏱️ Quick & Easy Recipes
Life moves fast. Your dinner should keep up. My “30 Minute” promise isn’t a gimmick; it’s a lifestyle. Whether it’s a one-pan wonder or a 20-minute stir-fry, these recipes are designed to maximize efficiency without cutting corners on taste.
🥗 Wholesome Ingredients
I believe in real food. You won’t find complicated, overly processed shortcuts here. Just simple, fresh ingredients that come together to create something magical. It’s about nourishing yourself and your family with food that makes you feel good.
👶 Family-Approved Flavor
Feeding a crowd (or just picky eaters)? I’ve been there. My recipes are rigorously tested to ensure they hit that sweet spot between “adventurous” and “comforting,” pleasing both toddlers and grown-ups alike.
Meet Anna
Hi, I’m Anna! I’m the recipe developer, photographer, and chief dishwasher behind 30 Minute Plates. I started this blog while juggling a demanding corporate job where “what’s for dinner?” was the most dreaded question of the day.
Cooking used to be my stress relief, but it became a chore when I tried to make elaborate meals on Tuesday nights. I realized I needed a middle ground—food that tasted like a weekend feast but cooked up in a weeknight window. That’s how 30 Minute Plates was born.
When I’m not in the kitchen timing my pasta boils, you can find me hiking the trails with my dog, hunting for the perfect vintage plates at flea markets, or planning my next culinary trip abroad.
Fun Facts
- I’m a coffee enthusiast—I literally cannot function without my morning pour-over.
- I’ve traveled to 15 countries just to eat (Italy is still my number one!).
- I have a golden retriever named Basil (yes, after the herb).
- I firmly believe that garlic measures with the heart, not a spoon.
- Before blogging, I worked in graphic design, which is why I obsess over food styling!
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you really make these in 30 minutes?Yes! I time my recipes from the moment I start chopping to the moment it hits the plate. However, I always recommend reading the recipe once through before you start to ensure smooth sailing.
Can I substitute ingredients?Absolutely. I try to include substitution notes in every recipe card. Cooking is an art, not a science (except baking!), so feel free to tweak things to your taste.
Can I use your photos or recipes on my site?You are welcome to use one photo with a clear link back to the original post. However, please do not republish the recipe instructions or ingredients list. If you’d like to feature a recipe, please link to my page rather than copying the content.
Do you work with brands?I love partnering with brands that align with my values of fresh, fast, and real food. If you think we’d be a good match, send me a note!
Let’s Connect
Have a question, a recipe request, or just want to say hi? I’d love to hear from you.
You can Contact me anytime