Home cooking can be deeply satisfying and not dependent on complicated techniques or rare ingredients. Below are very simple home-cooked meals that anyone can make, and ideal for bringing comfort and contentment to your dinner table:
Simple Pasta Dishes
Pasta is pretty much an all-rounder; it’s quick to make and can be dressed up or down with different sauces and other accompaniments. Begin with a timeless spaghetti aglio e olio, which calls for nothing more than garlic, olive oil, red pepper flakes and pasta. Grate some Parmesan over the top and parsley if you like. Make a chili or tomato-based sauce; use canned tomatoes with garlic, onions and basil and let it simmer for depth. These easy pairings make for a hearty dinner that will be on the table in about half an hour.
Stir-Fries
Stir-fries are fast and flexible, so you can use whatever combination of vegetables and proteins you have on hand. You start by sautéing some oil with garlic and ginger to fragrance the pan. Add some chopped vegetables, if you like; bell peppers, broccoli and snap peas are all good options and a protein (chicken, tofu or shrimp would all be great). Top it with a drizzle of soy sauce and dash or two of sesame oil, and you have an undeniably tasty (and healthy) meal. Serve over rice or noodles as a full dish.
Omelettes and Frittatas
Egg-based meals such as omelettes and fritattas, are great for any meal of the day and easy to mix up. Whisk eggs with a dash of milk and season with salt and pepper, then add them to a preheated skillet. Toss in fillings such as cheese, spinach, mushrooms or ham. For frittata-like firmness, cook gently on the stove and transfer to finish in the oven. They’re budget friendly, quick to throw together and packed full of protein.
Homemade Soups
Soups soothe and simmering them from scratch is easier than it sounds. For a simple soup, you could sauté onions, carrots and celery in a pan, then add broth of your choice, plus beans, lentils or sliced chicken. Simmer until cooked through. A quick tomato soup can be had by pureeing canned tomatoes with sautéed garlic and onions, then simmering the mixture with broth. Soups can be frozen and make for great meal prep.
Tomato Soup And Classic Grilled Cheese Sandwich
A grilled cheese with tomato soup, a timeless yet simple pairing that is nothing short of comforting. For the sandwich, place cheese of your choice between slices of bread, butter the outsides and grill on a pan till golden. The soup comes together by puréeing tomatoes, broth and seasonings and simmering it briefly. It doesn’t get more simply delicious than this meal.
Chicken Stir-Fry
If you need a fast and healthy solution, consider chicken stir-fry which can be done in no time. Cut the chicken breast into strips and a variety of vegetables such as bell peppers and broccoli. Bring them up in a hot pan with a little oil, and add soy sauce, ginger and garlic for flavour. This dish is protein and veggie packed and can be served alone or with rice or noodles for a heartier full meal.
Easy Tacos
Tacos are an easy and fun-to-make dish; when it comes to the filling, anything goes! Begin with a protein ground beef, chicken or beans flavored with cumin, paprika and garlic. Wrap it in taco shells, and top with lettuce, tomato, cheese or avocado. Salsas or hot sauce give even more flavor layers, and everyone can make a taco to their liking.
Baked Potatoes
Baked potatoes are the definition of simple comfort food. Just wash, prick with a fork and bake until tender. Slice open and fill with whatever toppings you like, including sour cream, shredded cheese, bacon bits or steamed broccoli. They make an entire meal unto themselves, but can also be served as a substantial side.
Pancakes from Scratch
Homemade pancakes are easy to prepare and so much better than pre-made mixes. Batter Mix flour, baking powder, sugar, milk eggs and butter. Pour onto a hot griddle to bubble. Top with syrup, fresh fruit or yogurt for a versatile breakfast or brunch.
Vegetable Stir-Fry
A vegetable stir-fry is such a great way to use up leftover veggies and it’s both fast and healthy. Just warm some oil in a pan, tweak (this is part of the tweaking) mixed vegetables – bell peppers and carrots, say – them and stir-fry with soy sauce and ginger. Feel free to add some tofu or tempeh for more protein; it tastes great here.
These simple homemade foods can broaden your kitchen repertoire, and they are also convenient. You get great flavors without a sacrifice in nutrition. Ideal for the beginner cook and those looking to cut out processed, packaged fare and kitchen time that it takes to make a healthy, delicious meal.
