Not everyone is a natural in the kitchen, and knowing what to make when you don’t know how to cook can feel like a challenge. But preparing delicious meals doesn’t have to involve complicated recipes, endless ingredients or fancy cooking techniques. Whether you’re cooking for one, feeding the family or simply trying to rely less on takeaways, a few simple dishes are all you need to get started.
ALSO SEE: Easy one-pan meals to make hectic weeks feel more manageable
Here are some beginner-friendly meal ideas that require minimal effort but deliver plenty of flavour:
1. One-pot pasta
Pasta is a great starting point for beginner cooks. Boil your favourite pasta according to the packet instructions, drain and toss with a ready-made tomato sauce, a drizzle of olive oil and grated cheese. Add some spinach, mushrooms or cooked chicken if you want to make it more substantial. It’s affordable, filling and difficult to get wrong.
2. Loaded baked potatoes
A baked potato makes an easy, satisfying meal with very little preparation. Pierce a potato with a fork, rub with a little oil and salt, then bake at 200°C until soft. Alternatively, microwave it until cooked through. Slice open and add toppings such as grated cheese, baked beans, tuna mayo, sour cream or leftover chicken.
3. Easy stir-fry
A stir-fry is a simple way to get vegetables into your meals without spending hours in the kitchen. Heat a little oil in a pan, add sliced chicken or beef and cook until done. Toss in a packet of ready-cut stir-fry vegetables and a splash of soy sauce. Serve with microwave rice or noodles for a quick dinner.
4. Breakfast-for-dinner
Who says breakfast is only for the morning? Scrambled eggs on toast, an omelette or a simple cheese and tomato toastie can make a perfectly good evening meal. Eggs are affordable, versatile and quick to prepare, making them an ideal ingredient for anyone still finding their confidence in the kitchen.
5. Easy tray-bake chicken
If you prefer a meal that practically cooks itself, try a tray bake. Place chicken pieces, chopped potatoes, carrots and onions on a baking tray. Drizzle with olive oil, season with salt, pepper and your favourite herbs, then roast at 200°C until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and the vegetables are tender. There’s minimal washing up, too.
6. Wraps and quesadillas
Wraps are wonderfully versatile and don’t require much cooking knowledge. Fill a tortilla with cooked chicken, grated cheese, lettuce, tomato and a sauce of your choice. For a quesadilla, fold the tortilla in half with cheese and your favourite fillings, then toast in a pan until golden and the cheese has melted.
7. Quick homemade soup
A comforting bowl of soup is easier to make than you might think. Sauté an onion in a little oil, add chopped vegetables such as carrots, potatoes or butternut, cover with vegetable or chicken stock and simmer until tender. Blend until smooth, season to taste and serve with crusty bread. You can also use frozen vegetables to save time.
Start simple and build your confidence
The secret to becoming more comfortable in the kitchen is to start with recipes that feel manageable. Don’t worry about mastering complicated techniques or preparing elaborate meals straight away. Learn a few basic skills, keep some convenient ingredients in your pantry and experiment with flavours as you go. Before long, you’ll find that cooking isn’t nearly as intimidating as it once seemed.
ALSO SEE:
Featured Image: Magnific
