The Secrets of Easy Cooking: Quick Recipes with Ingredients You Already Have

How many times have you stared at your fridge or pantry without a clue what to cook? Often, you don’t need a long list of fancy ingredients. With what you already have at home, you can prepare tasty, quick, and creative dishes. Here are some ideas to turn a few basic ingredients into delicious recipes.

Butter and Lemon Pasta

When all you have is pasta, butter, and a lemon, you can create a surprisingly flavorful dish.

• Cook the pasta and reserve a bit of the cooking water.
• In a pan, melt a knob of butter, then add the zest and juice of a lemon.
• Mix everything with the pasta and add a pinch of black pepper or Parmesan, if you have it.

Leftover Veggie Omelet

Got eggs and a few leftover veggies or cheese? An omelet is always the answer.

• Beat the eggs in a bowl, add a pinch of salt and any leftover ingredients chopped into small pieces.
• Cook in a non-stick pan with a drizzle of oil, and voilà: a complete meal in minutes.

Quick Legume Soup

With a can of chickpeas, beans, or lentils, you can whip up a warm and nourishing soup.

• Sauté an onion or a garlic clove in olive oil.
• Add the legumes, some broth (or water with a bouillon cube), and spices like paprika or rosemary.
• Simmer for 10 minutes and serve with a drizzle of olive oil and some bread croutons.

“Almost” Homemade Bread

Got flour, water, salt, and yeast? Then you can make stovetop bread.

• Mix the ingredients into a soft dough.
• Let it rest for 20-30 minutes, then divide it into small balls and roll them out thin.
• Cook in a hot non-stick pan, 2 minutes per side. Perfect for pairing with any dish!

Quick Dessert: No-Bake Cookies

When you’re craving something sweet, all you need are some biscuits, milk, and chocolate (or cocoa).

• Crumble the biscuits into a bowl and add just enough milk to form a dough.
• Shape into small balls, roll them in cocoa or chocolate flakes, and refrigerate for 10 minutes.

Final Tip

Simplicity in cooking doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor. Play with spices, aromas, and combinations to create dishes that reflect your creativity. Open your fridge with a smile: every ingredient is an opportunity!

Let us know which of these recipes you’ve tried!