As the pandemic lingers on, many people are spending more time at home, experimenting with new hobbies and skills. Cooking, in particular, has become a favorite pastime for many, as people discover the joy of preparing delicious meals from scratch.
But where do you begin? Cooking can seem daunting, with endless recipe options and unfamiliar ingredients. Fear not, for we have compiled a list of five easy recipes that will turn you into a master chef in no time.
1. Spaghetti Carbonara
There are few dishes as classic and comforting as spaghetti carbonara. This recipe requires only a handful of ingredients and can be prepared in just a few steps.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound spaghetti
– 1/2 cup pancetta or bacon, chopped
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 4 egg yolks
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook the spaghetti in a large pot of salted boiling water, until al dente.
2. While the spaghetti cooks, fry the pancetta or bacon in a skillet, until crispy.
3. In a separate bowl, beat together the egg yolks, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper.
4. Drain the spaghetti and add it to the skillet with the pancetta or bacon. Toss to coat.
5. Remove the skillet from the heat and pour in the egg mixture. Toss everything together until the sauce is creamy and evenly distributed.
This recipe is sure to impress your dinner guests, while also being a favorite among family members. Plus, it’s quick and easy to prepare, making it a perfect weeknight meal option.
2. Baked Chicken Fajitas
Fajitas are a beloved Tex-Mex dish that have gained popularity all over the world. This recipe eliminates the need for constant stovetop monitoring and instead bakes everything in the oven.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips
– 1 onion, sliced
– 2 bell peppers, sliced
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 teaspoon chili powder
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F.
2. In a large bowl, combine the sliced chicken, onion, bell peppers, olive oil, chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until evenly coated.
3. Spread the mixture in a single layer in a large baking dish.
4. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
5. Serve the fajitas on warmed tortillas with toppings of your choice, such as sour cream, salsa, shredded cheese, and guacamole.
This recipe is perfect for a family dinner or a casual get-together with friends. It’s simple, flavorful, and can easily be adjusted to feed a larger crowd.
3. One-Pot Creamy Tomato Soup
Tomato soup is a classic comfort food and a staple of many childhood memories. This recipe takes it up a notch with the addition of cream and the ease of making it all in one pot.
Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 1 onion, diced
– 1 garlic clove, minced
– 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes
– 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– Fresh basil, chopped, for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Add the onion and garlic, and sauté until softened and fragrant.
3. Add the crushed tomatoes, broth, salt, and pepper to the pot. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes.
4. Use an immersion blender or transfer the mixture to a blender and blend until smooth.
5. Add the heavy cream, stirring until heated through.
6. Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh basil.
This recipe is perfect for a cozy, autumnal evening at home. Serve it with a grilled cheese sandwich for the ultimate comfort meal.
4. Homemade Pizza
Pizza is a favorite food for many, but ordering takeout or delivery can get expensive. This recipe allows you to create the pizza of your dreams, with whatever toppings you desire.
Ingredients:
– Pizza dough (homemade or store-bought)
– Pizza sauce (homemade or store-bought)
– Shredded mozzarella cheese
– Toppings of your choice (such as pepperoni, sausage, green peppers, onions, mushrooms, and olives)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 450°F.
2. Roll out the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface, until it reaches your desired thickness.
3. Transfer the dough to a baking sheet or pizza stone.
4. Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a little room around the edges.
5. Add the shredded cheese and toppings of your choice.
6. Bake the pizza for 10-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
This recipe is perfect for a casual dinner party or a night in with friends. Plus, it’s a fun activity for kids to get involved in, as everyone can customize their own pizza.
5. Chocolate Chip Cookies
No list of easy recipes would be complete without a classic chocolate chip cookie recipe. This version is simple and straightforward, perfect for a beginner baker.
Ingredients:
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
– 3/4 cup white sugar
– 3/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the butter, white sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
5. Gradually mix in the flour mixture, then fold in the chocolate chips by hand.
6. Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
7. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown.
8. Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
This recipe is perfect for satisfying a sweet tooth, and the cookies can be stored in an airtight container for several days. Plus, it’s a great recipe to get creative with, as you can experiment with different types of chocolate chips, nuts, and other add-ins.
Summary
Cooking can seem overwhelming, but with these five easy recipes, anyone can become a master chef in no time. Whether you prefer classic comfort foods or more adventurous dishes, there is something on this list for everyone. So put on your apron, roll up your sleeves, and get cooking!
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