Simple Home Cooking Recipes

Simple Home Cooking Recipes

Cooking at home doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With a few basic ingredients and simple techniques, anyone can prepare delicious meals. Here are some straightforward recipes that will make your home cooking experience enjoyable and satisfying.

1. Classic Spaghetti Carbonara

Spaghetti Carbonara is a traditional Italian pasta dish that is quick to make and full of flavor. Here’s how to prepare it:

• Ingredients:
  • 200g of spaghetti
  • 100g of pancetta or bacon, diced
  • 2 large eggs
  • 50g of Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
• Instructions:
  • Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions.
  • In a pan, cook the pancetta until crispy. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute.
  • In a bowl, beat the eggs and mix in the grated Parmesan cheese.
  • Drain the spaghetti and add it to the pan with pancetta. Remove from heat.
  • Pour the egg and cheese mixture over the hot pasta and stir quickly to create a creamy sauce.
  • Season with salt and pepper, then serve immediately.

2. Chicken Stir-Fry

This chicken stir-fry is versatile and can be customized with your favorite vegetables. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight meal.

• Ingredients:
  • 2 chicken breasts, thinly sliced
  • 2 cups of mixed vegetables (bell peppers, broccoli, carrots)
  • 1 onion, sliced
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 3 tbsp of soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp of oyster sauce
  • 1 tbsp of cornstarch
  • 2 tbsp of vegetable oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
• Instructions:
  • In a bowl, mix chicken with cornstarch, salt, and pepper.
  • Heat oil in a large pan or wok. Add chicken and cook until browned. Remove from pan and set aside.
  • Add more oil if needed. Stir-fry garlic and onions until fragrant.
  • Add mixed vegetables and cook until tender-crisp.
  • Return the chicken to the pan. Add soy sauce and oyster sauce, stirring to combine.
  • Cook for another 2-3 minutes, then serve hot with rice or noodles.

3. Simple Pancakes

Pancakes are a breakfast staple. This recipe is easy to follow and produces fluffy, delicious pancakes every time.

• Ingredients:
  • 1 cup of all-purpose flour
  • 2 tbsp of sugar
  • 1 tbsp of baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp of salt
  • 1 cup of milk
  • 1 egg
  • 2 tbsp of melted butter
  • 1 tsp of vanilla extract (optional)
• Instructions:
  • In a large bowl, whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
  • In another bowl, beat the egg and mix with milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
  • Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined (lumps are okay).
  • Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat and lightly grease with butter or oil.
  • Pour 1/4 cup of batter onto the pan and cook until bubbles form on the surface. Flip and cook until golden brown.
  • Serve with your favorite toppings like maple syrup, fresh fruits, or whipped cream.

4. Baked Salmon with Lemon and Dill

Baking salmon is a healthy and delicious way to prepare fish. This recipe is simple but packed with flavor.

• Ingredients:
  • 4 salmon fillets
  • 1 lemon, sliced
  • 4 sprigs of fresh dill
  • 2 tbsp of olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
• Instructions:
  • Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
  • Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place the salmon fillets on it.
  • Drizzle olive oil over the salmon, then season with salt and pepper.
  • Place lemon slices and dill sprigs on top of each fillet.
  • Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork.

5. Vegetable Soup

A hearty vegetable soup is a great way to use up leftover vegetables. This recipe is straightforward and adaptable.

• Ingredients:
  • 2 tbsp of olive oil
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 carrots, sliced
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 4 cups of vegetable broth
  • 1 can of diced tomatoes
  • 1 cup of green beans, chopped
  • 1 cup of peas
  • 1 cup of corn kernels
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Chopped parsley for garnish
• Instructions:
  • Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté the onion, carrots, and celery until they begin to soften.
  • Add garlic and cook for another minute.
  • Pour in the vegetable broth and diced tomatoes. Bring the mixture to a boil.
  • Add green beans, peas, and corn. Reduce heat and let simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until vegetables are tender.
  • Season with salt and pepper. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

6. Guacamole

Guacamole is a quick and tasty snack or appetizer. This simple recipe ensures creamy and delicious results every time.

• Ingredients:
  • 3 ripe avocados
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 1 tomato, diced
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1 lime, juiced
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
• Instructions:
  • Scoop the avocado flesh into a bowl and mash it with a fork or potato masher.
  • Add chopped onion, diced tomato, and minced garlic. Mix to combine.
  • Pour lime juice over the mixture and season with salt and pepper.
  • Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired. Serve with tortilla chips or as a side to your favorite Mexican dish.

7. Scrambled Eggs

Scrambled eggs are a breakfast classic. Follow these steps for perfectly fluffy and soft eggs every time.

• Ingredients:
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1/4 cup of milk
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tbsp of butter
• Instructions:
  • Beat the eggs in a bowl with milk, salt, and pepper.
  • Heat butter in a non-stick pan over medium heat until melted.
  • Pour the egg mixture into the pan. Let it sit undisturbed for a few seconds.
  • Gently stir the eggs with a spatula, scraping the edges towards the center.
  • Continue to stir until eggs are just set but still slightly runny.
  • Remove from heat and serve immediately.

8. Garlic Butter Shrimp

This garlic butter shrimp recipe is simple yet packed with flavor. It’s perfect served over pasta or rice.

• Ingredients:
  • 500g of shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 4 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 4 tbsp of butter
  • 1 lemon, juiced
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Chopped parsley for garnish
• Instructions:
  • Heat butter in a large pan over medium heat until melted.
  • Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
  • Add shrimp to the pan, season with salt and pepper, and cook until pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes per side.
  • Pour lemon juice over the shrimp and toss to combine.
  • Garnish with chopped parsley before serving. Serve over pasta or rice.

9. Caprese Salad

A Caprese salad is simple yet elegant. It’s perfect as an appetizer or side dish.

• Ingredients:
  • 4 ripe tomatoes, sliced
  • 250g of fresh mozzarella, sliced
  • Fresh basil leaves
  • 2 tbsp of olive oil
  • Balsamic reduction for drizzling
  • Salt and pepper to taste
• Instructions:
  • Arrange tomato and mozzarella slices on a plate, alternating between them.
  • Place basil leaves between the slices.
  • Drizzle olive oil and balsamic reduction over the salad.
  • Season with salt and pepper. Serve immediately.

10. Chocolate Mug Cake

When you want dessert fast, a chocolate mug cake is the answer. This recipe takes only a few minutes and is incredibly satisfying.

• Ingredients:
  • 4 tbsp of all-purpose flour
  • 4 tbsp of sugar
  • 2 tbsp of cocoa powder
  • 1/4 tsp of baking powder
  • 3 tbsp of milk
  • 2 tbsp of vegetable oil
  • 1/4 tsp of vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt
• Instructions:
  • In a large microwave-safe mug, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
  • Add milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Stir until well combined.
  • Microwave on high for 1 to 2 minutes, or until the cake has risen and set.
  • Let cool for a minute before enjoying directly from the mug.