5 Easy Cooking Recipes for Beginners

Embarking on the journey of learning to cook can be both exciting and a bit daunting. The kitchen can seem like a complex laboratory for those who are new to cooking. However, with some simple recipes and basic techniques, anyone can become adept at preparing delicious meals. In this blog post, we'll explore five easy cooking recipes that are perfect for beginners, ensuring they are not only easy to follow but also taste great.

1. Spaghetti Aglio e Olio

If you've never cooked before, starting with an Italian classic like Spaghetti Aglio e Olio can be very gratifying. This dish, which translates to "garlic and oil," is incredibly simple yet packed with flavor.

Ingredients:

• 200g spaghetti
• 4 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
• ¹⁄₂ cup of extra-virgin olive oil
• ¹⁄₄ teaspoon chili flakes (optional, adjust to taste)
• Salt, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
• Parmesan cheese, grated (optional)

Steps:

1. Boil a pot of salted water and cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until it’s al dente.
2. While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
3. Add the sliced garlic to the pan, cooking until it’s golden brown. Be careful not to burn it.
4. Stir in the chili flakes if you’re using them.
5. Drain the pasta, reserving about a cup of the pasta water.
6. Add the cooked spaghetti to the pan with the garlic and oil, tossing to coat. If it seems too dry, add some of the reserved pasta water to get the right consistency.
7. Season with salt to taste, garnish with parsley, and serve hot with a sprinkle of Parmesan if desired.

🌟 Note: The quality of the olive oil will greatly influence the taste of this dish. Choose extra-virgin olive oil for the best flavor.

2. Cheesy Grilled Cheese Sandwich

The grilled cheese sandwich is a universal comfort food, ideal for those new to cooking because of its simplicity and forgiving nature.

Ingredients:

• 2 slices of bread (preferably a hearty white or sourdough)
• 1 cup of shredded cheddar or your favorite melting cheese
• Butter or margarine

Steps:

1. Spread butter or margarine on one side of each slice of bread.
2. Place a skillet over medium heat. Put one slice of bread, butter side down, into the skillet.
3. Layer the shredded cheese on top of the bread in the pan.
4. Top with the second slice of bread, butter side up.
5. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, until the bread is nicely toasted and cheese has melted.
6. Slice diagonally if desired, and serve warm.

🌟 Note: Experiment with different types of cheese or add tomato slices, bacon, or avocado for a gourmet touch.

3. Scrambled Eggs

Scrambled eggs are a kitchen staple, and making them can seem trivial but there's an art to getting them just right.

Ingredients:

• 2 large eggs
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• A splash of milk or cream (optional, for creamier eggs)
• Butter or olive oil for the pan

Steps:

1. Whisk the eggs in a bowl with salt, pepper, and a splash of milk if using.
2. Heat a non-stick pan over medium-low heat. Add butter or olive oil.
3. Pour in the eggs, and let them cook undisturbed for 30 seconds before starting to stir gently with a spatula.
4. Stir continuously until the eggs are softly set but still slightly runny.
5. Turn off the heat when they are cooked to your desired consistency as they will continue to cook from residual heat.

🌟 Note: To prevent overcooking, remember that eggs will continue to cook from the heat of the pan even after you've removed them from the heat source.

4. Roasted Carrots with Thyme

Cooking vegetables might seem simple, but roasting them can elevate their flavors, making this an excellent dish for beginners.

Ingredients:

• 4 large carrots, peeled and sliced into batons
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh thyme sprigs

Steps:

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Arrange the carrot batons on a baking sheet.
3. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with salt, pepper, and toss to coat evenly.
4. Tuck in sprigs of thyme among the carrots.
5. Roast in the oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the carrots are tender and slightly caramelized.

🌟 Note: You can use other herbs like rosemary or a sprinkle of cumin or paprika for different flavor profiles.

5. One-Pot Chicken and Rice

For those looking to tackle a slightly more complex dish, this one-pot chicken and rice recipe is both satisfying and straightforward.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 1 cup of basmati or long-grain rice, rinsed
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 carrot, diced
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Optional: herbs like thyme or parsley for garnish

Steps:

1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Season the chicken with salt and pepper, then brown it on both sides. Remove from pot and set aside.
2. In the same pot, add the onion and garlic, cooking until the onion is translucent.
3. Add the carrot and rice, stirring to coat in the flavors of the pot.
4. Return the chicken to the pot, add the chicken broth, and bring to a boil.
5. Once boiling, reduce to a simmer, cover, and cook for about 20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and has absorbed the liquid.
6. Season with more salt and pepper if needed, garnish with herbs, and serve hot.

In closing, these recipes illustrate that cooking doesn't have to be intimidating. Even with minimal ingredients and simple techniques, you can prepare flavorful and comforting meals. As you become more comfortable, don't hesitate to experiment with ingredients and flavors. Cooking is an art that improves with practice, and every dish you make is a step towards culinary mastery.