Getting Started with Cooking: Easy Recipes for Beginners
Are you new to cooking and unsure where to start? Look no further! In this article, we’ll take a look at 18 easy recipes that are perfect for beginners. From classic scrambled eggs with herbs to simple vegetable stir-fry and homemade pizza dough, these recipes will help you build your culinary skills without feeling overwhelmed.
Whether you’re looking to cook up a quick breakfast or whip up a delicious dinner, these beginner-friendly recipes are designed to help you get started in the kitchen. With minimal ingredients and straightforward instructions, you’ll be cooking like a pro in no time!
Read on to discover our top 18 easy recipes for beginners that are sure to please even the pickiest of eaters.
Classic scrambled eggs with herbs
Start your day off right with this simple yet flavorful recipe that combines the richness of eggs with the freshness of herbs.
Ingredients:
– 2 large eggs
– 1 tablespoon butter
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Crack the eggs into a bowl and whisk them together with a fork until they’re well-beaten.
2. Heat the butter in a non-stick skillet over medium heat until melted.
3. Pour in the eggs and let them cook for about 30 seconds, until the edges start to set.
4. Sprinkle the parsley and chives evenly across the top of the eggs.
5. Use your spatula to gently scramble the eggs, breaking up any large curds as you go.
6. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until the eggs are cooked through and the herbs are fragrant.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 4-5 minutes
Homemade garlic butter pasta
A classic comfort food dish that’s easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser! This homemade garlic butter pasta recipe combines the rich flavors of melted butter, roasted garlic, and perfectly cooked spaghetti.
Ingredients:
– 12 oz spaghetti
– 3 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
– 2 tbsp unsalted butter
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Toss the minced garlic with 1 tablespoon of olive oil on a baking sheet. Roast for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
3. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
4. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add roasted garlic and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Combine cooked spaghetti, garlic butter mixture, and Parmesan cheese in the skillet. Toss until well combined and heated through.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Simple vegetable stir-fry
This recipe is a perfect way to use up any vegetables you have on hand, and can be customized to your taste preferences. With just a few simple ingredients and some quick cooking time, you’ll have a delicious and healthy meal in no time.
Ingredients:
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 onion, sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup mixed vegetables (bell peppers, carrots, broccoli, etc.)
– 1 teaspoon soy sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat the oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the onion and garlic; cook until the onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the mixed vegetables; cook until they are tender-crisp, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Stir in soy sauce to taste; season with salt and pepper as needed.
5. Serve hot over rice or noodles.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Basic fluffy pancakes
Start your day with a stack of tender, fluffy pancakes that are sure to please. This simple recipe yields a batch of light and airy breakfast treats that are perfect for a weekend morning or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 3 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1 cup milk
– 1 large egg
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together sugar, milk, and egg.
3. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined.
4. Fold in the melted butter.
5. Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat.
6. Drop batter by 1/4 cupfuls onto the skillet or griddle.
7. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until bubbles appear on surface.
8. Flip and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Creamy mashed potatoes
Elevate your side dishes with this rich and creamy mashed potato recipe, perfect for accompanying roasted meats or as a comforting standalone dish.
Ingredients:
– 3-4 large potatoes, peeled and chopped into 1-inch cubes
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: garlic powder, grated cheese, or chopped herbs for added flavor
Instructions:
1. Place the potato cubes in a large pot and add enough cold water to cover them. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
2. Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Add the heavy cream, butter, salt, and pepper. Mash the potatoes with a potato masher or a fork until smooth and creamy.
3. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. If desired, add garlic powder, grated cheese, or chopped herbs for added flavor.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Easy tomato basil soup
Warm up with a comforting bowl of this flavorful soup, featuring fresh tomatoes and basil as the stars of the show.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups chopped fresh tomatoes (or 1 can of diced tomatoes)
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
– 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4. Add the chopped tomatoes, broth, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
5. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until the soup has thickened slightly.
6. Stir in the chopped basil and adjust seasoning as needed.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Oven-roasted chicken thighs
Elevate your weeknight dinner game with this easy and delicious oven-roasted chicken thighs recipe. With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you’ll be enjoying juicy and flavorful chicken in no time.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1/4 teaspoon paprika
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Rinse the chicken thighs and pat them dry with paper towels.
3. In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, salt, black pepper, thyme, and paprika.
4. Place the chicken thighs in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Brush the mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken thighs.
6. Roast in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until cooked through.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Fresh garden salad with vinaigrette
In this simple yet flavorful recipe, you’ll learn how to create a delicious and refreshing garden salad with a tangy vinaigrette dressing.
Ingredients:
– 4 cups mixed greens (arugula, spinach, lettuce)
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1 cup cucumber slices
– 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, and crumbled feta cheese.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil and vinegar until well combined.
3. Pour the vinaigrette over the salad and toss to coat.
4. Sprinkle with chopped parsley and season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: None
Quick and easy banana bread
Banana bread is a classic treat that’s perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth. This recipe yields a moist and delicious loaf with minimal effort required.
Ingredients:
– 3 ripe bananas, mashed
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking powder
– 1/4 tsp salt
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
– Optional: chopped walnuts or pecans for added texture
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add mashed bananas, sugar, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Mix until smooth.
4. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and smooth top.
5. Bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 50-60 minutes
Perfectly boiled rice
Boiling rice can be a daunting task, but with these simple steps, you’ll achieve perfectly cooked rice every time.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup uncooked white or brown rice
– 2 cups water
– Salt (optional)
Instructions:
1. Rinse the rice in a fine-mesh strainer until the water runs clear.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed rice and water.
3. Add salt to taste, if desired.
4. Bring the water to a boil over high heat.
5. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the saucepan with a tight-fitting lid.
6. Simmer for 15-20 minutes or until all the water has been absorbed and the rice is tender.
7. Turn off the heat and let the rice sit for 5 minutes before fluffing it with a fork.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Homemade pizza dough
Make your own pizza dough at home with this simple recipe! With just a few ingredients and some basic steps, you’ll be enjoying freshly baked pizzas in no time.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups of warm water
– 1 tablespoon of sugar
– 2 teaspoons of active dry yeast
– 3 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon of salt
– 2 tablespoons of olive oil
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy.
2. Add the flour, salt, and olive oil to the bowl. Mix until a sticky dough forms.
3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
4. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours until doubled in size.
5. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Punch down the dough and shape into desired pizza form.
Cooking Time:
– Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 12-15 minutes, or until crust is golden brown.
Stovetop mac and cheese
A classic comfort food that’s easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser, this stovetop mac and cheese recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or weekend brunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound macaroni
– 2 cups milk
– 2 cups grated cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 2 tablespoons butter
Instructions:
1. Cook the macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
3. Add the flour and whisk to combine. Cook for 1 minute.
4. Gradually add the milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps.
5. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until thickened, about 5 minutes.
6. Remove from heat and stir in the cheddar and Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
7. Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until well combined.
8. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Baked salmon with lemon and dill
This recipe combines the richness of salmon with the brightness of lemon and the freshness of dill, resulting in a moist and flavorful dish perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
– 2 lemons, juiced
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh dill
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
3. Place salmon fillets on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Drizzle olive oil over the salmon, then sprinkle lemon juice and chopped dill evenly.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until cooked through.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Classic beef tacos
Experience the authentic flavors of Mexico with this classic beef tacos recipe. Tender beef, crunchy tortillas, and a burst of fresh toppings come together to create a deliciously simple meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound ground beef
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 packet taco seasoning
– 8-10 corn tortillas
– Shredded cheese (Monterey Jack or Cheddar work well)
– Optional toppings: diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, diced avocado, sour cream, cilantro
Instructions:
1. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.
2. Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until the onion is translucent.
3. Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the beef mixture and stir to combine.
4. Warm the tortillas by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving for 20-30 seconds.
5. Assemble the tacos by spooning the beef mixture onto a tortilla, followed by shredded cheese and desired toppings.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Stir-fried garlic green beans
A classic Chinese-inspired dish that’s quick, easy, and packed with flavor. This recipe is a great way to get your daily dose of green veggies without sacrificing taste or texture.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 teaspoon soy sauce (optional)
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Blanch the green beans for 4-5 minutes, or until tender but still crisp.
2. Drain the green beans and immediately submerge them in an ice bath to stop cooking. Pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
3. Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and stir-fry for 30 seconds, until fragrant.
4. Add the blanched green beans to the wok or skillet and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, until they’re well coated with the garlic and oil.
5. Season with soy sauce (if using) and salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Simple chocolate chip cookies
A classic favorite, these simple chocolate chip cookies are a perfect treat any time of the year. With just a few ingredients and easy steps, you’ll be enjoying warm, chewy goodness in no time.
Ingredients:
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking soda
– 1 tsp salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
– 3/4 cup white granulated sugar
– 3/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugars until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
4. Beat in eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
5. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
6. Stir in chocolate chips.
7. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.
8. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until lightly golden brown.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
One-pot spaghetti bolognese
Savor a classic Italian dish with this straightforward one-pot recipe that combines tender spaghetti, rich bolognese sauce, and perfectly cooked ground beef.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound ground beef
– 1 medium onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1 tablespoon tomato paste
– 1 teaspoon dried basil
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 12 ounces spaghetti
– Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.
3. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic; cook until the onion is translucent.
4. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, beef broth, tomato paste, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper.
5. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let cook for 10-15 minutes or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
6. Add the reserved pasta water and cooked spaghetti; toss to combine.
7. Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Roasted vegetable medley
A colorful and flavorful medley of roasted vegetables, perfect as a side dish or added to salads, wraps, and bowls.
Ingredients:
– 1 large sweet potato, peeled and cubed
– 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
– 1 large red bell pepper, seeded and sliced
– 1 large zucchini, sliced
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for added flavor
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a large bowl, toss together the sweet potato, carrots, bell pepper, and zucchini.
3. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with garlic, salt, and pepper.
4. Spread the vegetable mixture in a single layer on a baking sheet.
5. Roast for 25-30 minutes or until the vegetables are tender and caramelized.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Summary
Looking to spice up your culinary skills? Start with these 18 easy recipes perfect for beginners! From classic scrambled eggs with fresh herbs, to homemade pasta and garlic butter, simple vegetable stir-fry, and basic fluffy pancakes – there’s something for everyone. Plus, enjoy creamy mashed potatoes, easy tomato basil soup, oven-roasted chicken thighs, fresh garden salad with vinaigrette, and more. Whether you’re a novice cook or just looking to expand your repertoire, these recipes are sure to please.
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