Whether you’re cooking for one or the whole family, finding easy recipes food is key to putting meals together quickly and easily. This collection includes everything from quick 30-minute meals to Instant Pot dinner ideas, as well as sheet pan suppers that require little clean-up.
All of these dishes feature five ingredients or less, so they can be made with items that are likely already in your kitchen. Plus, they’re sure to turn out tasty!
Roasted Vegetables
Roasting vegetables is a basic cooking skill that everyone should learn. It’s a great way to use up extra veggies in your fridge or pantry, and it also makes a delicious side dish for any meal.
The best roasted vegetables are those that caramelize nicely on the outside without overcooking on the inside. Temperature and how much oil you use can also influence how well your vegetables roast.
Keep an eye on your roasted vegetables in the oven, and give them a stir every quarter hour to make sure they’re roasting evenly. You’ll know they’re done when the veggies are fork tender and you start to see charred bits on the edges.
When the charred bits are cooked, remove the pan from the oven and transfer the vegetables to a serving platter. Season to taste with salt and pepper, and drizzle with a little lemon juice, if desired.
Stir-Fried Vegetables
Stir-fried vegetables are a great way to add lots of vitamins and minerals to your diet without much effort. The process involves cooking foods in a hot skillet or wok and then mixing them with a sauce for flavor.
The best thing about stir-fried vegetables is that you can easily make them with whatever you have on hand. This can include fresh or frozen veggies and canned Asian vegetables like bamboo shoots, water chestnuts, and baby corn.
A key to making a successful veggie stir fry is to cut the vegetables into uniformly bite-size pieces. This helps them cook evenly and makes eating easier.
It’s also a good idea to make the sauce ahead of time, as this will make the recipe go quickly once you start cooking. Once the veggies are cooked, combine them with the sauce and stir until it is well combined and coating all of the vegetables. This will ensure that the veggies are not overcooked or soggy, and you’ll have a delicious meal in no time!
Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are easy to make and have a mild, starchy flavor that goes well with a variety of dishes. They’re also a good source of fiber and vitamins C and A.
When they’re roasted or boiled, sweet potatoes get a tender texture that’s not too stringy. You can eat them plain or top them with savory or sweet flavors, depending on your preference.
Baked Sweet Potatoes – The easiest way to cook these hearty veggies is to roast them on a sheet pan with a little butter and seasoning. Add salt, pepper, and brown sugar for a savory option or cinnamon and a dollop of butter for a sweet option.
Smoky Sweet Potato Soup – If you love sweet potatoes, you’ll love this smoky-flavored soup that’s made with a healthy dose of smoked paprika. You’ll also want to add some sour cream for a creamy, dairy-rich finish.
Chickpeas
Chickpeas are a versatile legume that can be used in many recipes. They are also a great source of protein and iron.
They are also low in calories and can help you maintain a healthy weight. They also help manage blood sugar levels by slowing carb absorption to prevent a spike in blood sugar after eating.
This is especially beneficial for those with diabetes.
The chickpea has a lower glycemic index (GI) than many other foods and eats well with most diets. It also contains fiber, which may help control blood sugar.
Chickpeas are easy to make at home and they’re perfect for meal prep! Simply soak the beans for 12 hours or more before cooking. Then, cook them in your instant pot or slow cooker until soft. Then, drain and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
