10 Simple and Delicious Recipes You Can Make with Just a Few Ingredients

Cooking doesn’t have to mean spending hours in the kitchen or using dozens of ingredients. Sometimes, the best meals are made with just a handful of components, focusing on flavour, simplicity, and convenience. Whether you're a novice in the kitchen, short on time, or working with a limited pantry, these recipes prove you can create something amazing without the complexity. Here’s an expanded look at 10 easy and satisfying recipes you can make with just a few ingredients.

1. Three-Ingredient Pancakes

• Ingredients: 1 ripe banana, 2 eggs, a pinch of baking powder.
• How to Make It:
• Mash the banana in a bowl until smooth.
• Whisk in the eggs and baking powder to create a batter.
• Heat a non-stick pan and pour small amounts of batter to form pancakes. Cook for about 2 minutes on each side.
• Why You’ll Love It:
• These pancakes are naturally sweet and packed with nutrients, making them perfect for a quick breakfast or snack.
• Extra Tip: Serve with honey, maple syrup, or fresh fruit for an extra treat.

2. Creamy Tomato Pasta

• Ingredients: Pasta, 1 cup tomato sauce, 1/2 cup cream or milk.
• How to Make It:
• Cook your pasta according to the package instructions.
• In a separate pan, heat the tomato sauce and stir in the cream or milk to create a rich, creamy texture.
• Drain the pasta, toss it into the sauce, and mix well.
• Why You’ll Love It:
• This dish is comfort food at its finest, and it’s ready in under 20 minutes.
• Extra Tip: Add a sprinkle of Parmesan or fresh basil if you have it for a gourmet touch.

3. Garlic Butter Shrimp

• Ingredients: Shrimp (fresh or frozen), 2 cloves garlic, butter.
• How to Make It:
• Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat.
• Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant.
• Toss in the shrimp and sauté until pink and cooked through, about 4-5 minutes.
• Why You’ll Love It:
• Packed with flavour, this dish works as a standalone snack or a topping for rice, pasta, or salad.
• Extra Tip: Add a squeeze of lemon or a sprinkle of parsley for an extra zing.

4. Loaded Avocado Toast

• Ingredients: Bread, 1 ripe avocado, salt.
• How to Make It:
• Toast your bread to your preferred crispness.
• Mash the avocado with a pinch of salt and spread it onto the toast.
• Top with additional ingredients if desired.
• Why You’ll Love It:
• Quick, nutritious, and endlessly customizable. Great for breakfast, brunch, or even a light dinner.
• Extra Tip: Add a poached egg, chili flakes, or a drizzle of olive oil for added flavour.

5. Quick Egg Fried Rice

• Ingredients: Cooked rice, 2 eggs, soy sauce.
• How to Make It:
• Heat a small amount of oil in a pan and scramble the eggs.
• Add the cooked rice and stir well.
• Pour in soy sauce to taste and mix until evenly coated.
• Why You’ll Love It:
• This is a fantastic way to use leftover rice while creating a satisfying meal.
• Extra Tip: Add frozen peas, diced carrots, or green onions if you have them for added texture.

6. No-Bake Chocolate Truffles

• Ingredients: Dark chocolate, cream, cocoa powder.
• How to Make It:
• Melt the chocolate with the cream over low heat and stir until smooth.
• Let the mixture cool in the fridge until firm enough to scoop.
• Roll into small balls and coat with cocoa powder.
• Why You’ll Love It:
• These truffles are rich, indulgent, and surprisingly easy to prepare.
• Extra Tip: Try adding a pinch of sea salt or orange zest to the chocolate mixture for a sophisticated twist.

7. Simple Caprese Salad

• Ingredients: Fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, basil (or arugula).
• How to Make It:
• Slice the tomatoes and mozzarella into even rounds.
• Alternate the slices on a plate and layer with fresh basil leaves.
• Drizzle with olive oil and a sprinkle of salt.
• Why You’ll Love It:
• Fresh, light, and perfect as a starter or side dish.
• Extra Tip: Add a drizzle of balsamic glaze to elevate the flavours.

8. One-Pan Lemon Herb Chicken

• Ingredients: Chicken breasts, lemon, dried herbs (e.g., thyme, oregano).
• How to Make It:
• Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and herbs.
• Sear the chicken in a pan with a bit of oil until golden on both sides.
• Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the chicken, cover, and let it simmer until fully cooked.
• Why You’ll Love It:
• A zesty, aromatic dish that’s both healthy and satisfying.
• Extra Tip: Serve with roasted vegetables or a side of rice.

9. Peanut Butter Cookies

• Ingredients: 1 cup peanut butter, 1/2 cup sugar, 1 egg.
• How to Make It:
• Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
• Mix all the ingredients in a bowl until smooth.
• Scoop onto a baking sheet and press with a fork to create a crisscross pattern. Bake for 10 minutes.
• Why You’ll Love It:
• These cookies are rich, chewy, and ready in no time.
• Extra Tip: Add chocolate chips or a sprinkle of sea salt for extra decadence.

10. Cheesy Quesadillas

• Ingredients: Tortillas, cheese, butter.
• How to Make It:
• Butter one side of the tortilla and place it in a heated pan.
• Add shredded cheese and another tortilla on top.
• Cook until the cheese melts and the tortilla is golden brown, flipping once.
• Why You’ll Love It:
• Crispy, gooey, and incredibly versatile—perfect as a snack or meal.
• Extra Tip: Include leftover chicken, veggies, or salsa for added flavour.

Conclusion: Less is More

These recipes show that simplicity can be delicious. With just a few ingredients and basic techniques, you can whip up meals and treats that satisfy both your cravings and your schedule. Cooking doesn’t have to be daunting—sometimes, less really is more. So, dive into your pantry, pick a recipe, and start creating! Bon appétit! 🍳✨