Effortless Eats: Super Simple Recipes

Cooking can be a daunting task, especially for beginners. But it doesn’t have to be! There are plenty of easy recipes out there that are delicious and simple to make. Here are a few of our favorites:

One-Pan Roasted Chicken and Veggies

This recipe is a breeze to make and results in a flavorful and healthy meal.

Ingredients:

1 whole chicken (about 3-4 pounds)

4 medium potatoes, cut into wedges

2 large carrots, cut into chunks

2 onions, cut into wedges

4 cloves garlic, minced

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon dried thyme

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine the chicken, potatoes, carrots, onions, garlic, olive oil, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat.
3. Spread the chicken and vegetables in a single layer on a large baking sheet.
4. Roast for 45-55 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
5. Let the chicken rest for 10 minutes before carving.

Spaghetti Aglio e Olio

This classic Italian dish is incredibly simple to make, but packed with flavor.

Ingredients:

1 pound spaghetti

4 cloves garlic, minced

1/4 cup olive oil

1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Parmesan cheese, grated (for serving)

Instructions:

1. Cook the spaghetti according to package directions.
2. While the spaghetti is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and red pepper flakes and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
3. Drain the spaghetti and add it to the skillet with the garlic and oil. Toss to coat.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with grated Parmesan cheese.

Sheet Pan Fajitas

This is a great recipe for a weeknight meal. It’s easy to make and you can customize it with your favorite toppings.

Ingredients:

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips

1 red onion, thinly sliced

1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced

1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced

1 tablespoon chili powder

1 teaspoon cumin

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1 tablespoon olive oil

Tortillas

Toppings: sour cream, guacamole, salsa, cheese, etc.

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine the chicken, onion, bell peppers, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat.
3. Spread the chicken mixture in a single layer on a large baking sheet.
4. Drizzle with olive oil.
5. Roast for 12-15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
6. Serve the fajitas in tortillas with your favorite toppings.

Easy Baked Salmon

This recipe is a healthy and delicious option for a weeknight dinner.

Ingredients:

1 pound salmon fillets

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 lemon, thinly sliced

1 teaspoon dried dill

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Rub the salmon fillets with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Place the salmon fillets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Top each fillet with lemon slices and dill.
5. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through.

Lentil Soup

This hearty soup is perfect for a cold winter day.

Ingredients:

1 cup dried lentils

1 onion, chopped

2 carrots, chopped

2 celery stalks, chopped

4 cloves garlic, minced

4 cups vegetable broth

2 bay leaves

1 teaspoon dried thyme

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Rinse the lentils and pick through them to remove any debris.
2. In a large pot, sauté the onion, carrots, and celery in olive oil until softened.
3. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
4. Stir in the lentils, vegetable broth, bay leaves, thyme, salt, and pepper.
5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30-40 minutes, or until the lentils are tender.
6. Remove the bay leaves and season to taste.

Hummus

This classic Middle Eastern dip is easy to make and perfect for a party or snack.

Ingredients:

1 (15 ounce) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed

1/4 cup tahini

1/4 cup lemon juice

2 cloves garlic, minced

1/4 cup olive oil

1/4 teaspoon cumin

1/4 teaspoon paprika

Salt and pepper to taste