Quick Recipes Using Basic Ingredients: Easy Meals for Busy Nights

When you're short on time but still want a delicious meal, using basic ingredients can be a lifesaver. These recipes are not only simple and quick to prepare but also versatile, allowing you to adjust them based on what you have in your pantry. Whether you're a seasoned cook or just starting out, these meals will provide you with a delightful dining experience without the stress of a complicated recipe.

Pasta Aglio e Olio

Pasta: Spaghetti or any pasta Ingredients: Olive oil, garlic (sliced or minced), red pepper flakes (optional), salt, parsley (optional) Instructions: Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Reserve some pasta water then drain. In a pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking until garlic is golden. Add the cooked pasta to the pan along with a splash of reserved pasta water. Toss to combine. Season with salt and garnish with parsley if desired.

Vegetable Stir-Fry

Ingredients: Mixed vegetables (fresh or frozen), soy sauce, garlic (minced), olive oil (or any cooking oil), cooked rice or noodles (optional) Instructions: Heat oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Add garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds. Add mixed vegetables and stir-fry until tender. Pour in soy sauce and stir well. Cook for another minute. Serve over cooked rice or noodles if desired.

Egg Fried Rice

Ingredients: Cooked rice, eggs, soy sauce, green onions (optional), peas and carrots (optional), oil Instructions: Heat oil in a pan and scramble the eggs. Remove and set aside. In the same pan, add a bit more oil and stir-fry the rice. Add soy sauce and any vegetables you like (peas and carrots work well). Stir in the scrambled eggs and chopped green onions. Cook until everything is heated through.

Banana Pancakes

Ingredients: 1 ripe banana, 1 egg, 1/2 cup flour (optional), baking powder (optional), milk (optional) Instructions: Mash the banana in a bowl. Add the egg and mix well. For thicker pancakes, add flour and baking powder to the mixture. Adjust consistency with milk if necessary. Heat a pan and pour in the batter to form pancakes. Cook until bubbles form, then flip and cook until golden.

Tomato Soup

Ingredients: Canned or fresh tomatoes, onion (chopped), garlic (minced), vegetable or chicken broth, olive oil, salt and pepper Instructions: In a pot, heat olive oil and sauté onion and garlic until soft. Add tomatoes and broth. Bring to a boil then simmer for about 15 minutes. Blend the soup until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

These recipes are simple, quick, and adaptable, ensuring you can have a brand-new meal every night. They are not only delicious but also easy to customize to suit your tastes and dietary needs. Whether it's a busy weeknight or a weekend when you want something homemade, these recipes will always come in handy.