What Are the Easiest Foods for a 23-Year-Old Learning to Cook?

Starting to cook can seem daunting, especially when you're a beginner. However, there are plenty of simple, healthy, and delicious dishes that you can master right away. Here are some of the easiest and most nutritious meals to prepare:

Porridge: A Healthy Breakfast Option

Beginners often struggle to find quick and healthy breakfast options. Porridge is an excellent choice as it requires minimal effort and ingredients. Porridge not only provides a good start to your day but is also packed with nutrients, making it the perfect meal for a busy young adult. Simply add a pinch of salt and your favorite spices to cooked oats for variation.

Protein-Rich Salad

A salad that is both nutritious and filling is perfect for those watching their carb intake. This salad combines sprouts, beans, cottage cheese, and tofu, all sprinkled with your preferred spices. It's not only delicious but also helps in building lean muscle and burning fat. To keep it dietary, avoid adding mayonnaise or other high-calorie sauces.

Bread Omelette

A bread omelette is an easy and filling meal that can be made with whole wheat bread and a choice of vegetable juice. Layer the vegetables, cook the omelette, and sandwich it between two slices of whole wheat bread. This dish is both nutritionally balanced and delicious, making it a winner for the morning or evening.

Dosa or Idli

For those who have access to the batter, dosa or idli can be a quick and tasty option. While idli batter can be purchased ready-made, making dosa from scratch is a fun and easy process. Simply pour a thin layer of batter on a hot skillet, cook until golden brown, and serve it with your favorite chutney or sambar. Both dishes are not only quick to prepare but also deeply satisfying.

Khichdi

Khichdi is another easy-to-make and healthy option. Mix rice and lentils in water, add cumin seeds, salt, and spices, and cook until soft. It is particularly beneficial as it boosts energy and provides essential nutrients. The preparation is straightforward, and the results are incredibly comforting.

Ragi Malt

The simplest and most nutritious meal to cook is ragi malt. Ragi, or finger millet, is not only low in fat and high in protein but also aids in reducing weight and cholesterol. Prepare it by simply soaking ragi in water overnight, cooking it in the morning, and adding some ghee or curds for taste. This dish is not only easy to make but also provides long-lasting energy and satiety.

Multi-Step Cooking Tips

For those looking to try out new dishes with interest, here are some easy recipes:

Basic Omelette: Simple and versatile, an omelette made with flour and water is straightforward. Plasticine-like dough is formed and flattened into a thin circle, then cooked in a preheated pan until golden brown. Serve it with your favorite sauce or condiment. Potato Dishes: Potatoes are incredibly versatile and can be used in a myriad of dishes. From a simple sabji (curry) to a baked potato, potatoes provide immense satisfaction and many dinner options. Bread-Based Dishes: Bread ka poha is a delightful way to use leftover bread. Simply fry the bread in a pan, add spices, and mix with poha (flattened rice). It's a quick and tasty snack or light meal. Upma: Poha upma is a popular recipe that requires minimal effort. Mix poha with vegetables, season with spices, and fry until crispy. This dish is both easy to make and nutritious. Simple Vegetable Sandwiches: Stacking sliced vegetables between two slices of bread, perhaps smeared with hummus or chutney, makes for a satisfying and quick lunch or snack.

Happy cooking! Start with these easy recipes, and you'll soon find yourself expanding your culinary horizons and enjoying home-cooked meals more often.