Easy Cooking Recipes for Beginners: From Steaming Vegetables to Homemade Idlys

As a beginner in cooking, it can be both exciting and intimidating to start. Here are some simple recipes that can help you gain confidence and enjoy your culinary journey. Whether you're learning to steam vegetables, make a delicious frittata, or master a simple stew, these easy steps will guide you through the basics of cooking.

Easy Steaming Techniques for Vegetables

Steaming vegetables is one of the healthiest and easiest ways to cook. Here's a simple guide to get you started:

Select fresh vegetables: Choose sturdy vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or bell peppers. Fill a pot with water: Place a pot of water on the stove and bring it to a boil. Add a steamer basket: Place a steamer basket on top of the boiling water, making sure the water does not touch the basket. Steam the vegetables: Cook the vegetables for about 3 to 5 minutes. Check with a fork to ensure they are tender but still crisp. Drain and serve: Remove the vegetables from the steamer, drain any excess water, and serve immediately.

A Basic Frittata Recipe for Quick Weeknight Meals

A frittata is a versatile and delicious meal that can be made quickly with a few ingredients. Here's a simple recipe to try:

Ingredients: 4 eggs, 1 cup diced vegetables (like onions, peppers, and mushrooms), 1/2 cup chopped herbs (like parsley or chives), salt and pepper to taste. Instructions: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, beat the eggs and season with salt and pepper. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and add a bit of oil. Add the diced vegetables and sauté until they start to soften. Pour the egg mixture into the pan, add the herbs, and cook until the edges start to set. Place the skillet in the oven and bake for about 10 to 15 minutes, or until the frittata is set and golden. Cut into slices and serve warm or at room temperature.

Preparing Chicken in Different Ways

Chicken can be prepared in many different ways, from grilling to roasting. Here are a few simple methods:

Grilled Chicken: Brush the chicken with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and grill over medium heat for 6 to 8 minutes on each side. Baked Chicken: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Season the chicken with your favorite herbs and spices, place on a baking sheet, and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. Stir-Fried Chicken: Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and stir-fry it with vegetables like bell peppers and onions in a bit of oil for 3 to 5 minutes.

How to Make a Simple Stew and Chili

Stews and chilis are comforting dishes that require minimal effort and can be made with various ingredients. Here’s how to make each:

Simple Stew Recipe

Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef, 1 onion, 2 cloves garlic, 2 cups beef broth, 1 cup mixed vegetables (like carrots, potatoes, and peas), salt and pepper to taste. Instructions: Cook the ground beef in a large pot over medium heat until it is browned. Add chopped onions and garlic, cook until the onions become translucent. Add beef broth and mixed vegetables, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for 20 to 25 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve.

Chili Recipe

Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef, 1 onion, 2 cloves garlic, 28 oz canned tomatoes, 1 can kidney beans, 1 tsp chili powder, salt and pepper to taste. Instructions: Cook the ground beef in a large pot over medium heat until it is browned. Add chopped onions and garlic, cook until the onions become translucent. Add canned tomatoes, kidney beans, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce heat and let it simmer for 30 to 40 minutes, stirring occasionally. Season with more chili powder or salt if needed and serve.

The Story of My First Idly Experience

One day, a relative asked if I could cook, prompting me to try making idlis, a traditional Indian dish. Despite lacking proper instruction from my grandma or mom, I managed to create a dish that turned out surprisingly well. Here's the recipe I followed:

Ingredients: Idli batter (available in Indian stores or online). Instructions: Fill the idli container with 2 glasses of water, close the lid, and preheat on the stove. Grease the idli plates with a drop of oil and fill them with idli batter. Add an extra glass of water to the vessel as the water level will reduce during cooking. Place the batter-filled plates into the vessel and steam for 10 minutes. In the meantime, sauté 1 chopped onion, 1 tomato, a piece of ginger, and 2 cloves of garlic in a pan. Blend the sautéed vegetables into a thick paste using a mixer jar. Heat a bit of oil in a pan, add mustard seeds, cumin seeds, and jeera, followed by chopped onions and garlic. Add the vegetable paste to the pan, sauté for a few minutes, and mix in a pinch of salt. Enjoy the idlis with the chutney and save some to share with your family.

Therm from something small, it can be a great start. Thanks to my relatives for pushing me to cook that day!

Key Takeaways: Start with simple recipes to build confidence. Experiment with different cooking techniques to discover your taste. Enjoy the process and remember that homemade meals are full of love and care.