Quick Home Cooking: Evaluate the Convenience of Preparing Dishes vs. Delivering from Restaurants

Many of us have experienced the convenience of having a meal delivered the comfort of our homes. However, it’s often more convenient and enjoyable to prepare your meals at home. This article examines the simple yet delectable process of cooking a delicious Instantaneous Hamburger and provides a number of other quick home cooking ideas that fall just as readily into your repertoire.

Instantaneous Hamburger: A Quick and Easy Home Cook Special

My go-to dish would be the Instantaneous Hamburger. It requires minimal preparation and yet can be a delightful meal for the entire family. Here are some detailed steps that take just about 15 minutes from freezer to table:

Ingredients and Equipment

Ground beef pucks (200gr each) Cast iron dutch oven with lid Water from the hot tap Oil or fat (for sautéing) Onion, diced Celery, diced Canned corn (drained) Canned diced tomatoes Pasta macaroni (penne bows, etc.) Pepper, salt, dried mixed herbs (optional) Hungry guests

Preparation Process

Take the ground beef pucks out of the freezer. If you have a microwave, briefly zap them for 2 minutes at 80% power. If not, that's okay too. Heat some oil or fat in your dutch oven and place the ground beef in it. Place a pot of hot tap water on the stove and bring it to a boil over high heat. Dice an onion and a piece of celery. Add canned corn and diced tomatoes, ensuring to drain the corn. Once the water is boiling, add pasta to the pot and let it cook for 7 to 10 minutes, uncovered. While cooking the pasta, break the ground beef apart with a spatula and stir frequently to ensure it browns and is loose. Season the meat with pepper, salt, and dried mixed herbs to your liking. Studies show that this simple seasoning can enhance the flavor of any dish without needing complex recipes. Add the canned vegetables to the meat and stir thoroughly. If using frozen mixed vegetables, add those instead of the corn. Add the cooked pasta to the meat mixture and stir until everything is well combined. Adjust seasoning if necessary. Turn the guests into the room for a pleasant dining experience.

While this dish might not be considered haute cuisine, it's a versatile and satisfying meal. I love adding HP sauce, fish sauce, or hot sauce to give it an extra kick. Asian fish sauces are particularly effective in enhancing the meaty flavor of the beef without imparting a fishy taste.

Famous Quick Recipes for Families

Below, I provide a list of some additional quick and simple home-cooked recipes that can be prepared within 15 minutes or less. These recipes are inspired by YouTube videos that I highly recommend:

1. Steak

A perfectly grilled or pan-seared steak can be a delightful meal. Ensure you let the steak come to room temperature before cooking, and use a cast-iron skillet for that perfect sear.

2. French Omelette

A well-prepared French omelette is not just a breakfast dish. It can be enjoyed as a light, but satisfying meal. Whisk eggs, season them, and fold gently to prepare the impeccable omelette.

3. Sashimi

For a light and fresh meal, homemade sashimi is an excellent choice. Quality fresh fish, wasabi, and a touch of soy sauce can make for a delightful meal.

4. Akoori (Look it up)

Akoori is a Korean beef dish that can be made quickly. Marinate the beef in soy sauce, garlic, and ginger, then quickly sear it in a pan. It's a delicious and simple dish that serves 4.

5. Spaghetti Carbonara

Spaghetti carbonara is a quick and satisfying pasta dish. Bacon, eggs, Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, and black pepper make a wonderful combination that's easy to prepare.

6. Fernand Point's Perfect Fried Egg

This renowned chef's recipe for a perfect fried egg could transform any dish it's added to. It's a straightforward method that guarantees a flawless fried egg every time.

7. Pommes de Terre à la Lyonnaise

Gently poach potatoes in beef broth with garlic, shallots, and butter for a classic French dish that’s both comforting and flavorful.

8. Baked Brie

A warm and gooey brie covered in fruit compote can be a simple yet elegant dessert. Arrange the compote on a baking dish, top with the brie, and grill until warm and bubbly.

9. Pasta Con Acciughe e Noci

This Italian pasta dish combines salty anchovies, rich pine nuts, and delicate pasta for a light, yet satisfying meal that can be prepared in a few minutes with ingredients typically found in most kitchens.

10. Pasta Olio e Oglia

A simple yet delicious pasta dish that's perfect for a quick and easy meal. Just toss spaghetti with olive oil, garlic, and red pepper flakes for a flavorful and healthy option.

11. Grilled Salmon Heads Split in Half

A grilled salmon head split in half is a unique and flavorful way to prepare fish. It's easy to make and combines the flavors of olive oil, lemon, and spices.

12. Sausages and Mashed or Steamed Potatoes

A hearty meal that combines savory sausages with creamy mashed potatoes or steamed potatoes can be made in a short amount of time. Top with a homemade gravy or danish mustard for an extra kick.

13. Pasta with Fennel and Black Olives

Fennel and black olives add a perfect combination of sweet, spicy, and salty flavors to pasta. It's a simple and delicious recipe that can be ready in less than 15 minutes.

14. Pasta with Onions, Canned Tuna, and Olives

This dish combines the briny taste of canned tuna with fresh onions and olives for a flavorful and nutritious meal. A simple yet satisfying option for a quick lunch or dinner.

15. Crostini with Onions and Anchovies

Crostini topped with a mixture of onions and anchovies is a delightful appetizer. It's easy to prepare and perfect for entertaining guests.

16. Pappardelle with Butter, Garlic, and Anchovies

Wide pappardelle pasta tossed with butter, garlic, and anchovies is a simple and elegant dish that's perfect for a quick dinner. It's a flavorful combination that will satisfy your taste buds.

17. Friggione (A Bolognese Dish)

Friggnione is a simple Bolognese dish that combines ground meats, onions, and tomatoes in a rich and flavorful sauce. It's a comforting meal that comes together quickly.

18. Sajshuka (Eggs in a Tomato Sauce)

Sajshuka, also known as eggs in a tomato sauce, is a hearty and comforting dish. It combines scrambled eggs with a tomato-based sauce for a simple yet delicious meal.

19. Risotto with Onions and Gorgonzola

Risotto is a comforting and delicious dish that requires only a few simple ingredients. In this version, onions and Gorgonzola cheese create a rich and flavorful sauce.

20. Risotto alla Puttanesca or Other Puttanesca-Style Recipes

Risotto alla Puttanesca is a flavorful and complex Risotto that combines tomatoes, anchovies, olives, and garlic. It's a perfect dish for a quick and impressive dinner.

These dishes are simple to prepare and can be cooked using a combination of fresh and canned ingredients, making them ideal for busy nights. Each dish offers a unique and tasty experience, and adapting the seasonings allows for creative customizations based on your preferences.

In conclusion, cooking at home can be both convenient and enjoyable. With the help of simple recipes and a bit of creativity, you can offer a wide range of meals that might otherwise only be available through restaurant delivery. Whether it's the Instantaneous Hamburger or another quick and easy recipe, learning how to prepare these meals can be a valuable skill that enhances the enjoyment of family dining even further.