Quick and Easy Recipes for 2 Adults to Spice Up Your Meals

When you're a household of two, it can be easy to fall into a routine of cooking the same meals repeatedly. But knowing how to mix things up and try new recipes doesn't have to be daunting. Here, we'll explore some quick and easy recipes that are perfect for two, as well as tips for experimenting with new cuisines and meal services.

Exploring Crockpot Meals

If you're looking to expand your dinner menu, crockpot meals can be a great option. They're perfect for busy days, as the food cooks slowly over time, literally giving you a hassle-free dinner. By adjusting the spices, you can easily change the flavor and keep meals interesting. Try using different types of spices or even experimenting with herbs to create a variety of flavors.

Another option is to use meal services like Sunbasket, Blue Apron, and similar providers that offer recipes for couples. These services often cater to smaller family sizes and provide a wide range of recipes for two. You can easily choose the meal service that suits your taste and cooking preferences.

Popular Recipes for Two

When you cook for two, having a variety of simple yet satisfying recipes in your repertoire can make a huge difference. Here are a couple of favorites that can help you mix up your routine:

Seafood Chowder

A hearty and flavorful dish that can be prepared in about 30 minutes, Seafood Chowder is a comfort food staple. The key to this dish is to use fresh ingredients and allow the flavors to meld together. Here is a simple recipe to follow:

1 medium carrot, finely chopped 1 stick celery, finely chopped 3 medium potatoes, peeled and roughly chopped 4 cups chicken or vegetable stock 2 corn cobs or 125g can of corn kernels 500g marinara mix 200ml thickened cream 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Place the carrot, celery, and potatoes into a pot with chicken or vegetable stock, cover, and bring to the boil. Once boiling, reduce heat, remove lid, and simmer until the vegetables are tender. Process with a food processor or stick blender until smooth, and return to the pot.

Add the kernels from 2 corn cobs or around 125g of canned corn, and simmer for 10 minutes. Reduce heat to the lowest setting, and add the cream and marinara mix. Stir for about 3 minutes and season with chopped parsley, chives, salt, and pepper to taste.

Longreach’s Okonomiyaki Japanese Style Pancake

This unique twist on a traditional Japanese dish is perfect for a change of pace. Okonomiyaki is a savory pancake that can be filled with a variety of ingredients, but for a couple, a smaller version is perfect.

1/4 cabbage, finely chopped 1 medium carrot, coarsely grated handful of chopped spring onions 1 cup plain flour 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon sugar 1 cup soda water or 1 cup water and 1/2 teaspoon baking powder 2 eggs 1/3 cup Worcestershire sauce 1/3 cup tomato sauce Kewpie brand mayonnaise or similar finely chopped seaweed and/or bonito flakes (optional) Oil for the pan, about 2 tablespoons per side

Combine the flour, salt, sugar, soda water, and eggs in a bowl. If using soda water, let it sit for 15-20 minutes while preparing the other ingredients. Mix the tomato sauce and Worcestershire sauce together, and set aside.

Once everything is prepared and the pan is heating, divide the batter into two bowls. Add half the cabbage, carrot, spring onions, and meat to each bowl, and stir until well coated. Place the mixture from one of the bowls in the pan and shape into a pancake about 1 inch thick. Cook each side for about 3-3.5 minutes, turn out onto a plate, and brush or spoon on the sauce mixture to cover the top. Add stripes of mayonnaise, and garnish with seaweed and bonito flakes if available.

According to my Japanese sister-in-law, this is both delicious and an abomination. A successful recipe in her eyes, I simply love the challenge of creating something out of the ordinary.

Miscellaneous Tips

For those looking to cook for two, there are many cookbooks and recipes available online that are specifically designed for smaller families. Many recipes that are designed for four people can be easily halved, and the leftovers can be enjoyed later in the week or frozen for future use. Popular resources include:

Cooking For Two Recipes Quick and Easy Dinners for One Recipes Cooking For Two Recipes (Taste of Home)

By exploring a variety of recipes and meal services, you can keep your cooking skills sharp and continue to discover new and exciting dishes to enjoy with your partner.

Conclusion

No matter what you usually cook, the world of cooking is vast and always full of new possibilities. With a little creativity and a willingness to try new things, you can mix up your routine and add excitement to your daily meals. Whether you prefer traditional dishes or global fusion, there is something out there for everyone. Happy cooking!

Keywords: quick recipes for two, easy recipes for two, crockpot meals