Simple recipes for someone who can't really cook!

10past6

Hi peeps

I'm doing some meal planning and so looking for a couple of simple recipes if possible for how to cook chow mein, and steak & kidney puddings, once cooked can I freeze the steak & kidney puddings?

I've used the search function, but nothings coming up

Churchmouse

Stephen_Leak wrote: »

They don't come much simpler than this ...

GARLIC & OIL PASTA (AGLIO E OLIO)

Per Person

INGREDIENTS

1 clove of garlic
1 tablespoon of olive oil
125ml of water
¼ of a teaspoon of salt
100g of spaghetti
Ground pepper to taste

METHOD

Peel the garlic and chop it into tiny pieces.

Put the oil into a frying pan on a moderate heat. Add the garlic. Fry the garlic for about 5 minutes until it is brown, stirring to stop it sticking.

Put the water and salt into a saucepan and bring to the boil. Put the pasta into the water. Stir it to stop it sticking to the bottom of the pan. Bring back to the boil and continue to cook, stirring to stop it sticking.

Begin testing it about 2 minutes before the packet instructions say it should be done. The best way to judge if pasta is cooked is to bite it. This is tricky, because if you fish out a bit and stick in your mouth you may burn your mouth on the boiling water. Wait a bit and blow on it, then bite it. If it is hard it needs longer. If it is chewy (or al dente, Italian for "to the teeth") it is ready. If it is soft it is overcooked.

Drain the pasta in a sieve or colander. Season with the pepper.

Always "take the pasta to the sauce". Put the pasta in the pan with the sauce and stir until thoroughly coated.

Great instructions!!! Thanks for vindicating me:D I get tired of saying that pasta does not need the time stated on the packet:rolleyes: No more than rice does;)

squeaky

10past6 wrote: »

Hi peeps

I'm doing some meal planning and so looking for a couple of simple recipes if possible for how to cook chow mein, and steak & kidney puddings, once cooked can I freeze the steak & kidney puddings?

I've used the search function, but nothings coming up

This will give you a start...

Loadsa Mushrooms(mushroom chow mein?)

And then...

steak and kidney threads here on MoneySaving Old Style

If nothing came up on your own searches it may be that your search is on the default setting which only looks back for one month. See the "How do I find things" bit of our "Welcome" sticky at the top of the Old Style forum.

10past6

squeaky wrote: »

This will give you a start...

Loadsa Mushrooms(mushroom chow mein?)

And then...

steak and kidney threads here on MoneySaving Old Style

If nothing came up on your own searches it may be that your search is on the default setting which only looks back for one month. See the "How do I find things" bit of our "Welcome" sticky at the top of the Old Style forum.

Thank you Squeaky :T

Stephen_Leak

Churchmouse wrote: »

Great instructions!!! Thanks for vindicating me:D I get tired of saying that pasta does not need the time stated on the packet:rolleyes: No more than rice does;)

You're welcome.

I try to pitch my recipes at someone who has never cooked before - which, of course, was all of us once.

In Italy, some even like their pasta "forte" or "strong". I remember Rick Stein saying that he wouldn't dare serve pasta like that, because he knew that everyone would complain that it wasn't cooked properly!

sophie131

Ok, I have volunteered to cook and shop for my family of four (2 adults, me-17, brother-16) because i'm fed up of having nothing proper in the house to eat and I have quite a lot of free time due to my college timetable. The thing is though, i've never properly cooked before (mainly beause my Mum will just buy ready meals, not because I don't want to!), let alone for the whole family. I was trying to write a list, but then I realised I didn't even know what I was cooking!! Has anyone got any ideas?
Hope this is in the right place!
Thanks

newlywed

What kind of ready meals do you like (ish) eating?

Start there. If everyone likes spaghetti bolognaise then start with that, or lasagna or shepherds pie or chilli etc (all recipes that can be used started with the same basic onion, mince and chopped tomato sauce)

tanith

Well good on you for taking on the task but I have to ask why are your parents not shopping and cooking for you and your brother?

You should start with simple things, think about what your family like... maybe look up some simple recipes online... I am sure lots of people will come in with ideas and suggestions.... make a list of things you would like to try then write a list of ingrediants that you will need... take a look and see what is in the store cupboard (if u have one) or you can build up a store cupboard week by week...
good luck

sophie131

I like eating pasta, my Mum likes pretty much everything but it's my Dad and brother who will just eat rubbish. They will eat chips, burgers, curry etc.
My parents do shop, but will literally just come back with a load of rubbish you can't make a single meal out of!
After losing 2 and a half stone last year I can see the weight slowly creeping up and if they won't change there shopping habit, i'll just have to change it for them!
Thanks for the help so far

tanith

Sophie you could start with really simple meals like salads , served with different meats, or buy some bacon steaks and grill them and bake some large potatoes and serve with salad... grill some chicken breasts and make some rice with peas and sweetcorn mixed through...