Like Miranda Hobbes and Blair Waldorf before them, most of the intelligent, capable young women I know have no idea how to navigate a kitchen. I definitely fall into this category…I can pay my own bills and handle my university coursework. And yet, somehow, I can’t manage to put together a roast dinner to save my life. Eating out gets old and so do microwave dinners.
Needless to say, this piece was born out of necessity if nothing else.
I present to you three simple, healthy (read: there are a few vegetables included) recipes to get you started in the kitchen. Would a Gordon Ramsay reference be a cliche here? Screw it, Hell’s Kitchen can’t touch these gourmet meals.
Obviously I’m kidding, but that’s the beauty of life; it’s not a crime to suck at things, all you have to do is start small. Try out these meals if you’re up for the challenge, and don’t sweat it if your first try doesn’t produce the best thing you’ve ever tasted. Cooking, like any skill, takes practice.
Recipe #1: Chicken Broccoli Alfredo
This is probably the easiest out of the three meals to whip up in a rush.
Boil your pasta of choice for 9-10 minutes. In a separate pan, drop some olive oil in with your broccoli first, then add in your chicken. Experiment with spices, throw in a little bit of anything that sounds good, taste and repeat until you like it. Drain your pasta, saving some of the pasta water in a separate bowl. Add your jar of sauce, some heavy cream and a couple tablespoons of pasta water to your chicken and broccoli pan, season by taste again. When everything is mixed up together, toss your sauce onto your pasta and stir – add some parmesan and eat up. I like this pasta with a side of Texas Toast, or regular toast with butter and garlic powder if I’m desperate.
Ingredients: pasta (I usually eyeball it but around two cups), olive oil, one head of broccoli, two chicken breasts, your favourite spices (I always go for garlic powder, paprika and salt and pepper), half a cup of heavy cream, one jar of Alfredo sauce and parmesan cheese.
Recipe #2: Chicken Vegetable Stir Fry
I learned this trick from a friend; make your rice the night before and store it in the fridge overnight, it tastes better that way. Defrost your chicken breast the night before or in the morning, and cut it up when you’re ready to start cooking. Toss your chicken in a frying pan at medium heat with some olive oil and garlic. When the chicken is white on both sides but not fully cooked, add in your chopped carrots and broccoli. When those have softened, add in your chopped peppers and your rice. Stir combined ingredients, adding soy sauce, beef broth, chili powder and a smidge of paprika. Once everything is mixed together, and your chicken is fully cooked, you’re ready to eat.
Ingredients: two cups of white rice, two chicken breasts, olive oil, one garlic clove, three to four chopped garden carrots, one chopped broccoli head, two chopped peppers, soy sauce, one tsp beef broth, two tsp chili powder and half a tsp paprika.
Recipe #3: Homemade Macaroni & Cheese
I swear by this recipe with few minor tweaks:
You don’t have to mix all kinds of cheese if you don’t want to, I find cheddar and parmesan provide a good combination of texture. As well, for a creamier sauce, I recommend skipping the milk. Garlic toast is essential to enjoying this comfort meal in its purest form.
Ingredients: four cups of pasta, half a cup unsalted butter, half a cup all purpose flour, three and a half cups heavy cream, six cups shredded medium cheddar cheese, half a tbsp. salt, half a tsp. black pepper and one quarter tsp. paprika.
Remember, don’t worry if the finished product is not your favourite thing in the world. After all, these recipes were designed to fit my personal taste. The most important thing about fuelling your body is doing it in a way that suits you. If you were scared of the kitchen before you read this article, I hope you give one of these meals a chance. You might just surprise yourself.