Super Simple Dishes

[ScarySquirrel]

I like big fancy, elaborately planned meals as much as the next guy. But, I'm also a big fan of stuff I can basically whip up with no time at all - even if it's not all that special. Of course, it still has to taste good and this goes beyond just throwing some stuff in the microwave. For example, here's one of my favorite things to cook up that not only fills me up for a LONG time, but is decently healthy too.

Ingredients:
1/2 medium-sized onion: diced
3 cloves garlic
1 can (15 oz) of black beans - drain the liquid
1 can (10 oz?) of Rotel (or any other brand...) chopped tomatoes and chiles
1/2 can (approx. 8 oz) of whole kernel corn - drain the liquid
1 tbsp red cayenne pepper
1 tbsp chili powder (the stuff used to make the soup-like stuff... not chile powder)
1/2 tbsp taco seasoning

1. Spray your skillet with non-stick spray (or 1 to 2 tbsp of olive oil) and saute those onions 'til they start to look partially cooked.
2. If the onions are sizzling a little bit, turn the heat down slightly - then add the garlic. Pressing it is most effective. Cook this together for 1 or 2 minutes until it's really nice and aromatic.
3. Add that can of tomatoes and chiles with its liquid and everything.
4. Add that can of black beans and a little tiny bit of extra liquid just to help it along. Toss in the corn here too.
5. Add your dry seasonings here and make sure it's covering everything in here. You're going to let this simmer for about 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, so some of the liquid (but not all of it) cooks down a little bit and the dish gets nice and warm.
6. Watch the dish and make sure all the liquid isn't cooking down. If it does, it's not a big deal but just make sure to add a little bit more. It shouldn't be soup-like but stuff tends to burn if there isn't some liquid in there.

That's basically it. You can split it up into 4 small side dishes or it can make two okay-sized lunches. Like I said, pretty basic and simple, but it's REALLY good (try it... trust me).

I know some of you cats out there have to have something like this - so let's hear it. Hit me up with your simple dishes that are great tasting or just something that you love.

[Randetica]

pasta and ketchup :/

[AceFace]

really easy, but so yummy.

box of family sized mac and cheese shells. the kind with the ready to go creamy packet.
fresh broccoli
onion
veggie sausage patties (morningstar farms)
olive oil

boil noodles
saute onions in olive oil until tender then add as much faux sausage patties as you want, i use 4. cook until you can cut the sausage into small pieces and mix and cook more with onions.
while doing all the above, steam broccoli.

make mac and cheese and combine all the ingredients and enjoy.

gah, it's so dang tasty! i make this about every other week.

[insertnamehere]

Something my granddad made a lot that I really liked was basically just cook noodles, throw in a pan with browned ground beef and a canned diced tomatoes, with more pasta and tomatoes than beef. Let it all cook together long enough to let the noodles soak up some tomatoey goodness. This would probably awesome be awesome with sausage meat. It's also super cheap because pasta, ground beef, and canned tomatoes are all pretty affordable.

[HEIRESS]

asian lettuce wraps

cut up a cheap shitty steak into thin slices (or use ground meat)
sliced onion
fresh garlic
fresh ginger
soya sauce
hoisin sauce (any brand)
add chilis or chili sauce to make it hot.
and then add any veggies you want. to make it easy I add the pre-cut "broccoli slaw" (carrots, broccoli, purple cabbage) and then maybe some peppers or extra cabbage

this all cooks up in minutes flat, literally.
then I just wrap a couple spoonfuls into lettuce leaves and go at it.

I also add peanuts or cashews to the stirfry at the end and it takes it to the next level of awesomeness.

sure, you could just put it with rice/noodles but wrapping it in the lettuce leaves is just way more fun. plus you dont have to wait for rice to cook and can be eating in less than 20 minutes.

[hellojello]

Something my granddad made a lot that I really liked was basically just cook noodles, throw in a pan with browned ground beef and a canned diced tomatoes, with more pasta and tomatoes than beef. Let it all cook together long enough to let the noodles soak up some tomatoey goodness. This would probably awesome be awesome with sausage meat. It's also super cheap because pasta, ground beef, and canned tomatoes are all pretty affordable.

My dad used to make this - the sausage meat one... I think he may have put onions in it though... he called it 'spag stuff' which I thought he made up except then I met other people that have had it too.
Well pretty much everyone in my family hated it but my Dad.....I remember having to cook it and after the meat was fried up you'd have to drain the fat off and there was always like at least a cup worth :eek:
I don't think i'll ever eat it again tbh.

[MC Moot]

Pasta Carbonara

Ingredients:

½ cup whipping cream
½ cup grated parmesan or romano
1 egg
1 piece ¼ inch think pancetta (ital cured ham)
¼ cup white wine
Fresh ground black pepper
Pasta of your choice, preferably linguine

Method:

Mince up pancetta, pan fry in a drop of olive oil,when browned add wine,cook off alcohol, add cream,add cheese then in big pasta bowl with pasta done al dente add the egg and let the heat from the pasta cook it in,stir (this will make your sauce take to the pasta)again,stir it up with tongs,hit with the fresh ground pepper at serving…perfecto!...if ya like you can julienne some red pepper slices into it…and if you can’t get to the ital deli you can use typical north American bacon…this is a staple pasta dish in my arsenal…try it and you’ll love it 4 Eva...

[ScarySquirrel]

Kugel anyone? It's a traditionally Jewish dish that's really easy to make. I believe it's usually either a side or a dessert. Either way... it's really good and super simple. Plus people are impressed by it! For the record, no, I'm not Jewish... not like that would matter anyway.

Ingredients:
1/2 pound of wide egg noodles
1/2 stick of melted butter (4 tbsp)
1 pound cottage cheese
2 cups sour cream
1/2 cup sugar
6 eggs
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 cup raisins

1. First things first, get your oven pre-heated to about 375 degrees F (about 190 Celsius?).
2. Cook those sucker noodles up in some salt water. Probably for about 4 or 5 minutes. Drain the noodles.
3. In a big ol' mixing bowl, combine all the ingredients (even the noodles). Fold it all over until it's nice and mixed up.
4. Take out your 9 x 13 casserole dish, grease it up, and dump the contents of that mixing bowl into your casserole dish.
5. Bake until the custard looks pretty well set and the top is a nice golden-brown. This can take anywhere from 30 to 45 minutes.

Try this out for your next family gathering or big night of entertaining. They'll dig it.

[AceFace]

making this tonight. it seems incredibly simple! Baked Salmon with Coconut Crust.

http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Baked-Salmon-with-Coconut-Crust/Detail.aspx

[AceFace]

OMG that recipe was amazing and SUPER simple!

[HEIRESS]

Pasta Carbonara

Ingredients:

½ cup whipping cream
½ cup grated parmesan or romano
1 egg
1 piece ¼ inch think pancetta (ital cured ham)
¼ cup white wine
Fresh ground black pepper
Pasta of your choice, preferably linguine

Method:

Mince up pancetta, pan fry in a drop of olive oil,when browned add wine,cook off alcohol, add cream,add cheese then in big pasta bowl with pasta done al dente add the egg and let the heat from the pasta cook it in,stir (this will make your sauce take to the pasta)again,stir it up with tongs,hit with the fresh ground pepper at serving…perfecto!...if ya like you can julienne some red pepper slices into it…and if you can’t get to the ital deli you can use typical north American bacon…this is a staple pasta dish in my arsenal…try it and you’ll love it 4 Eva...

I wanna try dis!

[little j]

http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Kielbasa-Skillet-Stew/Detail.aspx

so seriously i made this with 1/2 kidney beans and 1/2 northern beans...

and with cornbread on the side (actually crumbled and mixed in) without the carrots though... because i didn't have any.

the chilis made a really good bite to the dish... and it was really good for leftovers!!

[MC Moot]

Another simple stunner is the Spanish Tortilla (http://www.foodtv.ca/recipes/recipedetails.aspx?dishid=4764)…this recipe is a little more complex,I usually just do eggs,potatoes and onions…but it’s so good,you need a small deep pan,cause it needs to be at least 4 or 5 inches thick and cut in pie like wedges…and it may served hot or cold…anytime of day or night…(y)

[spacemac9000]

MC Moot

You have good dishes:

1) I am a big fan of pasta Carbonara* [ and now thanks to you I can make it the right way ].

2) I already make a dish similar to your "spanish tortilla" [ again a watered down version of my moms recipe ].

* have you ever added peas to pasta carbonara ? It can be a delicious twist to any one who is gonna try this recipe.

[ET]

Ghetto Ass Stirfry

1 bag frozen stir fry mix (broccoli, asparagus, peppers... choose your fav)
1 frozen chicken breast
1/2 lb of Spaghetti noodles (preferably thin noodle. or whatever's cheap)
Cooking oil of some sort/butter/non-stick spray
Teriyaki sauce
Whatever spices you have lying around (black pepper, red pepper, Mrs. Dash etc.)
Cup of Water

First, set noodles to cook.

Cut defrosted chicken into thin but long strips. Try to imitate the size you see in Chinese restaurants so it'll cook quickly and thoroughly. Coat hot pan in non-stick substance. (I prefer oil because it'll fry the vegetables you add later and won't dry out the noodles) Season the hell out of your chicken strips and throw into pan until browned on both sides/cooked in middle. The seasoning and browning process is what is vital to the dish.

Once chicken is done, turn heat down a bit and add teriyaki sauce. Let simmer for a few seconds. Add a small bit of oil if chicken looks dry. Add vegetables and stir. Add small amount of water at a time if frozen vegetables get dry. This will help make a light sauce if it isn't already. Once vegetables are soft/slightly blackened, add noodles.

Make sure noodles are soft (should stick to wall if thrown) and drained before adding to veggies and chicken. Add even more teriyaki sauce and spices. Stir. Cover and let simmer upon stirring so that the noodles can absorb the moisture/flavor.

Easier than cake for those of you who say they can't cook. The frozen vegetables and the seasoning are really what makes this dish your own. Don't think not using fresh veggies is cheating. Really inexpensive and delicious. I eat it a lot.

[b i o n i c]

apple pie without the pie:

microwave 1 cored apple for 2 minutes
cut up
drizzle honey
sprinkle cinnamon

EAT.

YUM.

[paul jones]

bread
toaster
toast

[ET]

Make ramen without using the shitty seasoning; drain.
Add 2 tbl spoons of honey, one of olive oil, and however much Teriyaki you want per packet that you use. Throw in some white pepper or garlic.
Set on medium heat and serve after all noodles absorb sauce.

If you want to get fancy, break an egg into the boiling water around the 2 minute mark. Puncture the yolk when the white is cooked. Or after the above recipie, throw in some pre-cooked chicken breast. Voila.

[Lyman Zerga]

bread
toaster
toast


too much difficult work

[ScarySquirrel]

Make ramen without using the shitty seasoning; drain.
Add 2 tbl spoons of honey, one of olive oil, and however much Teriyaki you want per packet that you use. Throw in some white pepper or garlic.
Set on medium heat and serve after all noodles absorb sauce.

If you want to get fancy, break an egg into the boiling water around the 2 minute mark. Puncture the yolk when the white is cooked. Or after the above recipie, throw in some pre-cooked chicken breast. Voila.
This sounds like something I might try... thanks for the heads up.

[abcdefz]

This computer won't let me do a search, but lemme just advise you to get a rice maker, Squirrel.

In addition to rice, it'll steam vegetables or cook beans for you. Having something that so easily takes the chore out of making rice gets you halfway to "super simple" right there.

[ScarySquirrel]

This computer won't let me do a search, but lemme just advise you to get a rice maker, Squirrel.

In addition to rice, it'll steam vegetables or cook beans for you. Having something that so easily takes the chore out of making rice gets you halfway to "super simple" right there.
Thanks for the tip, my man. But... I've already got that one checked off my list. I'm steaming rice, vegetables, beans, and even meats in the sucker. Nothing beats just popping some chicken breast in the steamer, waiting 20 minutes and having perfectly cooked chicken.

[mate_spawn_die]

I like big fancy, elaborately planned meals as much as the next guy. But, I'm also a big fan of stuff I can basically whip up with no time at all - even if it's not all that special. Of course, it still has to taste good and this goes beyond just throwing some stuff in the microwave. For example, here's one of my favorite things to cook up that not only fills me up for a LONG time, but is decently healthy too.

Ingredients:
1/2 medium-sized onion: diced
3 cloves garlic
1 can (15 oz) of black beans - drain the liquid
1 can (10 oz?) of Rotel (or any other brand...) chopped tomatoes and chiles
1/2 can (approx. 8 oz) of whole kernel corn - drain the liquid
1 tbsp red cayenne pepper
1 tbsp chili powder (the stuff used to make the soup-like stuff... not chile powder)
1/2 tbsp taco seasoning

1. Spray your skillet with non-stick spray (or 1 to 2 tbsp of olive oil) and saute those onions 'til they start to look partially cooked.
2. If the onions are sizzling a little bit, turn the heat down slightly - then add the garlic. Pressing it is most effective. Cook this together for 1 or 2 minutes until it's really nice and aromatic.
3. Add that can of tomatoes and chiles with its liquid and everything.
4. Add that can of black beans and a little tiny bit of extra liquid just to help it along. Toss in the corn here too.
5. Add your dry seasonings here and make sure it's covering everything in here. You're going to let this simmer for about 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, so some of the liquid (but not all of it) cooks down a little bit and the dish gets nice and warm.
6. Watch the dish and make sure all the liquid isn't cooking down. If it does, it's not a big deal but just make sure to add a little bit more. It shouldn't be soup-like but stuff tends to burn if there isn't some liquid in there.

That's basically it. You can split it up into 4 small side dishes or it can make two okay-sized lunches. Like I said, pretty basic and simple, but it's REALLY good (try it... trust me).

I know some of you cats out there have to have something like this - so let's hear it. Hit me up with your simple dishes that are great tasting or just something that you love.


i found this recipe saved on a flash drive a couple weeks ago and made it twice already. thanks, ScarySquirrel. it's yummy. have you named this dish?

i'm calling it "Scary Squirrel Veggie Chili"

i come to this message board twice a year haha

[MCA4ever]

i found this recipe saved on a flash drive a couple weeks ago and made it twice already. thanks, ScarySquirrel. it's yummy. have you named this dish?

i'm calling it "Scary Squirrel Veggie Chili"

i come to this message board twice a year haha

I made this tonight and my family loved it! I substituted cannellini beans for the black and added chicken to the family's portions (lone vegetarian) everything else remained the same, excellent. Thanks for digging this up (y)

More easy recipes like this welcome :)

[Kid Presentable]

Kugel anyone? It's a traditionally Jewish dish that's really easy to make. I believe it's usually either a side or a dessert. Either way... it's really good and super simple. Plus people are impressed by it! For the record, no, I'm not Jewish... not like that would matter anyway.

Ingredients:
1/2 pound of wide egg noodles
1/2 stick of melted butter (4 tbsp)
1 pound cottage cheese
2 cups sour cream
1/2 cup sugar
6 eggs
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 cup raisins

1. First things first, get your oven pre-heated to about 375 degrees F (about 190 Celsius?).
2. Cook those sucker noodles up in some salt water. Probably for about 4 or 5 minutes. Drain the noodles.
3. In a big ol' mixing bowl, combine all the ingredients (even the noodles). Fold it all over until it's nice and mixed up.
4. Take out your 9 x 13 casserole dish, grease it up, and dump the contents of that mixing bowl into your casserole dish.
5. Bake until the custard looks pretty well set and the top is a nice golden-brown. This can take anywhere from 30 to 45 minutes.

Try this out for your next family gathering or big night of entertaining. They'll dig it.

I made this, switched out a couple of ingredients for similar things. It was the fucking bolts.(y)

[Kid Presentable]

Make ramen without using the shitty seasoning; drain.
Add 2 tbl spoons of honey, one of olive oil, and however much Teriyaki you want per packet that you use. Throw in some white pepper or garlic.
Set on medium heat and serve after all noodles absorb sauce.

If you want to get fancy, break an egg into the boiling water around the 2 minute mark. Puncture the yolk when the white is cooked. Or after the above recipie, throw in some pre-cooked chicken breast. Voila.

I'ma try this. Does AU have an equivalent of ramen? Are they just instant noodles?

[MCA4ever]

I'ma try this. Does AU have an equivalent of ramen? Are they just instant noodles?

Lo mein noodles are pretty close to ramen. Let us know how it turns out :)

[Heather_D]

I love cooking with my slow cooker. A new recipe of sort I've found is to buy the frozen Tyson bar b que chicken wings & cook them in the slow cooker for a couple of hours. Chicken falls right off the bone. It also doesn't come out too bad if you use the boneless bar b que chicken strips. Pork ribs are also easy in the slow cooker- just pour a bottle of bar b que sauce in with ribs & cook on high for 4 hours. You won't even need a knife.

[MCA4ever]

I love cooking with my slow cooker. A new recipe of sort I've found is to buy the frozen Tyson bar b que chicken wings & cook them in the slow cooker for a couple of hours. Chicken falls right off the bone. It also doesn't come out too bad if you use the boneless bar b que chicken strips. Pork ribs are also easy in the slow cooker- just pour a bottle of bar b que sauce in with ribs & cook on high for 4 hours. You won't even need a knife.


Are you talking about the already fully cooked Tyson Bque chicken wings?

[Heather_D]

Are you talking about the already fully cooked Tyson Bque chicken wings?

Yes. The strips aren't bad to do either, but with less time (maybe check after 1 hour).

[MCA4ever]

Yes. The strips aren't bad to do either, but with less time (maybe check after 1 hour).

Never ate a chicken wing in my life but family & friends love them- will give it a try :)

[Heather_D]

That's right. You did say you were Vegetarian. Have you checked out any cookbooks by Linda McCartney? She had some pretty good recipes.

[MCA4ever]

That's right. You did say you were Vegetarian. Have you checked out any cookbooks by Linda McCartney? She had some pretty good recipes.

I love to cook different things for the family and have a ton of cookbooks but I am the only one who doesn't eat meat in our house. I rarely will ever prepare anything special for myself. I just make a variation of whatever Im giving them for dinner. I'm not a vegan so I will eat dairy and eggs (eggs have to be an ingredient through). I did hear Paul McCartney say he would never eat anything that once had a face and a heart. If I wasn't already a vegetarian that would have been enough to make me one. :)

[Heather_D]

Yeah. When I got into the Beatles big time in Jr High, my BFF & I went vegan (she still is). Even though I saw a nutritionist & took supplements, I still developed anemia. If I can find some recipes, I'll be sure to post them here. You should cook something special for yourself once in awhile.

Side note: Paul & Linda were at their house in Scotland & looked out at their flock of sheep. That's when they decided to go vegetarian. And their kids never ate meat growing up.

[MCA4ever]

If I can find some recipes, I'll be sure to post them here.

Thats sweet of you, thanks :)