15 Recipe Ideas With Common Ingredients
Savory Recipes
Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta
This flavorful dish combines succulent shrimp with garlic-infused buttery pasta. It's a quick and easy recipe that's perfect for a weeknight dinner. To make this dish, start by cooking your pasta according to the package instructions. While the pasta is cooking, heat a skillet over medium heat and melt some butter. Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook until fragrant. Then, add the shrimp and cook until it turns pink and opaque. Once the shrimp is cooked, toss it with the cooked pasta and drizzle some additional melted garlic butter on top. Serve hot and enjoy!
Caprese Stuffed Chicken
If you're a fan of the classic Caprese salad, you'll love this delicious twist on chicken. Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Butterfly chicken breasts and stuff them with sliced tomatoes, fresh basil leaves, and mozzarella cheese. Season with salt, pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil. Place the stuffed chicken breasts on a baking sheet and bake for about 25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through. The combination of juicy tomatoes, fragrant basil, and gooey cheese makes this dish a winner.
One-Pot Mexican Quinoa
For a healthy and flavorful meal that can be prepared in just one pot, look no further than this Mexican quinoa recipe. Start by heating some olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onions, bell peppers, and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until they soften. Next, add quinoa, vegetable broth, diced tomatoes, black beans, corn, and a mix of spices such as cumin, chili powder, and paprika. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer until the quinoa is fully cooked and the flavors have melded together. Serve it as a main dish or as a tasty side.
Spinach and Feta Stuffed Mushrooms
These savory stuffed mushrooms are the perfect appetizer for any occasion. Start by removing the stems from the mushrooms and set them aside. In a skillet, melt some butter and sauté finely chopped spinach and minced garlic until the spinach wilts. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly. In a bowl, combine the sautéed spinach mixture with crumbled feta cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stuff the mushroom caps with the mixture and place them on a baking sheet. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until the mushrooms are tender and the filling is golden brown.
These savory recipes are just the beginning of the delicious dishes you can create with common ingredients. Stay tuned for the next section where we explore some delectable sweet treats!
Vegetarian Delights
Roasted Vegetable Pizza
Ingredients:
- Pizza crust
- Assorted vegetables (e.g. bell peppers, zucchini, eggplant)
- Olive oil
- Tomato sauce
- Mozzarella cheese
- Fresh basil
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Slice the vegetables into thin strips and toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Spread tomato sauce evenly over the pizza crust.
- Sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the sauce.
- Arrange the roasted vegetables on top of the cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.
Mediterranean Chickpea Salad
Ingredients:
- Canned chickpeas
- Cherry tomatoes
- Cucumber
- Red onion
- Kalamata olives
- Feta cheese
- Fresh parsley
- Lemon juice
- Olive oil
Instructions:
- Rinse and drain the canned chickpeas.
- Dice the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and olives.
- Crumble the feta cheese.
- In a large bowl, combine the chickpeas, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, olives, and feta cheese.
- Drizzle with lemon juice and olive oil.
- Toss gently to combine.
- Sprinkle fresh parsley on top before serving.
Sweet Potato and Black Bean Enchiladas
Ingredients:
- Sweet potatoes
- Black beans
- Bell peppers
- Red onion
- Garlic
- Enchilada sauce
- Corn tortillas
- Shredded cheese
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Peel and dice the sweet potatoes.
- Rinse and drain the black beans.
- Dice the bell peppers and red onion. Mince the garlic.
- In a large skillet, sauté the sweet potatoes, black beans, bell peppers, red onion, and garlic until the vegetables are tender.
- Stir in the enchilada sauce and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Warm the corn tortillas in the oven or microwave.
- Spread a spoonful of the vegetable filling onto each tortilla.
- Roll the tortillas and place them in a baking dish.
- Top with shredded cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Quinoa Stuffed Bell Peppers
Ingredients:
- Bell peppers
- Quinoa
- Black beans
- Corn
- Cherry tomatoes
- Red onion
- Garlic
- Ground cumin
- Paprika
- Shredded cheese
- Fresh cilantro
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cut off the tops of the bell peppers and remove the seeds.
- Cook the quinoa according to package instructions.
- Rinse and drain the black beans.
- Cut the cherry tomatoes in half.
- Dice the red onion and mince the garlic.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, black beans, corn, cherry tomatoes, red onion, garlic, ground cumin, and paprika.
- Spoon the quinoa mixture into the bell peppers, filling them to the top.
- Top with shredded cheese.
- Place the stuffed bell peppers in a baking dish.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the bell peppers are tender and the cheese is melted and golden.
- Sprinkle fresh cilantro on top before serving.
These vegetarian recipes are packed with flavor and make use of common ingredients found in your pantry. Whether you're a vegetarian or simply looking to incorporate more plant-based meals into your diet, these dishes are sure to satisfy your cravings. Try them out and enjoy a delicious and wholesome meal!
Comfort Food Classics
Cheesy Baked Mac and Cheese
If you're in the mood for some ooey-gooey comfort food, look no further than Cheesy Baked Mac and Cheese. This classic dish is made with macaroni noodles smothered in a rich and creamy cheese sauce. It's the ultimate cheesy goodness that will warm your soul and satisfy your cravings.
To make this dish, start by cooking the macaroni noodles according to the package instructions. In a separate saucepan, melt butter and whisk in flour to create a roux. Slowly pour in milk and continue whisking until the mixture thickens. Add your favorite cheeses, such as cheddar and mozzarella, and stir until melted and smooth.
Combine the cheese sauce with the cooked macaroni noodles and transfer the mixture to a baking dish. Top with breadcrumbs for a crunchy texture and bake in the oven until golden and bubbly. The result is a mouthwatering dish that will leave you craving for more.
Beef Stroganoff
Beef Stroganoff is a classic Russian dish that has become a favorite comfort food around the world. It's a hearty and flavorful dish made with tender beef, mushrooms, and a creamy sauce. The combination of savory beef and creamy sauce creates a perfect balance of flavors.
To make Beef Stroganoff, start by sautéing thinly sliced beef strips in a pan until browned. Remove the beef from the pan and set it aside. In the same pan, sauté sliced mushrooms and onions until they soften and release their flavors. Add the beef back to the pan and pour in a mixture of beef broth and sour cream.
Simmer the mixture for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Season with salt, pepper, and a touch of Worcestershire sauce for added depth of flavor. Serve the Beef Stroganoff over cooked egg noodles or rice for a hearty and satisfying meal.
Chicken Pot Pie
Chicken Pot Pie is a classic comfort food that brings back memories of home-cooked meals. It's a savory pie filled with tender chicken, vegetables, and a rich creamy sauce. The combination of flavors and textures makes it the ultimate comfort food.
To make Chicken Pot Pie, start by cooking chicken breasts until they are fully cooked and then shred them into bite-sized pieces. In a separate pan, sauté diced onions, carrots, and celery until they are tender. Add flour to create a roux, then slowly pour in chicken broth and milk, whisking constantly.
Add the shredded chicken, frozen peas, and any additional vegetables of your choice to the pan. Season with salt, pepper, and herbs like thyme or parsley for added flavor. Pour the mixture into a pie crust or individual ramekins and cover with a second layer of pie crust. Bake until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
Creamy Tomato Basil Soup
There's nothing quite like a warm bowl of soup to comfort you on a cold day, and Creamy Tomato Basil Soup does just that. This soup is made with ripe tomatoes, fresh basil, and a touch of cream for a silky and flavorful combination.
To make this soup, start by sautéing diced onions and minced garlic in a large pot until they are soft and fragrant. Add diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and vegetable broth to the pot. Simmer the mixture for about 20 minutes to allow the flavors to develop.
Once the soup has simmered, blend it until smooth using an immersion blender or a regular blender. Return the soup to the pot and stir in heavy cream and fresh basil leaves. Season with salt and pepper to taste and let it simmer for a few more minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Serve the Creamy Tomato Basil Soup with a sprinkle of fresh basil on top and a side of crusty bread for a satisfying and comforting meal.
These comfort food classics are just a few examples of the delicious dishes you can create using common ingredients found in your pantry. Whether you're in the mood for a cheesy mac and cheese or a hearty beef stroganoff, these recipes will surely satisfy your cravings. So grab your apron, head to the kitchen, And let's get cooking!
Sweet Treats
Chocolate Chip Cookies
Everyone loves a classic chocolate chip cookie. With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a batch of these delicious treats in no time. Here's what you'll need:
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups chocolate chips
To make the cookies, start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Fold in the chocolate chips.
Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto ungreased baking sheets. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden brown. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
Banana Bread
If you have some ripe bananas sitting on your counter, why not turn them into a delicious loaf of banana bread? Here's what you'll need:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 4 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan and set aside.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. In a separate large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the mashed bananas, milk, and vanilla extract.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for 60-65 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Allow the banana bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Berry Crumble Bars
These berry crumble bars are the perfect combination of sweet and tart. Here's what you'll need:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces
- 1 large egg
- 2 cups fresh or frozen berries (such as strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish and set aside.
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add the cold, diced butter and use your hands or a pastry cutter to cut it into the flour mixture until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add the egg and mix until the dough comes together.
Press half of the dough into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form the bottom crust. In a separate bowl, combine the berries, granulated sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice. Spread the berry mixture evenly over the crust. Crumble the remaining dough over the top of the berries.
Bake for 45-50 minutes or until the top is golden brown. Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting into squares.
Vanilla Cupcakes with Buttercream Frosting
Who can resist a fluffy vanilla cupcake topped with smooth buttercream frosting? Here's what you'll need:
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup buttermilk
For the buttercream frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners and set aside.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In a separate large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Alternate adding the dry ingredients and the buttermilk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
Divide the batter evenly among the lined muffin cups, filling each cup about two-thirds full. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cupcakes to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
To make the buttercream frosting, cream the softened butter until light and fluffy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth and creamy. Pipe or spread the frosting onto the cooled cupcakes.
Enjoy these sweet treats made with common ingredients found in your pantry. They are sure to satisfy your cravings and impress your family and friends. Happy cooking!
