Delicious meals to make from simple ingredients

During uncertain times like this, people often turn to baking and cooking to pass the time and keep them occupied and the Covid-19 pandemic has been no different. For those with limited mobility and those who often require the use of a stairlift, going out to get fresh ingredients can be a struggle, so finding easy and simple dishes that only require a few ingredients can be really beneficial.

Delicious dishes don’t have to take hours to cook and don’t have to include lots of ingredients, simple and homely dishes can easily be created with a limited set of ingredients and limited time. Get your apron on and enjoy this selection of meals to make with simple ingredients.

Salmon and Basil One Pot

What could be more homely and warming than fresh and fragrant salmon that is easy and simple to prepare? Sheila Kiely who shares her wonderful recipes over on Gimme The Recipe suggested this simple and delicious dish called Salmon and Basil One Pot.

“With older palates in mind, I always veer towards fish as a good healthy easily digestible protein choice. It’s so quick and easy to cook and the flavour can be enhanced with the addition of a squeeze of lemon, splash of soy sauce or dash of pesto.”

You can find her simple recipe below that is perfect for those looking for a simple and quick dish to enjoy during the week.

Ingredients:

• 4 Salmon fillets
• 1kg baby potatoes
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 punnet of cherry tomatoes (on the vine if possible)
• 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• Small bunch basil
• Lemon and sour cream to serve

Method:

1. Pre-heat your oven to 220°C, whilst the oven is heating, cut the potatoes in half (skins on) and toss in a large roasting pan/dish with 1 tbsp of olive oil.
2. Once cut and prepared, put the potatoes on to roast for 20-25 minutes. Once the potatoes are cooked, toss them and then add the salmon fillets and tomatoes to the pot.
3. Drizzle 1 tbsp of olive oil over the salmon and tomatoes and drizzle 1 tbsp of balsamic vinegar only over the tomatoes and cook for a further 10 -15 minutes.
4. Meanwhile, boil the green beans for 2-3 minutes if using, scatter over the basil leaves before serving.
5. Serve with wedges of lemon and a dollop of sour cream and enjoy!

Lamb and Potato Bake

A warming lamb and potato bake is the perfect accompaniment to a cosy summer evening and is extremely simple and easy to make with very few ingredients and minimal preparation steps.

Combining lamb and potato with a delicious and rich tomato sauce, this tasty meal is perfect to prepare now and enjoy later.

Ingredients:

• 400g beef mince
• 1 onion, diced
• 700g potatoes
• 1 jar of tomato pasta sauce
• 1 jar of white cheese sauce (or make your own)
• Cheese for the top (optional)

Method:

1. Preheat the oven to 200°C, boil the potatoes for 10-12 mins or until soft to touch with a fork.
2. Whilst the potatoes are boiling, brown the onion and mince in a large frying pan until golden and brown. Pour in the tomato sauce and simmer for 5 mins to warm through.
3. Take the potatoes off the boil and let them cool to the touch. Slice finely and place to one side.
4. Layer the potato and mince mixture in alternate layers, adding layers of cheese sauce on every level. Add cheese to the top if you choose and cook in the oven for 35 minutes or until golden brown.
5. Serve with fresh vegetables.

Hearty Potato Stew

You can’t beat a delicious stew, especially when they include lots of staple ingredients most cupboards will contain. We spoke to James who shares some of his favourite recipes on Healthy Living James, this Hearty Potato Stew recipe is courtesy of him.

“Here is a nutritious recipe using easy to chop ingredients created in one-pot. Great for batch cooking and freezing for another day!”

Ingredients:

• 1 red onion diced
• 350g of mushrooms chopped
• 4 carrots chopped
• 3 celery stalks chopped
• 500g of baby potatoes sliced into halves
• 1 can green lentils drained and rinsed
• 2 400g tins of tomatoes
• 300ml vegetable stock
• 2 tbsp cacao powder

Method:

1. Heat a large pot with olive oil. Add in the garlic, onion, mushrooms and Tamari. Stir and cook for 5 minutes.
2. Now add the carrots, celery, potatoes, lentils, rosemary, bay leaves, tomatoes, veg stock and stir.
3. Add in the cacao powder, stir again until well mixed.
4. Place the lid on the pot and simmer for 30 minutes.
5. Serve with brown rice or quinoa and top with fresh parsley (optional).

Creamy Fish Pie

Fresh fish, creaming sauce and fluffy mash, what could sound better? This easy fish pie is simple to make and only includes simple ingredients, perfect for those evenings when you want a quick but nutritious dinner.

Ingredients:

• 1kg potatoes of your choice
• 400ml milk
• 1tbs butter
• 1 pack of fish pie mix (available at most supermarkets)
• Frozen sweetcorn
• Frozen peas
• Cheese for the top

Method:

1. Heat the oven to 200°C, peel and halve the potatoes and put them on to boil until soft.
2. When cooked, drain them and mash them with a dash of milk and a knob of butter until fluffy, then season with salt and pepper.
3. Put 25g butter and 25g flour in a saucepan on a low heat and stir until a batter is formed. Add the rest of the milk gradually to form a thick sauce.
4. Take off the heat and stir in the fish, sweetcorn and peas and stir. Add the mixture to your baking dish and spread evenly.
5. Spread over the mashed potato evenly and top with cheese, cook for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
6. Serve alone or with fresh vegetables.

There are so many dishes that can be created from the ingredients lying at the back of your cupboards, it just takes a little imagination and some spare time. So take a look in your kitchen cupboards and start creating some of these delicious dishes.

Delicious meals to make from simple ingredients:

• Salmon and Basil One Pot
• Lamb and Potato Bake
• Hearty Potato Stew
• Creamy Fish Pie

This news article is from Companion Stairlifts. Articles that appear on this website are for information purposes only.