Are you stuck in a cooking rut? Are you searching for something new and exciting to make? Have no fear: journalist Lily Morgan is here to show you some must-have recipes to spice up your cooking in 2023. Whether you want to try a new cuisine or master a classic dish, these recipes are sure to tantalize your taste buds.
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Getting Started: The Basics
Before delving into the more intricate recipes, it’s important to have a few basics down. Learn to make a classic tomato sauce, a good vinaigrette, and a simple soup. Mastering these recipes will make cooking much easier, and you can use them as a base for more complex dishes.
Tomato Sauce:
Start by sautéing a finely chopped onion and a minced clove of garlic in olive oil until the onion is soft and translucent. Add in a can of diced tomatoes, a teaspoon of sugar, and a pinch of salt. Simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add a tablespoon of fresh oregano and basil and simmer for five more minutes. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning, if needed.
Vinaigrette:
Combine a tablespoon of Dijon mustard, a tablespoon of honey, a tablespoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice, and a ¼ cup of extra-virgin olive oil in a mason jar. Shake vigorously until the ingredients are combined. Taste and adjust the seasoning. This vinaigrette is perfect for salads or as a marinade for grilled vegetables.
Simple Soup:
Warm a tablespoon of olive oil in a pot over medium heat. Add in a chopped onion and sauté for five minutes. Add a diced potato, two cups of vegetable broth, and a teaspoon of salt. Bring the mixture to a boil, reduce the heat, and simmer for 20 minutes until the potato is soft. Stir in a cup of cooked white beans and a handful of chopped kale. Simmer for five more minutes. Ladle the soup into bowls and enjoy.
Must-Have Recipes
Now that you’ve got the basics down, it’s time to move on to some more interesting recipes. From pastas to curries, these dishes are sure to add some flavor to your dinner table.
Crispy Baked Falafel:
To make falafel, start by combining a can of chickpeas, a chopped onion, two cloves of minced garlic, a handful of chopped parsley, and a teaspoon of ground cumin in a food processor. Pulse the ingredients until they are combined. Add in a teaspoon of baking powder and pulse a few more times. Roll the mixture into golf ball-sized balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 minutes, flipping them once halfway through. Serve the falafel with hummus and a salad.
Pasta Carbonara:
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and add a pound of spaghetti. Cook the spaghetti until it’s al dente, about seven minutes. While the pasta is cooking, cook four slices of bacon in a skillet over medium heat until it’s crisp. Remove the bacon from the skillet and set aside. In a bowl, whisk together four eggs, a cup of grated Parmesan cheese, and a tablespoon of freshly cracked black pepper. When the pasta is done, reserve a cup of the cooking liquid and then drain the pasta. Return the pasta to the pot and add the egg mixture and the bacon. Stir to combine and add the cooking liquid as needed to loosen the sauce. Serve the pasta carbonara with extra Parmesan cheese.
Thai Red Curry:
Start by heating a tablespoon of coconut oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add in a tablespoon of minced garlic, a tablespoon of freshly grated ginger, and a tablespoon of red curry paste. Cook for one minute until fragrant. Add in a can of coconut milk and two cups of vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Add in two cups of diced vegetables, such as carrots, bell peppers, and broccoli, and simmer for five minutes until the vegetables are tender. Serve the curry with cooked jasmine rice and a sprinkle of chopped cilantro.
Chocolate Chip Cookies:
Nothing beats a classic chocolate chip cookie. Start by preheating the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. In a bowl, combine two and a half cups of flour, a teaspoon of baking soda, and a teaspoon of salt. In a separate bowl, cream together a cup of softened butter and a cup of packed brown sugar. Beat in two eggs, one at a time, then stir in a teaspoon of vanilla extract. Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients and stir until combined. Fold in two cups of semisweet chocolate chips and a cup of chopped walnuts. Drop spoonfuls of the dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 12 minutes. Enjoy with a cold glass of milk.
Conclusion
So don’t be afraid to get creative in the kitchen. Try out these must-have recipes and you’ll be sure to impress your dinner guests. As the late great Julia Child once said: “Find something you’re passionate about and keep tremendously interested in it.” So get cooking and enjoy every delicious bite. Bon Appétit!
