18 Easy Cooking Recipes for Beginners You’ll Love

Looking for cooking recipes for beginners that won’t take hours in the kitchen? You’re in the right place! Whether you’re a university student, busy parent, or just starting your cooking journey, these simple recipes will help you create delicious meals with confidence.

From quick 20-minute pasta dishes to hearty one-pot soups, each recipe is designed with beginners in mind. Most use everyday ingredients you’ll find at your local supermarket, and can be prepared in under 45 minutes. Let’s get cooking!

Quick Chicken Cooking Recipes for Beginners

Chicken is perfect for beginner cooks; it’s affordable, versatile, and quick to prepare. These cooking recipes for beginners use basic techniques and everyday ingredients.

1. Quick Chicken Curry

This aromatic curry is a brilliant introduction to cooking with spices. The creamy sauce is forgiving and masks any small mistakes, making it one of the best cooking recipes for beginners. It’s faster than ordering takeaway and uses ingredients you probably already have in your cupboard.

Prep: 10 mins | Cook: 20 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 4

Ingredients:

• 200g white rice (1 cup)
• 1½ tablespoons of olive oil (20ml)
• 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
• 2 teaspoons of curry powder
• 120ml yoghurt (½ cup)
• 120ml cooking cream (½ cup)
• ½ teaspoon of coarse salt
• ¼ teaspoon of ground black pepper
• 1 x 400g tin of peeled tomatoes (optional)
• 1 boiled chicken breast (about 200g)
• Small handful of chopped fresh coriander (about 15g)

Preparation:

1. Cook the rice according to the packet instructions and set aside.
2. Heat oil in a saucepan over medium heat.
3. Add onion and cook until transparent and soft, about 5 minutes.
4. Add curry powder and stir for 1 minute to release the fragrance (this removes the raw spice taste).
5. Important: Reduce the heat to low, then add yoghurt and cream slowly whilst stirring constantly to prevent curdling.
6. Gently warm the sauce for 2-3 minutes on low heat (do not boil).
7. Add salt, black pepper, and tomatoes if using. Stir gently.
8. Remove from heat.
9. Arrange rice and shredded chicken in serving dishes, pour sauce over the top, garnish with coriander, and serve immediately.

Beginner Tip: Use a rotisserie chicken from the supermarket to save time! The key to this recipe is adding dairy products; on low heat, high heat will cause the sauce to split and look grainy.

2. Grilled Chicken with Mustard and Honey

This sweet and tangy chicken proves that impressive doesn’t mean complicated. With just four ingredients creating the flavour, it’s one of the easiest cooking recipes for beginners who want to impress family or guests. The marinade does all the work whilst you relax.

Prep: 10 mins + 1 hour marinating | Cook: 45 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 4

Ingredients:

• 4 chicken breast pieces (about 600g total)
• 2 tablespoons of Dijon mustard (30ml)
• 2 tablespoons of honey (30ml)
• 2 tablespoons of mayonnaise (30ml)

Preparation:

1. Preheat oven to 180°C (160°C fan/Gas Mark 4).
2. Mix mustard, honey, and mayonnaise in a bowl until well combined.
3. Coat chicken pieces thoroughly and marinate for one hour (or up to 4 hours in the fridge).
4. Place chicken in an oiled oven dish with 120ml (½ cup) of water.
5. Bake for 45 minutes until cooked through (internal temperature should reach 75°C) and golden brown.
6. Serve with rice or salad.

3. Chicken Fajitas

Fajitas are a fun, interactive meal that makes cooking feel like an event rather than a chore. This colourful dish teaches you about marinades and timing, essential skills in cooking recipes for beginners. Plus, everyone can customise their own wrap, making it perfect for picky eaters.

Prep: 15 mins + 4 hours marinating | Cook: 20 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 4

Ingredients:

• 500g chicken breast, cut into 2cm cubes
• ½ each of green, yellow, and red peppers (about 150g each), sliced
• 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil (30ml)
• 1 large onion, sliced

Marinade:

• 1 teaspoon each: curry powder, ground ginger, paprika, salt, black pepper
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil (15ml)

Preparation:

1. Mix all marinade spices with olive oil in a bowl.
2. Add chicken pieces, coat well, cover, and refrigerate for 4 hours (or overnight).
3. Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a frying pan on high heat.
4. Add marinated chicken and cook for 8-10 minutes until cooked through and slightly charred.
5. Remove chicken and set aside.
6. Add the remaining oil to the same pan, and reduce the heat to medium.
7. Fry onions for 3-4 minutes until soft.
8. Add peppers with a pinch of salt and pepper, cook for 5 minutes until tender but still slightly crisp.
9. Return chicken to the pan, mix well, and serve with warm tortillas.

Easy Pasta Cooking Recipes for Beginners

Pasta is every beginner cook’s best friend; it’s nearly impossible to mess up! These cooking recipes for beginners use simple sauces and readily available ingredients.

4. Pasta with Mushroom

This vegetarian pasta is proof that simple ingredients can create restaurant-quality results. It’s one of the most popular cooking recipes for beginners because mushrooms add a meaty texture that satisfies everyone, regardless of dietary preferences. The tomato-based sauce is nearly foolproof.

Prep: 10 mins | Cook: 25 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 4

Ingredients:

• 400g pasta (any shape)
• 200g mushrooms, sliced
• 20g cheddar cheese, grated
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves of garlic, crushed
• 60ml oil (4 tablespoons)
• ½ teaspoon each: salt, paprika, black pepper
• 1 litre of water (4 cups)
• 240ml tomato passata (1 cup)

Preparation:

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to the boil and cook pasta for 10-12 minutes until al dente. Drain.
2. Meanwhile, heat oil in a large pan over medium heat.
3. Add onion and garlic. Cook for 3 minutes until fragrant.
4. Add mushrooms and cook for 5 minutes until softened and golden.
5. Add 1 litre of water, paprika, and salt. Bring to a simmer.
6. Stir in tomato passata and cooked pasta. Mix until well combined.
7. Transfer to a serving dish and top with grated cheese.

5. Pasta with Tuna and Olives

Mediterranean flavours come together in this quick, budget-friendly dish. It’s one of those cooking recipes for beginners that feels fancy but requires minimal effort. The briny olives and flaky tuna create a sophisticated taste that belies how simple it is to prepare.

Prep: 5 mins | Cook: 20 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 4

Ingredients:

• 400g pasta
• 2 x 160g tins of tuna in spring water, drained
• 4 teaspoons of olive oil (20ml)
• 80g green olives (½ cup), sliced
• ¼ tablespoon of chilli flakes
• 2 teaspoons of dried basil
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 480ml tomato passata (2 cups)
• Pinch of salt and black pepper

Preparation:

1. Boil pasta in salted water according to packet instructions. Drain, reserving 30ml (2 tablespoons) of cooking water.
2. Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat.
3. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant (don’t let it brown).
4. Add tuna, breaking it up with a wooden spoon.
5. Add basil, passata, and olives. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Simmer for 5 minutes.
7. Add reserved pasta water to the sauce and stir well.
8. Add drained pasta to the sauce and toss to combine.
9. Serve immediately with fresh basil if desired.

6. Pasta with Cheese

Sometimes the simplest dishes are the most satisfying. This five-ingredient wonder is the ultimate comfort food and one of the first cooking recipes for beginners to master. It teaches you about timing, seasoning, and the magical way pasta water helps sauce cling to noodles.

Prep: 5 mins | Cook: 15 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 2

Ingredients:

• 230g pasta
• 60g butter (¼ cup) or 60ml vegetable oil
• 60g shredded mozzarella cheese (½ cup)
• 60g grated Parmesan cheese (½ cup)
• ¼ teaspoon each: salt, black pepper
• 1 clove of garlic, peeled and whole

Preparation:

1. Boil pasta in salted water with a splash of oil until al dente (check packet instructions). Drain.
2. While pasta cooks, rub the inside of a warm serving dish with the whole garlic clove to infuse flavour.
3. Place hot, drained pasta in a bowl.
4. Add salt, pepper, and butter (or oil). Toss until butter melts and coats the pasta.
5. Transfer to the garlic-rubbed dish.
6. Add both grated cheeses whilst the pasta is still hot and mix quickly, the residual heat will melt the cheese.
7. Serve immediately whilst hot and gooey.

Simple Vegetarian Cooking Recipes for Beginners

Vegetarian cooking doesn’t have to be complicated! These cooking recipes for beginners are packed with flavour and perfect for Meatless Mondays.

7. Vegetable Soup

This hearty soup is essentially a one-pot wonder that forgives virtually any mistake. As one of the most flexible cooking recipes for beginners, you can swap vegetables based on what’s in your fridge. It’s also perfect for batch cooking, make once, eat all week.

Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 35 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6

Ingredients:

• 5 teaspoons of vegetable oil (25ml)
• 1 large onion, finely chopped (about 150g)
• 2 large carrots, sliced into rounds (about 200g)
• 1 leek, chopped (about 125g)
• 4 cloves of garlic, crushed
• 1 litre of vegetable stock (4 cups)
• 2 medium tomatoes, cubed (about 200g)
• Small handful of chopped parsley (about 15g)
• 2 bay leaves
• ¼ tablespoon of dried thyme
• ½ teaspoon each: salt, black pepper
• 150g frozen peas (1½ cups)
• 150g frozen or tinned sweetcorn (1¼ cups)
• 3 medium potatoes, cubed (about 400g)

Preparation:

1. Heat oil in a deep saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add onions, carrots, leeks, and garlic. Sauté for 5 minutes until softened.
3. Add stock, tomatoes, potatoes, parsley, bay leaves, and thyme.
4. Season with salt and pepper, stirring until combined.
5. Bring to the boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer.
6. Add peas, cover, and simmer for 30 minutes until all vegetables are tender.
7. Add sweetcorn and cook for 5 more minutes.
8. Remove bay leaves, taste and adjust seasoning, then serve with crusty bread.

Storage Tip: This soup freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Cool completely before freezing in portion-sized containers.

8. Potato Gratin

This French classic looks and tastes impressive but is surprisingly straightforward. The creamy layers of potato make it one of the most elegant cooking recipes for beginners to master. It’s perfect as a side dish or even as a main course for vegetarians.

Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 30 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6

Ingredients:

• 8 medium potatoes (about 1kg), sliced into 5mm circles
• 500ml milk
• 500ml double cream
• ½ teaspoon each: ground nutmeg, white pepper
• 1 teaspoon of salt
• 3 cloves of garlic, crushed
• 100g mozzarella cheese, grated (1 cup)

Preparation:

1. Place potato slices in a large saucepan with the milk.
2. Bring to a gentle boil and simmer for 20 minutes until potatoes are just tender.
3. Meanwhile, rub the bottom and sides of an oven-proof dish with one crushed garlic clove.
4. Preheat oven to 180°C (160°C fan/Gas Mark 4).
5. Drain potatoes (discard milk or save for another use).
6. In a bowl, mix remaining crushed garlic with cream, white pepper, nutmeg, and salt.
7. Layer half the potatoes in the prepared dish.
8. Pour the cream mixture evenly over the potatoes.
9. Sprinkle grated mozzarella on top.
10. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the top is golden and bubbling.
11. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

9. Mozzarella Sticks

These crispy, gooey appetisers prove that cooking recipes for beginners can be fun and indulgent. They’re perfect for parties or as a treat for movie nights. The three-step coating process teaches you a technique used in countless recipes, from schnitzel to fried chicken.

Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 10 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 4

Ingredients:

• 250g block of mozzarella cheese
• 120g plain flour (1 cup)
• 120g breadcrumbs (1 cup)
• 2 large eggs
• Vegetable oil for frying (about 500ml)

For the dip:

• 120ml tomato sauce (½ cup)
• 2 tablespoons of dried thyme
• 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh parsley
• 1 teaspoon of salt
• 1 teaspoon of ketchup

Preparation:

1. Cut mozzarella into sticks about 1cm thick and 7-8cm long.
2. Prepare three shallow bowls: flour in the first, beaten eggs in the second, and breadcrumbs in the third.
3. Working with one stick at a time, coat in flour, then dip in egg, then roll in breadcrumbs. Ensure complete coverage.
4. Place on a plate and repeat with all sticks.
5. For extra crunch, double coat: dip breaded sticks back in egg, then breadcrumbs again.
6. Make the dip: Mix tomato sauce, thyme, parsley, salt, and ketchup in a small bowl.
7. Heat 2-3cm of oil in a wide, deep pan over medium-high heat (about 180°C test with a small piece of bread; it should sizzle immediately).
8. Fry mozzarella sticks in batches for 2-3 minutes until golden brown.
9. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on kitchen paper.
10. Serve immediately whilst the cheese is molten, with the dip on the side.

Beginner Tip: Don’t overcrowd the pan, and work quickly; you want the coating crispy before the cheese melts out!

Comforting Soup Cooking Recipes for Beginners

Nothing beats a warming bowl of soup! These cooking recipes for beginners are forgiving and freezer-friendly.

10. Corn Soup

This velvety soup is naturally sweet and comforting, perfect for cold days or when you’re feeling under the weather. It’s one of the gentlest cooking recipes for beginners because blending smooths out any inconsistencies. Children especially love this creamy, mildly flavoured soup.

Prep: 10 mins | Cook: 20 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6

Ingredients:

• 3 x 340g tins of sweetcorn, drained (about 600g drained weight)
• 1 medium potato, diced (about 150g)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped (about 100g)
• 1 clove of garlic, crushed
• 240ml double cream (1 cup)
• 1.2 litres of water (5 cups)
• 500ml chicken or vegetable stock (2 cups)
• ¼ teaspoon each: black pepper, salt (adjust to taste)

Preparation:

1. Place garlic, onions, potatoes, and sweetcorn in a deep saucepan.
2. Add water and stock.
3. Season with salt and pepper. Bring to the boil.
4. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 8-10 minutes until potatoes are soft.
5. Remove from heat and use a hand blender to purée until completely smooth (or transfer to a food processor in batches).
6. Return to the pan over low heat.
7. Stir in the double cream and heat gently for 2-3 minutes (do not boil).
8. Taste and adjust seasoning.
9. Serve hot, garnished with extra sweetcorn kernels and a crack of black pepper.

11. Potato Soup

Rich, warming, and deeply satisfying, this potato soup is the epitome of comfort food. As one of the most budget-friendly cooking recipes for beginners, it transforms humble potatoes into something luxurious. The cheese adds richness whilst keeping the recipe simple.

Prep: 10 mins | Cook: 25 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 4

Ingredients:

• 15g butter (1 tablespoon)
• 3 medium potatoes, cubed (about 450g)
• 1 medium carrot, cubed (about 100g)
• 1 onion, finely chopped (about 100g)
• 2 tablespoons of minced fresh parsley
• 1 teaspoon each: salt, black pepper
• ½ teaspoon of celery, finely chopped (or ¼ teaspoon celery salt)
• 2 chicken or vegetable stock cubes
• 45g plain flour (3 tablespoons)
• 720ml milk (3 cups)
• 100g grated mozzarella (1 cup)

Preparation:

1. Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add potatoes, carrots, onions, parsley, and celery. Stir for 2 minutes.
3. Add enough water to just cover the vegetables (about 500ml).
4. Add salt, pepper, and crumbled stock cubes.
5. Bring to the boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes until the vegetables are very soft.
6. In a separate bowl, whisk together milk and flour until smooth with no lumps.
7. Gradually pour the milk mixture into the soup, stirring constantly.
8. Simmer for 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the soup thickens.
9. Use a hand blender to purée until smooth (or leave slightly chunky if preferred).
10. Stir in the grated mozzarella until melted.
11. Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve hot with crusty bread.

Quick Breakfast Cooking Recipes for Beginners

Start your day right with these simple breakfast recipes! Perfect cooking recipes for beginners who are short on time.

12. Quick Omelette

The humble omelette is a rite of passage for all beginner cooks. Once you master this technique, you’ll never skip breakfast again. This is one of those essential cooking recipes for beginners that teaches you about heat control, timing, and the importance of not overcooking eggs.

Prep: 5 mins | Cook: 5 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 1

Ingredients:

• 3 large eggs
• ½ teaspoon of salt
• ¼ teaspoon of black pepper
• 60ml water (¼ cup)
• 15g butter (1 tablespoon)
• 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley

Preparation:

1. Crack eggs into a bowl and add salt, pepper, and water.
2. Beat vigorously with a fork for 30 seconds until well combined and slightly frothy.
3. Stir in chopped parsley.
4. Heat a 20-25cm non-stick frying pan over medium heat.
5. Add butter and swirl to coat the entire pan as it melts.
6. Pour the egg mixture into the pan when the butter is foaming but not brown.
7. Let it sit for 10 seconds, then use a spatula to gently push the edges towards the centre, tilting the pan so the uncooked egg flows to the edges.
8. When the omelette is mostly set but still slightly runny on top (about 2-3 minutes), fold it in half.
9. Slide onto a plate and serve immediately.

Beginner Tip: The key is medium heat, too high and the bottom burns before the top sets; too low and it becomes rubbery.

13. Spanish Omelette

Unlike the French version, the Spanish omelette is thick, hearty, and feeds a crowd. It’s one of the most forgiving cooking recipes for beginners because it’s meant to be rustic. Packed with vegetables, it’s nutritious enough to keep you satisfied until lunch.

Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 15 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 4

Ingredients:

• 1 medium onion, diced (about 100g)
• 1 medium tomato, diced (about 100g)
• 1 medium carrot, grated (about 80g)
• 1 green pepper, diced (about 100g)
• 1 medium potato, grated (about 150g)
• 1 cooked sausage, diced (about 80g)
• 4 large eggs
• ½ teaspoon of salt
• ¼ teaspoon of black pepper
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil (30ml)

Preparation:

1. In a large bowl, beat the eggs well.
2. Add all the diced and grated vegetables, sausage, salt, and pepper to the eggs. Mix thoroughly.
3. Heat olive oil in a 25cm oven-proof frying pan over medium heat.
4. Pour the entire egg and vegetable mixture into the pan, spreading it evenly.
5. Cook without stirring for 8-10 minutes until the bottom and sides are set and golden.
6. Meanwhile, preheat your grill to medium-high.
7. Transfer the pan to the grill (ensuring the handle is oven-proof) for 3-5 minutes until the top is set and lightly golden.
8. Remove from oven, let rest for 2 minutes, then slide onto a serving plate.
9. Cut into wedges and serve warm or at room temperature.

Alternative method: If you don’t have an oven-proof pan, carefully flip the omelette onto a plate, then slide it back into the pan to cook the other side for 3-4 minutes.

Tasty Side Dishes – Cooking Recipes for Beginners

Round out your meals with these delicious sides! Perfect cooking recipes for beginners learning new techniques.

14. Hot Crispy Potatoes

These spiced potatoes are addictively crunchy and far healthier than chips. As one of the most versatile cooking recipes for beginners, they pair with virtually anything from grilled chicken to burgers. The spice blend creates a complex flavour that impresses everyone.

Prep: 10 mins | Cook: 20 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 4

Ingredients:

• 500g potatoes (about 4 medium)
• 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil (45ml)
• 1 teaspoon of paprika
• ½ teaspoon each: onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper, salt
• ¼ teaspoon of chilli flakes

Preparation:

1. Peel potatoes and cut into 2cm cubes.
2. In a large bowl, mix all spices with the oil.
3. Bring a large pot of salted water to the boil.
4. Add potato cubes and boil for 5-7 minutes until just tender (they should still hold their shape).
5. Drain very well and let the steam dry for 2 minutes.
6. While still hot, add potatoes to the spice mixture and toss gently to coat evenly.
7. Preheat oven to 200°C (180°C fan/Gas Mark 6).
8. Spread potatoes in a single layer on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
9. Bake for 20-25 minutes, turning once halfway through, until golden and crispy.
10. Serve immediately.

15. Hamburger with Cheese

Nothing beats a homemade burger. This recipe proves that cooking recipes for beginners can rival restaurant quality. Making burgers from scratch teaches you about binding ingredients, shaping patties, and achieving that perfect golden crust, skills you’ll use in countless other recipes.

Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 15 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 3

Ingredients:

• 550g minced beef (20% fat content is ideal)
• Small handful of fresh coriander, chopped (about 10g)
• 1 small onion, very finely minced (about 80g)
• 2 teaspoons of Dijon mustard
• 1 egg yolk
• 2 teaspoons of olive oil (10ml)
• ½ teaspoon each: black pepper, salt
• ¼ teaspoon of white pepper
• 6 slices of cheddar cheese
• 3 lettuce leaves
• 3 burger buns

Preparation:

1. In a large bowl, combine minced beef, onion, coriander, egg yolk, mustard, and olive oil.
2. Season with salt, black pepper, and white pepper.
3. Mix gently with your hands until just combined (don’t overmix or burgers will be tough).
4. Divide the mixture into 3 equal portions.
5. Shape each portion into a patty about 2cm thick, making a small indent in the centre (this prevents doming during cooking).
6. Preheat oven to 200°C (180°C fan/Gas Mark 6).
7. Place patties on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
8. Bake for 12-15 minutes, flipping once halfway through, until cooked through (internal temperature should reach 70°C).
9. In the last 2 minutes, place 2 slices of cheese on each patty to melt.
10. Toast burger buns lightly if desired.
11. Assemble: bottom bun, lettuce, cheeseburger patty, top bun.
12. Serve immediately with chips and your favourite condiments.

16. Mini Burger

These bite-sized burgers are perfect for children’s parties, buffets, or when you want to try multiple toppings. As one of the quickest cooking recipes for beginners, they’re ideal for busy weeknights. They also teach portion control and uniform sizing, important skills in consistent cooking.

Prep: 10 mins | Cook: 10 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 4 (makes 12 mini burgers)

Ingredients:

• 400g minced beef
• ¼ teaspoon of salt
• 12 mini burger buns (or 3 regular buns, quartered)
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil (15ml)
• 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh parsley
• 2 tablespoons of ketchup (30ml)

Preparation:

1. In a bowl, mix minced beef with salt and parsley until just combined.
2. Divide into 12 equal portions (about 33g each).
3. Roll each portion into a ball, then flatten into a mini patty about 1cm thick.
4. Heat olive oil in a non-stick frying pan over medium heat.
5. Working in batches if necessary, fry patties for 3 minutes on each side until cooked through and golden.
6. Place each mini burger on a bun, add a small dollop of ketchup, and serve.

Party Tip: Thread each mini burger with a cocktail stick and stand them upright on a serving platter for easy grabbing!

17. Rice with Green Beans

This Middle Eastern-inspired dish is a complete meal in one pot. It’s among the most practical cooking recipes for beginners because it combines protein, vegetables, and carbohydrates. The aromatic spices make it feel exotic whilst remaining accessible and simple to prepare.

Prep: 10 mins | Cook: 30 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 4

Ingredients:

• 400g green beans, trimmed and halved
• 400g basmati rice (2 cups)
• 250g minced lamb or beef
• 3 tablespoons of ghee (45g) or 45ml vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon of salt
• ½ teaspoon of black pepper
• 600ml water (2½ cups)
• Handful of fried nuts (almonds or pine nuts) for garnish

Preparation:

1. Heat ghee (or oil) in a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add minced meat, breaking it up with a wooden spoon.
3. Cook for 5-7 minutes until browned, seasoning with salt and pepper.
4. Add green beans and stir for 2-3 minutes.
5. Add 600ml of water and bring to the boil.
6. Meanwhile, rinse rice under cold water until water runs clear (this removes excess starch).
7. When water boils, add the rinsed rice to the pan.
8. Stir once, then cover with a tight-fitting lid.
9. Reduce the heat to the lowest setting.
10. Cook for 20 minutes without lifting the lid.
11. Remove from heat and let stand, covered, for 5 minutes.
12. Fluff with a fork, transfer to a serving dish, and garnish with fried nuts.

18. Pizza in the Microwave (Quick Fun Hack)

Important note: This is a fun, quick hack for when you need food fast, but it won’t produce traditional pizza quality. Microwave cooking creates a softer, chewier base rather than a crispy crust. Think of it as a speedy snack rather than authentic pizza; it’s one of those playful cooking recipes for beginners that prioritise convenience over perfection. For proper pizza, use a conventional oven.

Prep: 10 mins | Cook: 5-7 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 2-3

Ingredients:

• 1 small pre-made pizza base (about 20cm diameter) or flatbread
• 120ml pizza or tomato sauce (½ cup)
• 80g mushrooms, thinly sliced
• 60g sweetcorn (¼ cup)
• 100g shredded mozzarella (1 cup)
• 50g black olives, sliced (½ cup)
• ½ red pepper, thinly sliced
• Small handful of fresh parsley, chopped

Preparation:

1. Place the pizza base on a microwave-safe plate.
2. Spread pizza sauce evenly over the base, leaving a 1cm border.
3. Scatter sweetcorn and mushrooms over the sauce.
4. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese evenly across the pizza.
5. Arrange olive slices and red pepper on top.
6. Microwave on high power (800W) for 5-7 minutes. Check at 5 minutes; cooking time varies significantly by microwave wattage. The cheese should be melted and bubbling.
7. Let it stand for 1 minute (it will continue cooking).
8. Garnish with fresh parsley and slice to serve.

Beginner Tips:

• Use a pizza base no thicker than 1cm for best results
• Don’t overload with toppings, or the base will be soggy
• If your microwave has a crisper function or grill setting, use it for the last 2 minutes
• For better texture, finish under a hot grill for 1-2 minutes (carefully transfer to an oven-proof plate first)
• This works better as a flatbread-style snack than traditional pizza

Better Alternative: If you have 20 minutes, use a conventional oven at 220°C (200°C fan/Gas Mark 7) for 10-12 minutes for much better results!

These 18 cooking recipes for beginners provide a solid foundation for anyone starting their culinary journey. From quick 15-minute omelettes to hearty 45-minute soups, each recipe uses simple techniques and affordable ingredients found in any supermarket.

Whether you’re cooking for one or feeding a family, these beginner-friendly dishes will help you build confidence in the kitchen. Start with the simplest recipes like pasta with cheese or a quick omelette, then gradually try more complex dishes as your skills improve. Remember, every expert cook started exactly where you are now: practice regularly, don’t fear mistakes, and enjoy the process of creating delicious homemade meals!

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