Recipes?

Recipe Help Needed!

Hello! I’ve come to the realization that I really struggle with cooking. I often try to make different dishes, but I end up failing because I tend to choose recipes that are beyond my skill level. It’s also tough to find quick recipes that match my taste. As someone with ASD, texture can be a hit or miss for me depending on the day.

I enjoy a wide variety of foods, but I seem to dislike the results when I cook them myself. Growing up, my meals were pretty bland, and I only learned to prepare simple dishes like plain pasta and chicken. I have a love for spicy foods, especially South Asian cuisine, but I can’t seem to find recipes that are both beginner-friendly and quick. I really crave flavors and don’t enjoy bland dishes. I also love African food, particularly jollof rice, which is the only recipe I’ve managed to get right.

Does anyone have any quick and easy recipes suitable for a beginner like me? I’ve been stuck in a rut, eating the same foods every day because I often mess things up or find them lacking compared to what I’ve tasted from others. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!


Comments

One response to “Recipes?”

  1. Hi there! It’s great that you’re interested in cooking and looking to expand your skills. Here are a few beginner-friendly recipes that are flavorful and don’t take too long to make. They incorporate spices and flavors that you might enjoy:

    1. Spicy Chickpea Curry

    Ingredients:
    – 1 can chickpeas (drained and rinsed)
    – 1 can coconut milk
    – 1 onion (chopped)
    – 2-3 tablespoons curry powder (adjust to taste)
    – 2 cloves garlic (minced)
    – 1 tablespoon ginger (grated)
    – Salt and pepper to taste
    – Optional: spinach or any veggies you like

    Instructions:
    1. In a pot, heat some oil and sauté the onion until translucent.
    2. Add garlic and ginger; cook for another minute.
    3. Stir in the curry powder, then add the chickpeas and coconut milk.
    4. Simmer for about 10-15 minutes. If using veggies, add them for the last 5 minutes.
    5. Season with salt and pepper, and serve with rice or bread.

    2. One-Pot Jollof Rice

    Ingredients:
    – 2 cups long-grain rice
    – 1 can diced tomatoes
    – 1 onion (chopped)
    – 2-3 cups vegetable or chicken broth
    – 2 tablespoons tomato paste
    – 1-2 teaspoons paprika or cayenne pepper (for heat)
    – 1 teaspoon thyme
    – Salt and pepper to taste

    Instructions:
    1. In a pot, heat some oil and sauté the onion until soft.
    2. Add the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and spices. Cook for a few minutes.
    3. Add the rice and broth; bring to a boil.
    4. Cover and reduce heat to low. Cook for about 20-25 minutes until rice is done.
    5. Fluff with a fork, adjust seasoning, and serve!

    3. Spicy Stir-Fried Vegetables

    Ingredients:
    – Any veggies you like (bell peppers, broccoli, carrots, etc.)
    – 2-3 tablespoons soy sauce
    – 1 tablespoon chili paste or sriracha (adjust for heat)
    – 1-2 cloves garlic (minced)
    – Optional: tofu or chicken for protein

    Instructions:
    1. Heat oil in a pan; add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
    2. Add your veggies (and protein if using) and stir-fry for about 5-7 minutes.
    3. Stir in soy sauce and chili paste. Cook for another couple of minutes.
    4. Serve over rice or noodles.

    Tips:

    • Prep in advance: Chop veggies and prepare spices beforehand to make cooking smoother.
    • Start simple: Don’t feel pressured to create complex dishes at first. Gradually build your skills.
    • Watch cooking videos: Sometimes seeing the steps can be really helpful.
    • Experiment with flavors: Feel free to adjust spices to match your taste preferences.

    Don’t be hard on yourself—cooking is a learning process! Enjoy the journey, and have fun exploring new flavors.

Leave a Reply