23 Jul Minimal Ingredient Recipes: Simple and Delicious Meals for Anytime

Cooking doesn’t have to be complicated to be delicious and nutritious. At Hickory Valley Retirement, we believe in the joy of preparing and sharing simple, wholesome meals. Minimal ingredient recipes are perfect for those who appreciate straightforward cooking without compromising on taste or health. Here are some easy-to-make recipes that require just a few ingredients, making mealtime both enjoyable and stress-free.

Breakfast: Avocado Toast

Ingredients:

• 1 ripe avocado
• 2 slices of whole grain bread
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Toast the slices of whole grain bread until they are golden brown.
2. Cut the avocado in half, remove the pit, and scoop out the flesh into a bowl.
3. Mash the avocado with a fork until it reaches your desired consistency.
4. Spread the mashed avocado evenly on the toasted bread.
5. Sprinkle salt and pepper to taste.
6. Optional: Add a squeeze of lemon juice or a sprinkle of chili flakes for extra flavor.

Lunch: Tomato Basil Soup

Ingredients:

• 4 ripe tomatoes
• 1 cup of fresh basil leaves
• 2 cups of vegetable broth
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the tomatoes (chopped) and cook until they soften, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Add the vegetable broth and bring to a simmer.
4. Stir in the fresh basil leaves.
5. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth (or carefully transfer to a blender).
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve hot with a slice of whole grain bread on the side.

Dinner: Baked Lemon Chicken

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 lemons
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 2 cloves of garlic
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix the juice of two lemons, olive oil, and minced garlic.
3. Place the chicken breasts in a baking dish and pour the lemon mixture over them.
4. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink in the center.
6. Serve with a side of steamed vegetables or a simple salad.

Snack: Greek Yogurt with Honey and Nuts

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of Greek yogurt
• 1 tablespoon of honey
• 1/4 cup of mixed nuts

Instructions:

1. Spoon the Greek yogurt into a bowl.
2. Drizzle the honey over the top.
3. Sprinkle with mixed nuts.
4. Stir slightly to combine, and enjoy a quick and nutritious snack.

Dessert: Banana Ice Cream

Ingredients:

• 2 ripe bananas

Instructions:

1. Peel the bananas and cut them into slices.
2. Place the banana slices in a sealed container and freeze for at least 2 hours.
3. Once frozen, blend the banana slices in a food processor until smooth and creamy.
4. Serve immediately as a soft-serve treat, or freeze for another hour for a firmer texture.