Excuse the cliché, but when I had a greenback for each time I stared into my refrigerator hoping meals would magically seem, I’d most likely be a millionaire. It looks like each time I wish to whip up one thing particular to my cravings, I don’t have the suitable substances. It’s a relentless cycle that I’m prepared to leap out of, and what higher technique to break the circuit than with 5 ingredient recipes?
Every recipe on this listing will be made with simply 5 substances (duh!) and each single one embodies the definition of “a complete that’s larger than the sum of its components.” These recipes preserve issues easy and streamlined. As a result of mindfully reducing corners the place I can is high of thoughts in 2023. (I’ve to think about the identical is true for you, too.)
Featured picture by Michelle Nash.
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31 Easy Recipes With 5 Components or Much less
I ought to begin by sharing that I grew up in an ingredient family, which meant snacks took some artistic considering to craft. My mother likes to prepare dinner—a trait she handed all the way down to me—so there wasn’t loads of premade food mendacity round to graze on. As a substitute, we had substances sitting on the cabinets simply ready to be spun into gold. A typical afternoon snack for me ranged wherever from saltine crackers with just a few slices of salami to tortilla chips and shredded cheese (or “uncooked nachos,” as I lovingly coined them), and actually the whole lot in between. BTW, I’m hoping my fellow ingredient family individuals are on the market, or there’s most likely some severe judgment happening.
Anyway, all that to say is that minimal-ingredient foods are positively my jam. As a lot as I like to prepare dinner, I can’t at all times spend hours within the kitchen engaged on a meal. It takes precious time and energy out of my day and I’m often too hungry to attend till it’s finished. And as a lot as I love roaming across the grocery retailer, I don’t at all times have the freedom of spending hours there both. This is the reason I’ve began culling down extravagant cooking tasks within the spirit of extra simplicity, and these 5 ingredient recipes are simply that. Easy.
Focusing on quality ingredients that pair beautifully together, these five ingredient recipes are the answer to busy weeknights, nights once you don’t really feel like cooking, or actually anytime your stock is operating low. All of those situations are completely legitimate, and these 5 ingredient recipes are right here that will help you keep afloat.
Salads, Sides, and Snacks
Pesto Parmesan Potatoes
Why We Love It: These potatoes are significantly so addictive. There actually aren’t phrases to explain simply how scrumptious they’re… you’ll must style for your self. Don’t say I didn’t warn you. As if potatoes and pesto aren’t adequate on their very own, our meals editor Suruchi determined to unite them in holy matrimony. And we’re so glad she did.
Hero Ingredient: Undoubtedly the roasted garlic combined into the pesto. We’re calling it garlic pesto, and it’s the whole lot.
Simple Citrus Salad
Why We Love It: I can’t give this citrus salad sufficient excessive reward. It’s probably the most refreshing deal with you may give to your self, and it couldn’t be simpler. Obvi, because the submit would denote, it’s composed of 5 substances—most of which you most likely have available. Juicy citrus, marcona almonds, onion slices, recent herbs, and olive oil come collectively to make the last word aspect salad or starter.
Hero Ingredient: The recipe doesn’t name for it, and together with it will take you to a whopping six substances, however a drizzle of vinegar (white wine, pink wine, apple cider, no matter you’ve gotten) kicks the tang up a notch.
Crispy Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Yogurt, Herbs, and Everything Spice
Why We Love It: One other potato celebrity, these Crispy Roasted Candy Potatoes are an sudden gem. Because you’ll slice them in half, the potatoes roast in half the time they’d usually take. From the oven, you’ll take them to a forged iron with brown butter and honey. The floor of the potatoes caramelizes to perfection and the entire half-potato is delightfully satisfying.
Hero Ingredient: If you happen to’re feeling adventurous, sub in your favourite sizzling honey for a touch of spice on the floor. Or, merely toss a pinch of pink pepper flakes into the skillet and benefit from the kick.
Banana, Coconut & Cacao Smoothie with Hempseeds
Why We Love It: I ought to begin by sharing that this smoothie mainly tastes like a chocolate milkshake. A grown-up milkshake, if you’ll. It’s filled with cacao nibs, banana, coconut milk, hemp seeds, and maple syrup in case you prefer it just a little sweeter. It’s creamy, scrumptious, and virtually dessert for breakfast, so… that’s a win-win.
Hero Ingredient: The coconut milk retains it good and creamy.
White Bean Dip from Downshiftology
Why We Love It: ICYMI, white beans are all the fashion as of late. Whether or not they’re in salads, soups, or sandwiches, these little legumes are bulking up meals far and wide. On this case, they’re paying homage to hummus in the most effective methods. This creamy, satisfying dip is a fan-favorite appetizer for a gathering or noon pick-me-up for snacking any time. It’s the dip that does all of it.
Hero Ingredient: Lemon zest and juice give the dip a tangy punch that retains issues fascinating.
Chili Lime Roasted Pepitas from Minimalist Baker
Why We Love It: Pepitas are such a tasty seed to have available. These small however mighty crunch-makers can rework salads, improve bowls, and switch any roasted veggie into a stunning desk centerpiece. Having a jar round of ready-to-use pepitas is at all times a plus within the kitchen, and this chili lime selection is solely droolworthy.
Hero Ingredient: There’s a wholesome quantity of spice on this recipe, so the addition of maple syrup retains these flavors good and balanced.
The Best Whole Roasted Cauliflower from Minimalist Baker
Why We Love It: A whole roasted cauliflower makes probably the most aesthetic vegetarian main. It’s so easy to make, easy to serve, and easy to take pleasure in (hi there, 2023 mantra!). You’ll prep a full cauliflower, rub it in avocado oil, and brush over a succulent sauce scenario. You won’t anticipate it to be, however this dish is stuffed with taste and stays extremely moist even within the oven. Some may name it a miracle veggie.
Hero Ingredient: Harissa paste brings the warmth, so be at liberty to regulate the quantity primarily based in your tolerance and style.
Spicy Edamame from A Couple Cooks
Why We Love It: Who doesn’t love edamame as a snack? It packs the right little pop of protein into the day and is—although messy at instances—enjoyable to eat. The 5 substances on this recipe embody frozen edamame, toasted sesame oil, garlic chili sauce, garlic, and salt. It’s most likely the simplest factor you’ll make all week.
Hero Ingredient: The garlic chili sauce is so mouth-wateringly scrumptious.
Blueberry Peanut Butter Protein Smoothie from Minimalist Baker
Why We Love It: Banana, blueberries, spinach, milk, and peanut butter protein powder mix collectively to take advantage of refreshing noon deal with. As a substitute of utilizing precise peanut butter, the protein powder comes by means of to provide the smoothie a lift of protein and preserve the sugar content material at bay. Simple, easy, and nutritious, this smoothie checks all of the packing containers.
Hero Ingredient: Get your greens in with an extra-generous handful of spinach. With all the opposite flavors happening, you don’t even style it.
5 Ingredient Beer Bread from Half Baked Harvest
Why We Love It: Calling all bread followers (which is everybody, I hope?)… this one’s for you. If you happen to take pleasure in all there may be to cherish about freshly baked bread, it’s your fortunate day. This 5 ingredient beer bread is the simplest factor since sliced bread (needed to!). It takes ten minutes of hands-on time and a handful of substances to ship you with steamy slices simply ready to be slathered in butter.
Hero Ingredient: Honey within the dough retains the bread good and moist.
Primary Course
Caramelized Onion and Spinach Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms
Why We Love It: A hearty meatless predominant, these stuffed mushrooms are a scrumptious technique to incorporate extra veggies into your eating regimen. It’s effortlessly stuffed with taste because of the caramelized onions and some easy mushroom hacks. These onion and spinach stuffed mushrooms are a real delight to the palate and physique. A double whammy, if you’ll.
Hero Ingredient: A mixture of mozzarella and parmesan cheese retains issues good and… tacky.
Green Sauce Pasta
Why We Love It: This one is all about greens, on a regular basis. Not solely is it pleasing to the attention, however this pasta is loaded with veggie-packed diet and taste. Spinach, peas, asparagus, and a squeeze of lemon juice take advantage of vibrant sauce to coat your noodles in. It’s completely inexperienced goddess vibes, which means you’ll reap the advantages from the within out.
Hero Ingredient: The burrata is a severe luxurious oozing over the pasta.
Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas
Why We Love It: It could be correct to say I whip up a batch of those fajitas every week. They’re that good and so blissfully easy to make. Marinate your hen, chop up some peppers and onion, and toss all of it on a sheet pan to bake away. They’re one of many best hands-off dinners that I can at all times rely on delivering. Plus, in case you’re not cooking for 4, you’ll have the tastiest leftovers to take pleasure in.
Hero Ingredient: The marinade’s lime juice/zest combo is the important thing to success. It infuses the hen with a lot zing.
Pesto Gnocchi Skillet Bake
Why We Love It: 5 substances + one pot = match made in heaven. This recipe makes use of packaged gnocchi (I really like Trader Joe’s Cauliflower Gnocchi), spinach, pesto, cream cheese, and mozzarella to create probably the most satisfying skillet there ever was. It’s tacky, it’s nutty, and it’s stuffed with indulgence and heat for a cold evening in.
Hero Ingredient: In case you have it, a sprinkle of basil and a squeeze of lemon juice on the finish takes this one excessive.
Baked Pesto Salmon with Broccolini
Why We Love It: Pesto and salmon go collectively fantastically, and it’s a mixture I by no means tire of. Like most salmon recipes, this one is delightfully easy to make and simply the treatment for a busy evening once you don’t really feel like cooking. All you must do is pop the salmon within the oven and boil/blanch just a few stems of broccolini. Simple, breezy, scrumptious (or one thing like that).
Hero Ingredient: Not a hero ingredient, however it’s value highlighting that this recipe is tailor made for one. If you happen to’re serving extra, modify accordingly!
Chipotle Chicken Taquitos from Foodie Crush
Why We Love It: Taquitos are a terrific appetizer, joyful hour snack, or household pleasant meal that even the pickiest eaters have a tendency to like. I imply, what’s to not love? Shredded hen and melty cheese frivolously fried in a crunchy tortilla blanket? Signal me up.
Hero Ingredient: Serve ’em up with any toppings you’ve gotten available. Shredded lettuce, cilantro, pico, crumbly cheese, bitter cream, you already know the drill.
Sweet Potato Gnocchi with Broccoli Rabe and Garlic Sage Butter Sauce from Pinch of Yum
Why We Love It: OK, so I is perhaps stretching the definition of “5 ingredient” with this one, however it’s too good to not embody. Whereas the selfmade gnocchi itself falls beneath the 5 ingredient threshold, the wealthy, savory sauce provides just a few extra to the combination. If you happen to prefer to play by the foundations, you’re welcome to make a easy sage and brown butter sauce. Easy brown a stick of butter, flip the warmth to low, and add a handful of recent sage till aromatic. The proper date evening dinner recipe.
Hero Ingredient: This recipe is proof that there’s nothing candy potatoes can’t do.
Sweet Potato Black Bean Chili from Minimalist Baker
Why We Love It: Vegetarian chilis are having a second, and this one isn’t any exception. Creamy candy potatoes and tender black beans unite below a savory broth that warms you from the within out. One of the best half? You most likely have all of the substances available. In case you have an onion, a can of black beans, candy potato, veggie inventory, and salsa, there’s nothing holding you again from this bowl of consolation.
Hero Ingredient: Diced avocado provides a creamy crowning glory to this yummy soup.
Thai Pumpkin Soup from Foodie Crush
Why We Love It: Purple curry paste, broth, pumpkin purée, coconut milk, and a pink chili pepper come collectively to create a creamy Thai Pumpkin Soup that’s begging to be savored on a cold-weather day. And simply because it requires minimal substances doesn’t imply it skimps on taste. This one is the actual deal.
Hero Ingredient: Let’s go along with a hero methodology. To attain the elusive coconut milk drizzle, maintain your spoon further near the soup so the milk floats on high.
Cacio e Pepe from Two Peas & Their Pod
Why We Love It: Cacio e Pepe is a pasta dish you’ll be able to by no means go flawed with. It’s easy in all the most effective methods through the use of only a handful of substances to carry satisfying flavors to life. On this 5 ingredient model, all you want is butter, freshly cracked black pepper, parmesan, Pecorino, and pasta. It’s the straightforward issues.
Hero Ingredient: Bucatini noodles are such a win. The little gap within the center makes for a slurpable noodle that’s so enjoyable to take pleasure in.
30-Minute Teriyaki Beef and Zucchini from The Roasted Root
Why We Love It: Beef and broccoli will get a twist on this 30-Minute Teriyaki Beef and Zucchini. It’s more healthy than what you’ll usually discover in takeout kind and takes about the identical period of time—rating. There’s a no flour/cornstarch/sugar scenario happening right here both which is unquestionably a plus. Simply steak, zucchini, pink onion, and your favourite teriyaki sauce.
Hero Ingredient: You should utilize any type of steak right here. NY strip, ribeye, sirloin, skirt steak, you identify it.
Cheesy Marinara Baked Eggplant Slices from Heartbeet Kitchen
Why We Love It: Like a more healthy eggplant parmesan, this Tacky Marinara Baked Eggplant is pure gold. As a result of it’s baked, it requires minimal hands-on time, making it an ideal busy-weeknight decide. Layers upon layers of marinara sauce, Muenster cheese, and eggplant slices take advantage of satisfying dinner.
Hero Ingredient: Muenster cheese brings its nutty taste to the occasion.
Desserts
Shrikhand
Why We Love It: No-bake, make forward, and 5 substances? This Shrikhand ticks all of the packing containers. As our meals editor Suruchi shares, “Shrikhand is an Indian dessert with roots in Gujarati and Maharashtrian delicacies. It’s product of hung curd, which is strained yogurt with the whey eliminated.” In her recipe, she makes use of full-fat Greek yogurt, milk, saffron, powdered sugar, and freshly crushed cardamom to craft a scrumptious dessert you gained’t remorse making.
Hero Ingredient: The saffron blooms within the milk till the combination turns pale yellow. The outcome couldn’t be prettier—or extra stuffed with taste.
Easy Vegan Caramel Sauce from Jessica in the Kitchen
Why We Love It: Coconuts play a starring function on this can’t-believe-it’s-vegan caramel sauce. Whereas some recipes take advantage of dates (and we love them for it), this one combines coconut sugar and coconut milk to create a thick and candy sauce that we’re ready to drizzle over the whole lot. Drizzle it over brownies, ice cream, cookies—the sky’s the restrict! It’s literal liquid gold.
Hero Ingredient: However the actual kicker? 1 / 4 teaspoon of coarse sea salt sends this sauce excessive.
Flourless Almond Butter Cookies from Girl vs Dough
Why We Love It: These cookies remind me of a traditional peanut butter cookie, you already know those with the fork marks? Yum. On this recipe, we’re omitting the flour and choosing almond butter to wash issues up a bit. They’re gluten-free, completely scrumptious, and make the most effective topper to your kitchen counter. It’s simply flawed not to sneak one as you move by.
Hero Ingredient: Almond butter isn’t simply PB’s more healthy cousin. It’s salty, candy, and completely scrumptious in its personal proper.
Rice Pudding from Downshiftology
Why We Love It: Rice pudding is one thing I don’t usually eat, however have at all times loved after I do. Its warming nature is one thing I discover so comforting and regardless that it’s a dessert, it feels nourishing. On this recipe, white rice simmers in milk, maple syrup, vanilla, and cinnamon to create a creamy pudding that’s ready to be savored.
Hero Ingredient: To raisin, or to not raisin? Personally, I’m a fan.
Vegan Ice Cream Snickers from Minimalist Baker
Why We Love It: Does anybody bear in mind these frozen snickers ice cream bars? I certain hope so, as a result of they have been divine. This time round, they’re cleaned up and made right into a vegan model that everybody can take pleasure in. With an excellent mixture of sea salt caramel ice cream, date caramel, roasted salted peanuts, and chocolate, you may need a tough time holding these in your freezer.
Hero Ingredient: The caramel is made with dates, which is equally genius and spectacular.
Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Bites from Eating Bird Food
Why We Love It: I’ll by no means tire of those chocolate coated peanut butter banana bites. I really like placing these collectively firstly of the week to fulfill my post-dinner candy tooth all week lengthy. They nearly at all times reside in my freezer and preserve me from reaching for the ice cream, which is a welcome and spectacular act.
Hero Ingredient: Be happy to sub in your favourite nut butter. These gems work properly with the whole lot.
Healthy 5 Ingredient Buckeyes from Half Baked Harvest
Why We Love It: Creamy peanut butter, honey, butter, vanilla, and darkish chocolate come collectively to make one other scrumptious post-dinner snack. You may assume it odd that butter makes the listing right here, however it’s completely important to holding these bites from being dry. Like cookie dough, this dessert is good and creamy and laborious to stroll away from. You’ve been warned.
Hero Ingredient: I really like using honey right here to maintain the processed sugar content material low.
Flourless Healthy Oatmeal Pumpkin Bars from The Roasted Root
Why We Love It: These bars mix all there may be to like about an oatmeal chocolate chip cookie and pumpkin cake. They’re studded with chocolate chips, almond butter, pumpkin purée, oats, and maple syrup to carry you a scrumptious dessert that checks plenty of dietary packing containers. They’re flourless, refined sugar-free, vegan, and a lot extra.
Hero Ingredient: The chocolate chips, in fact!
Raspberry Peach Sherbet from Half Baked Harvest
Why We Love It: Frozen peaches, frozen raspberries, sweetened condensed milk, orange juice, and a touch of lemon are all you need to craft this colorful frozen dessert. In two batches, each fruit blends with the base until smooth. Then, the two fruit sherbets are swirled together to create the most aesthetically pleasing effect.
Hero Ingredient: Since the fruit is frozen, you can make this one whenever a sherbet craving strikes. No need to wait for peach season (though I’m already counting down the days).
What are your favorite five ingredient recipes? Sound them out in the comments!
