Introduction

Cooking at home offers a range of benefits, from culinary exploration to saving money and spending quality time with family. In this article, we will cover some simple and delicious recipes that can be easily prepared in your kitchen. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a beginner, you will find these recipes helpful and enjoyable.

1. BBQ Chicken Breasts

These versatile chicken breasts can be dressed up or down to suit any occasion. Perfect for a casual dinner or a special event, they are both easy to prepare and full of flavor. Here’s how you can make them:

Ingredients

BBQ boneless chicken breasts (3 or 4) Marinade: 1/4 cup lime juice 1/2 tsp garlic 1/2 tsp pepper 1/2 tsp salt 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper 1 cup of your favorite BBQ sauce (smoky ones are best) 2 tbsp honey 2 tbsp hot banana pepper juice (straight from the jar)

Method

Marinate the boneless chicken breasts in lime juice, garlic, salt, pepper, and cayenne for a minimum of four hours in the refrigerator. Pan-fry the breasts in a little butter on medium-high heat just long enough to brown them on both sides. Add 2/3 cup of water to the pan and bring it to a boil. Cover the pan with a lid and let it simmer on medium for about 15–20 minutes. Drain the water and return the chicken to the pan. You can also chop the chicken into chunks at this stage if you want to use it that way. Mix your BBQ sauce with honey and hot pepper juice and pour it over the chicken. Simmer it until it becomes thick and sticky. Cook until the sauce begins to char slightly to the bottom of the pan, which usually takes about 15 minutes, but keep an eye on it. Serve the chicken whole with side dishes and top it with green onions, crispy fried onions, or cilantro for a pretty presentation. Alternatively, you can chop it up to add to salads, nachos, quesadillas, or any other dish you prefer.

You might even make a chicken salad sandwich out of it, incorporating some mayo and adding bread and butter pickles on a brioche bun.

2. Poha Egg Fry

This dish is a staple in many Indian households and is a simple, yet satisfying meal. Poha, or flattened rice, is a versatile ingredient that can be used in numerous dishes. Here's how to make it:

Ingredients

1 tablespoon oil 1 teaspoon mustard seeds 1 cup poha (thick) 1 chopped green chilli 1 medium onion, finely chopped A handful of chopped coriander leaves 1 chopped potato Salt as per taste 2–3 tablespoons grated coconut (optional) 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder

Method

Wash poha with water 1–2 times, sieve, or gently squeeze and drain the excess water. Add 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder to the washed poha. Mix well and set it aside. Place a pan on the gas stove and add 1 tablespoon of oil. Heat the oil over medium heat. Add 1 teaspoon of mustard seeds and cover the pan. Wait until the seeds stop spluttering. You can add 1–2 curry leaves at this stage, if you like. Add the chopped green chilli and sauté for a few seconds. Add the finely chopped onions and sauté until they become pink in color. Add the chopped potato and sauté until it starts to cook. Add the prepared poha and mix everything together. Some people also add 1/2 teaspoon of sugar at this stage. If you like, you can do the same. Add the chopped coriander leaves and grated coconut. Stir well. Mix well and taste. Adjust the salt if needed. Cover the pan and cook for a minute. Turn off the flame and serve immediately.

Enrich your cooking knowledge with some of the simple recipes shared by my mom on her YouTube channel. Watch her videos where she shares interesting recipes and valuable cooking tips that cater to both beginners and experienced cooks alike. Enjoy your culinary journey!

Conclusion

These easy-to-make recipes are not only simple to follow but also delicious. Whether you prefer a well-seasoned BBQ chicken breast or a healthy, flavorful poha egg fry, you can create a satisfying meal right from the comfort of your home. Happy cooking!