Easy Recipes for Every Day – 5 Hearty First and Second Courses

Homemade food is not only delicious but also very healthy. However, on weekdays, there isn’t always time to prepare complex dishes. Therefore, we have prepared easy recipes for every day that contain only accessible ingredients and are quick to prepare.

You should also read – Traditional Ukrainian Meals in Different Seasons.

TOP 5 Dishes for a Family Meal — Easy Recipes for Every Day

We have prepared easy recipes for every day for soups, baked potatoes, and a simple variation of ratatouille – baked vegetables in a fragrant tomato sauce.

Cauliflower Soup

This easy recipe is interesting for its simplicity and health benefits. Cauliflower is a source of vitamins and minerals, making the soup not only tasty but also nutritious. The addition of milk or cream gives the dish a creamy texture, perfect for cold days. The simplicity of preparation allows you to quickly cook the soup even on weekdays when time is limited.

Ingredients:

• 500 g potatoes
• 1 small head of cauliflower
• 1 carrot
• 1 onion
• 3 tablespoons butter
• ½ cup milk or 9% cream
• Black ground pepper and salt to taste
• A small bunch of parsley leaves

Step-by-step preparation:

1. Boil 1.5 liters of water in a pot, add salt.
2. Peel and cut the potatoes into large cubes.
3. Break the cauliflower into florets.
4. Cut the carrot and onion into strips and sauté in butter until half-cooked.
5. Add the potatoes to the boiling water and cook over medium heat for 10 minutes.
6. Add the cauliflower, sautéed onions, and carrots, and cook for another 10 minutes.
7. Add milk or cream, pepper, and salt if needed, and cook for 5 minutes.
8. Garnish with finely chopped parsley when serving.

Red Lentil Soup

This easy recipe is notable for its high protein and fiber content due to the red lentils. The soup is quick to prepare and requires few ingredients, making it ideal for busy days. The addition of tomato sauce and paprika gives the dish a special aroma and spiciness. It’s a great choice for those looking for a simple and healthy dinner recipe.

Ingredients:

• 300 g red lentils
• 1 carrot
• 1 onion
• 4 cloves of garlic
• 4 tablespoons oil
• 1.5 tablespoons tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon ground sweet paprika
• Black ground pepper and salt to taste
• A small bunch of parsley leaves

Step-by-step preparation:

1. Peel and cut the potatoes into medium cubes.
2. Grate the carrot.
3. Cut the onion into small cubes and the garlic finely.
4. Sauté the onion and garlic in oil for 5 minutes, add tomato paste, ground paprika, and sauté for another minute.
5. Boil 1 liter of water in a pot, add the potatoes, carrots, and washed lentils, add salt. Cover, bring to a boil, and simmer over low heat for 20 minutes.
6. Add the sautéed onions and garlic in tomato sauce and cook for another 10 minutes until the potatoes and lentils are done.
7. Garnish with finely chopped parsley when serving.

Chateau Potatoes

This easy recipe captivates with its versatility and simplicity. Baked potatoes with oregano and garlic become aromatic and crispy, making them an ideal side dish or standalone meal. Just a few ingredients and minimal preparation time result in a delicious dish for the whole family. Additionally, baked potatoes are healthier than fried ones, adding to their value.

Ingredients:

• 500 g potatoes
• 3 cloves of garlic
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• 4 tablespoons oil
• Black ground pepper and salt to taste

Step-by-step preparation:

1. Peel and cut the potatoes lengthwise into 4-6 parts.
2. Boil 2 liters of water in a pot, add salt, and add the potatoes. Cook for 5 minutes, then drain the water.
3. Grease a baking tray with oil, lay out the potatoes in an even layer, season with pepper and oregano. Add pressed garlic (or finely chopped) to the remaining oil, mix, and pour over the potatoes.
4. Bake at 200°C for 30 minutes.

Baked Potatoes with Mayonnaise and Lard

This easy recipe is interesting for its combination of simple ingredients that create an incredibly tasty dish. Baked potatoes with mayonnaise and lard become very tender inside and crispy on the outside. Mayonnaise adds creaminess, while lard brings flavor and juiciness. It’s a perfect option for those who love hearty meals but have little time for cooking.

Ingredients:

• 1 kg potatoes
• 300 g lard
• 3 onions
• A small package of mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons oil
• Black ground pepper and salt to taste

Step-by-step preparation:

1. Peel and cut the potatoes into 1 cm thick slices.
2. Cut the onions into thin rings.
3. Cut the lard into small cubes.
4. Grease a pan with oil, lay out the potatoes, season each layer with salt and pepper. Add onions, spread mayonnaise, and sprinkle with lard evenly.
5. Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C for 25-30 minutes.

Simple Ratatouille Variation

This easy recipe impresses with its ease and healthy ingredients. Ratatouille is baked vegetables in a fragrant tomato sauce, making it perfect for vegetarians and vegetable lovers. The vegetables retain all their beneficial properties and vitamins, while the herbs give the dish a unique aroma. The simplicity of preparation and the ability to vary ingredients make ratatouille a versatile choice for any cook.

Ingredients:

• 2 eggplants
• 5 tomatoes
• 3 bell peppers
• 1 zucchini
• 1 onion
• 4 cloves of garlic
• 8 tablespoons oil
• Favorite herbs: basil, rosemary, parsley, etc.
• Black ground pepper and salt to taste

Step-by-step preparation:

1. Blanch 2 tomatoes in boiling water, peel and chop finely.
2. Clean the peppers and chop finely.
3. Chop 2 cloves of garlic and onion finely.
4. Prepare the sauce: sauté the onion in 3 tablespoons of oil until transparent, add garlic, and sauté for 2 minutes. Add tomatoes, peppers, herbs, and simmer over low heat for 10 minutes.
5. Slice the remaining tomatoes, eggplant, and zucchini into 1 cm thick rounds.
6. In a baking dish, pour the sauce, and layer the eggplant, tomatoes, and zucchini alternately.
7. Prepare the dressing: chop 2 cloves of garlic finely, add 5 tablespoons of oil, black pepper, and salt, and mix well.
8. Pour the dressing over the vegetables and bake in the oven for 1 hour at 180°C.

Conclusions

Monotonous homemade food does not contribute to health. We have prepared easy recipes for every day that will allow you to diversify your menu. All dishes take little time to prepare. We have specifically chosen second courses that are baked in the oven. You won’t need to stand by the stove, stirring or turning anything constantly. While the dish is baking, you can prepare a vegetable platter or a simple salad and set the table.

FAQs About Easy Recipes for Every Day