7 Five-Ingredient Recipes to Try This Year

I’m considering opting out of the meal service I’ve been using to cook meals entirely on my own. It may be a goal of mine for the year. (I haven’t committed one way or another just yet.) Since I’ve been cooking, like real cooking, now for about a year and a half, I feel pretty confident in the kitchen. I’m no Julia Child, but I can do basic to moderate recipes without blinking an eye. It took practice, but it’s a skill I love and appreciate.

The best way to learn how to cook? Start small and practice, practice, practice. Coming from someone who used to be completely afraid of cooking, I promise things will eventually start to click.

7 Five-Ingredient Recipes to Try This Year

Guest post by Louisa from Living Lou

Happy New Year! Cooking can be part of so many resolutions and goals and this list of seven five-ingredient recipes will get you started on the right foot. Whether you want to eat healthier this year (cooking is a huge part of this), take better care of yourself, or just improve your skills in the kitchen, getting started with simple, non-intimidating dishes is key.

Like Carly, I don’t really make New Year’s resolutions, but I do find myself reflecting on the year and what is to come in 2017. Like for many of us, 2016 had its challenges, but I think that is something that comes with growing up; there are more challenges and struggles, but we also learn how to weather these storms and grow because of them. Cooking is one of the things that I turn to in moments of doubt or fear; it’s comforting to know that creaming butter and sugar will always turn into something delicious. I like to focus on different things each year, and after the end of 2016, I am choosing to set my focus for the beginning of the year on positivity, it is so easy to get bogged down by everyday little (or big) things that happen. So here’s to more cooking, sharing food with friends and family and positivity in 2017!

1. 5 ingredient honey almond granola

There isn’t anything I love more than homemade granola, but usually, the recipes have so many ingredients in them. This one makes the perfect breakfast or snack and is so easy to make. I like to make a big batch on the weekend and keep in a jar in my cupboard.

2. Blueberry overnight oats

If there is an easy change to make this year it’s to start your day with a healthy breakfast. Throw this in a jar (or bowl) the night before, and you’ve got breakfast ready to go.

3. Scrambled eggs with kale and prosciutto

Talk about a dish that sounds fancy but is incredibly easy. This has been a favorite for years!

4. Quick 5-ingredient butternut squash soup

This recipe is the kind of dish that I cook all the time, simple ingredients with big flavor. It may sound like it would be a bit “meh” but this soup will rock your world.

5. 5-ingredient miso salmon baked in parchment

If you are intimidated by cooking fish, try this recipe! With umami-packed miso, salmon and snow peas it’s a healthy dinner in one pan.

6. Spicy chicken skewers

Sriracha — need I say more?

7. 5-ingredient guacamole

This guacamole is a staple in my life. I love avocados and find myself making this quick guac pretty much weekly. I have a soft spot for nachos.