We live in an ever-moving, fast-paced environment, so there’s no time to fuss over complex recipes or extensive ingredient lists. But that's where the art of minimalist cooking steps in.
Minimalist cooking isn’t about settling for less. It's about making ‘less’ work for you by simplifying ingredients and methods without compromising taste and nutrition.
Since not so many people are aware of this concept, today, we're diving into the heart of minimalist cooking. By the end of this article, you’ll know what minimalist cooking is and how you can apply it in your daily life (plus a few recipe ideas).
What is Minimalist Cooking?
In minimalist cooking, we keep things basic but effective. The goal isn't just about making a meal—it’s about creating something tasty and nourishing with just enough ingredients to deliver robust flavor without over-complicating the process. Think of it as an exercise in culinary decluttering, leaving only what you genuinely need for impactful and satisfying meals.
The guiding principle of this approach is maximizing flavor while minimizing effort. It challenges the misconception that great food has to be complicated or that it needs plenty of exotic or obscure ingredients.
It’s also a great way to spend less time in the kitchen. Since there are fewer ingredients to prepare and cook, your meals should be ready in 30 minutes or less. This way, even the busiest of parents can find a bit of time to cook a healthy recipe for the family. On the same note, coupled and single professionals have it easier, too.
In short, minimalist cooking is nothing else but a cuisine tailored for those who are time-poor but flavor-hungry.
Mastering the Art of Fewer Ingredients
A smart tip for embracing minimalist cooking is opting for one-pot or one-pan recipes. These types of recipes require fewer ingredients and much less cleanup. Plus, there are lots of recipes, like a chicken casserole or a hearty lentil soup, that don’t need more than a pot and a bit of attention on your part.
Speaking of simple recipes, focus on the ones that need under 10 ingredients and no more than 5 steps to prep and cook. For instance, recipes like quick pasta dishes or stir-fry vegetables won't compromise health or taste despite their simplicity.
If you’re truly pressed for time or don’t like going through tons of recipes, consider trying a meal kit delivery service. A service like EveryPlate offers culinary simplicity and cuts the time you would dedicate to meal prep in time by removing the shopping and recipe research from your busy schedule.
All the ingredients arrive pre-portioned ingredients right at your doorstep, and all the recipes can be assembled in 6 steps or fewer. Also, each meal is nutritious, and you can choose the ones that fit your palette.
Practical Tips to Get Started
If you choose to integrate minimalist cooking into your daily routine, here are the steps to keep in mind:
- Search for recipes that need fewer ingredients (5 or 6 is enough). You can browse for simple recipe ideas online and adapt them to your taste.
- Opt for fresh, good quality, and in-season produce. When you use fewer items, the flavors of each come out more intensely.
- Reduce clutter in your kitchen as well. Organize your kitchen to contain only the necessary tools.
- Choose foods that support your gut health. Ingredients like leafy greens, veggies, nuts, seeds, and healthy oils are extremely helpful for your gut health, and you can easily combine them in a wide range of recipes.
Bonus tip: Grow your own veggies or herbs.
If you have the space, design your own family garden with veggies and herbs. You can start small, with herbs like basil or parsley at first. Freshly plucked herbs add unparalleled flavors to dishes.
Plus, when you grow your own food (or at least some of the ingredients), you get a unique sense of satisfaction. Besides, it would save you trip after trip to the grocery store!
Some Simple Recipe Ideas
Kickstart your minimalist cooking journey with these 3 simple and delicious recipes designed to keep your meals exciting and your kitchen time low.
1. Easy Spaghetti Aglio e Olio
This is one of the most beloved minimalist dishes, known for its simplicity and incredible flavor. You only need spaghetti, garlic, extra virgin olive oil, red pepper flakes, and fresh parsley.
Cook the spaghetti as per the package instructions until it's al dente (firm to bite). Meanwhile, heat some olive oil in a large pan over low-medium heat and add thinly sliced garlic to it. Cook the garlic gently until it starts turning golden, add red pepper flakes, and complete the dish by adding in the cooked and drained pasta. Finish off with a garnishing of freshly chopped parsley.
2. Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken
Grilled chicken can be a minimalist’s dream with this recipe, which calls for just chicken breasts, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, mixed herbs (like basil or thyme), salt, and pepper. Whip up a marinade from all the ingredients (besides the chicken) and let the chicken breast soak up all the delicious flavors for about 30 minutes to 1 hour. Grill the chicken over medium heat and serve with a side dish, like a salad or some rice.
3. Chickpea Salad Deluxe
A no-cook meal ready in 20 minutes! Mix drained chickpeas with diced cucumbers and tomatoes. Dress it up minimally with olive oil plus salt & pepper for seasoning, and garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
Wrap Up
And there you have it – the art of minimalist cooking in a nutshell. It's about fewer ingredients, less clutter, and more time for what matters.
So why not give minimalist cooking a shot? You'd be surprised by just how exhilarating freeing up your culinary space can feel. With the tips and recipes we’ve shared, you're only steps away from your first plate of minimalist fare.