Egg and Pasta Gratin with Chives

Quick, what’s gooey, melty, cheesy, and great comfort food?  This egg and pasta gratin has crispy eggs, tender noodles, and lots of cheese. It’s almost a cousin to pasta carbonara (but no bacon).  The flavor is simple and delicate and the recipe incorporates two of my favorite “food groups”: pasta and cheese!

It’s adapted from a a new cookbook I just got (because given a bookstore gift card as a gift, I naturally headed straight for the cookbook section!). The cookbook is called Fast Food My Way and it’s chock full of inspiration. As you may have guessed from the title, all the meals are relatively easy and quick. They’re just perfect for those days when you don’t feel like fussing (or simply don’t have the time).  Of course, you can also make this for a leisurely weekend brunch or scale the recipe up and serve it to guests.

The whole thing fits in perfectly with my own philosophy, which is delicious food for one person, made from real ingredients. Because, just because you’re cooking for one rather than two or more doesn’t mean you don’t deserve a home-cooked meal. And, of course, making it yourself is much cheaper than going out, or ordering a meal kit.

As written, the flavor is pure comfort food; not spicy or salty. However, if you want, you can add other flavors (more on that in the substitutions and variations section).




Egg and Pasta Gratin Substitutions and Variations

  • Add crumbled bacon on top
  • Go for more sweetness and crunch with a sweet bell pepper
  • Try some leeks instead of the chives
  • Dice some sun-dried tomatoes

More Pasta Recipes

spaghetti with green olives and lemon pankoSpaghetti with Green Olives and Lemon Panko

Wake up your taste buds and welcome spring with this light, zesty spaghetti dish. It takes only thirty minutes to make.

 

savory mac and cheeseSavory Mac and Cheese Recipe with Three Cheeses

This mac and cheese has some ingredients you might not expect. Like garlic and bay leaf. But don’t worry, the flavor becomes savory, mellow, and brings out the cheesy taste of the sauce.

egg and tomato gratinEgg and Tomato Gratin for One Person

Fragrant with thyme, onions, and garlic, and then topped with Swiss cheese. Great for a light meal, especially when there’s a big holiday meal in-between.

 

quick and easy summer pastaQuick and Easy Summer Pasta

Bright, colorful and great either hot or cold.  Perfect as a summer salad (since there’s no mayo to worry about).  And very little cooking too (just the pasta).

 




Sephardic Fish in Peppery Tomato Sauce

This easy and delicious fish in peppery tomato sauce is flavored with garlic, coriander, harissa, and piquant capers, bathed in a slightly spicy tomato sauce. It’s another one of those “Jewish” recipes you may not recognize as Jewish. In America we tend to think of “Ashkenazi” food as Jewish, call it a day, and forget about the Sephardim. This is a terrible mistake, since Sephardic food (Spanish, Middle Eastern, Portuguese, and North African) is spicy, flavorful, and has much more variety than its Eastern European cousins.   In fact, one day, I want to skip the Eastern European Passover and have a Sephardic one instead! Goals! 

I’ve adapted this recipe from The Book of Jewish Food , which says that fish is  considered a symbol of abundance, making it a favorite dish for Friday night (Sabbath) meals. Fish was also popular in Morocco and Italy for weddings, as it was thought to symbolize fruitfulness. For Rosh Hashanah, it was served with the head left on, so Jews would be “ ‘ahead with good deeds and serve as a model of goodness. ’ ”  I think this dish certainly fits the bill.

The nice thing is that you don’t have to wait for a holiday or a special occasion to make it. It’s ready in about 25 minutes, so it’s perfect for a weeknight dinner.

If you’re not familiar with harissa, it’s a hot chili garlic sauce used for fish, chicken, and lots of other dishes in North Africa. As I am writing this, it occurs to me that it’s a bit like Asian sriracha sauce.  If you have some, or can get some, use it. If not, a mixture of cayenne and paprika will work just fine.

I also saw another, similar recipe (called chraime) that referred to this as Sephardic “gefilte fish.” Never having been a big fan of gefilte fish, I’ll take this recipe in a New York minute!

The dish will work with any firm white fish, such as grouper, red snapper, or cod. I used cod from Trader Joe’s (the frozen fish is inexpensive and good quality). Serve it with rice (as I did), or make it with couscous.




Fish in Peppery Tomato Sauce Substitutions and Variations

  • Try sriracha or chili garlic sauce instead of the harissa paste (with a bit more coriander added this is similar to a Tunisian version of this dish)
  • Use cumin, tomato paste, and both sweet and hot peppers in the sauce
  • Add olive oil, then the fish, then top that with one or two whole garlic cloves, more salt and pepper, and more coriander, and let it cook on a grill for half an hour (if you like fresh cooked tomatoes, put them under and over the fish

Try These Other Fish Recipes

easy mediterranean fish stewEasy Mediterranean Fish Stew

Variations on this stew are popular all over the Mediterranean, as well as in San Francisco.  Make it (and eat it) in half an hour. Or, go up to to the point of adding the fish, freeze the stew, and then finish and eat some other time.

greek fish with lemon and tomatoesGreek Fish with Lemon and Tomatoes

A quick marinade, and a fast pan-fry produces a delicious dinner in a few minutes.  One bowl, one pan, one meal.

 

fish fillet with yogurt sauceIndian Fish Fillet in Yogurt Sauce

Fish with an Indian flair.  It’s flavored with cumin, garam masala, and just a bit of ginger, all bathed in a creamy yogurt sauce.

 

 Pan Fried Tilapia in Lemon Butter Saucepan-fried tilapia with lemon butter sauce

A simple lemon-butter sauce, a pinch of mustard, and a sprinkle of rosemary add a lot of flavor without a lot of effort.  Ready in fifteen minutes.

 




Oven Roasted Greek Potatoes

I just discovered these recently.  They are often served for Greek Easter (which is in a few weeks). I am not Greek, and I don’t observe Easter, but I am always a fan of potatoes (and starch generally). I really don’t have much of a sweet tooth, but I do have a fat/carb tooth. So, oven roasted Greek potatoes definitely caught my eye!

These are pretty easy to make and don’t require any special ingredients (always a bonus). I used Yukon Gold potatoes (I am a potato fan, but not a russet fan as I find them too floury).  I didn’t bother to peel them either.  Why waste the vitamins in the peel?  And why do extra work if you don’t have to? I am always in favor of shortcuts, particularly if it means less cleanup.

Besides, the skins of Yukon Gold potatoes are thinner than russets, so peeling isn’t necessary.  If you do use russets, you probably ought to peel them, as the peels are tougher and heavier.

The result is slightly crispy outside, and fluffy inside.  These would pair nicely with roast chicken, or roast lamb.  If you make lamb, use the pan drippings instead of the chicken broth.

I made them in the toaster oven because I didn’t want to heat up the whole oven just for potatoes. Plus it was easier to take the tray out to add the lemon juice and the chicken broth, since my oven is squashed in the corner of the kitchen area.




 

Oven Roasted Greek Potatoes Substitutions and Variations

  • swap the chicken broth for some tomato paste
  • use fresh oregano instead of dried (or add some at the end)
  • add some shallots and mix that with the oil, lemon, oregano to make a vinaigrette
  • top with some feta cheese
  • or try some Parmesan (not terribly traditional, but couldn’t hurt)
  • if you don’t like red pepper flakes, use black pepper instead

More Potato Recipes

skin on garlic mashed potatoesSkin On Garlic Mashed Potatoes

A rich, creamy starch bomb perked up with garlic. No peeling!

 

roasted paprika potatoesRoasted Paprika Potatoes

A childhood favorite (thanks grandma). She’d make these for me as a special treat. Think fries without the frying part.

 

dijon mustard vinaigrette potato saladFrench Dijon Mustard Vinaigrette Potato Salad

If you’d rather skip the mayo in your potato salad, this is for you. There isn’t any. Instead, this salad is made with a mustard vinaigrette. It’s much lighter, and I think tastier too.

 

crispy garlic basil potato bitesCrispy Garlic Basil Potato Bites

Crispy. Garlic. Potato. Do I have to say anything else?  These are mini bite-size pieces of potato heaven.

 




Apple Glazed Ham Steak Recipe for One Person

When it’s late, and you’re hungry, you want something quick. This apple glazed ham steak delivers. And it’s still both delicious and filling.

It was customary, when I was little, to make ham with pineapple. That’s good, but I think this apple version is better. There’s an enzyme in pineapple that breaks down protein and tends to make it a bit mushy.  Plus you have to get a good pineapple, wonder what to do with the rest of it, or settle for canned.

Apples on the other hand, add a touch of sweetness, plus a hint of tartness. It’s less overpoweringly sweet and it complements the salty ham better.

The other good thing about this recipe is that it’s fairly quick. Sauté the ham steak, set it aside, make the apple glaze, and you have dinner in about 15 minutes.

Score! There are more quick dinner recipes at the bottom of the post.

I made this with brandy, but if you don’t have that, apple cider will work too.  For a more intense apple flavor, try it with apple brandy, such as Calvados, or a hard apple cider.

The Brussels sprouts, by the way, are tossed with some olive oil, seasoned with salt and pepper and then roasted.  My new favorite way to eat them!




Apple Glazed Ham Steak Substitutions and Variations

  • skip the cloves and add a bit of tangy mustard
  • try some cinnamon
  • sauté some sweet onions and include them in the sauce (Vidalia onions would work nicely for this)
  • mix up the apples; I used Gala but Granny Smith would add a bit of extra tartness to the recipe and make a nice complement to the ham
  • if you don’t have brandy, use Calvados, or apple cider

More Quick Dinner Recipes

creole cabbage and sausageQuick Creole Cabbage and Sausage

This is a great quick meal when you want food fairly quickly.  It’s also pantry-friendly.  Cabbage lasts a long time in the fridge and the spices are shelf-stable.

 

Polish sausage with cabbage and potatoesOne Pot Polish Sausage and Cabbage with Potatoes

A few basic ingredients that are full of flavor. There are buttery potatoes, braised cabbage, and rich sausage. It’s all made in one pot too.

 

cider braised pork with sauerkrautCider Braised Pork Chop with Sauerkraut and Apples

Apples, pork, and sauerkraut complement each other beautifully. The salty kraut plays off against the sweet apples. This is a classic fall or chilly weather meal.

 

pork tenderloin with mushrooms and sour cream

Pork Tenderloin with Mushrooms and Sour Cream

A rich, creamy sauce boosted by the bite of Dijon mustard and piquant capers —both of which complement the pork beautifully.  And, it’s done in about twenty minutes or so.  The mushrooms are also just about the only thing you have to chop.




Roasted Butternut Squash with Brown Sugar and Vanilla

Sure this roasted butternut squash with brown sugar and vanilla looks like an ordinary vegetable side dish. But, it’s really a dessert wearing a clever vegetable disguise.  The first time I made it, I immediately wanted to eat it again.  Sometimes, single serving is a bummer!  Sadly, it was the last of the squash and the last of the nuts.

What made this recipe so good?  The vanilla and nuts add a touch of sweetness, without being overpowering. It was almost like eating a cookie or some sort of dessert rather than a vegetable. Yet, it has very little sugar.  Topping it with a mixture of nuts and craisins (dried, sweetened cranberries) added a bit of crunch and a sweet/tart tang.

The original version of this recipe (which I found on the Neilsen-Massey web site), called for vanilla sugar. Since I didn’t have any and had no interest in going out and searching for some in the stores, I simply added a bit of vanilla to some brown sugar instead. As far as I’m concerned it worked perfectly, and I didn’t have to buy an extra ingredient. Win win!

The nuts I used were an unsalted mixture from Trader Joe’s with hazelnuts, cashews and pecans.  Use whatever mix you like, although I think I would skip something with peanuts. The craisins were an unintentional bonus.  I had a few leftover from making the turkey chipotle enchilada recipe from a couple of weeks ago, and had thrown them in the bag of nuts.  I forgot that when I mixed them into the topping, but it turned out to be a good “accident.”

So, while this may look like a vegetable, it’s definitely a dessert in a clever vegetable disguise! In fact, I’m half-tempted to put it in the dessert category instead of as a side dish. Serve it with a simple piece of roast chicken or a pork chop. I baked a chicken thigh with some olive oil, oregano, a bit of garlic, and salt and pepper.




Butternut Squash with Brown Sugar and Vanilla Substitutions and Variations

  • Don’t have mixed nuts?  Try just plain walnuts or pecans instead
  • Use maple syrup instead of brown sugar
  • Toast the nuts first
  • Buy some puff pastry and spoon the squash into it—voilà butternut squash tart!

Tools and Ingredients for Roasted Butternut Squash

Oxo peeler

Oxo Swivel Peeler

This peeler cuts through butternut squash skin easily. Might as well be peeling a carrot. The little scoop at the end is perfect for removing potato eyes or bruised spots on an apple.

six inch baking pan

Stainless steel 6 inch square pan

Just the right size for baking for one. This pan is six inches square, and can go in the dishwasher. Perfect for squash, moussaka, brownies, or peach crumble,

More Butternut Squash Recipes

curried butternut squash soup with applesCurried Butternut Squash Soup with Apples

Warm/spicy and sweet all at the same time. This soup is great for chilly days (or pantry cooking).

 

butternut squash cream sauce pastaButternut Squash Cream Sauce Recipe for One Person

Add sage and a touch of cream and you get a perfect pasta sauce. It’s rich, creamy and makes a nice change from the usual humdrum tomato sauce.

 

roasted cinnamon nutmeg squashRoasted Cinnamon Nutmeg Butternut Squash

A classic combination that’s great with a simple main dish, like roast chicken.

 

 




One Loaf Kitchenaid White Bread Recipe That’s Great for Sandwiches

Most bread recipes are for two loaves, which is way too much for one person to eat.  I have two other easy bread recipes, one with a soft crust, and a crusty no knead version. Both are great for eating with soup or dipping in olive oil, but not so great for sandwiches.  This Kitchenaid white bread recipe makes a single loaf of bread that’s light, soft, and perfect for peanut butter and jelly, tuna salad, or your favorite sandwich filling.

I got the recipe from the original Kitchenaid cookbook that came with my mixer.  I cut the recipe in half (for one loaf) and I have also added instructions on how to shape the loaf of bread.  Follow these simple tips and you’ll get a perfect loaf of fresh bread that looks like it came from a bakery.

The other key to the success of this Kitchenaid white bread recipe is my loaf pan.  When I made the bread for this post I completely forgot to grease and flour the pan! I figured I would end up with a horrid mass of bread stuck to the pan. Nope! It came out perfect and popped right out of the pan!




Tools and Ingredients for This Recipe

Norpro loaf pan

Norpro Stainless Steel Bread Pan

I call this my magic bread pan.  It looks as clean and shiny six years later as it did when I bought it. It’s not a standard non-stick pan, but whatever they did to it, the food does not stick. It cleans up from banana bread, apple bread, meatloaf, potato bread—doesn’t seem to matter. Which is great when you don’t have a dishwasher and don’t want to spend all day cleaning pots.

NSAF Instant Yeast

Saf Instant Yeast, 1 Pound Pouch

This is so much better than buying tiny, expensive packets of yeast.  Those packets cost a dollar each and after three loaves it’s all gone.  With this big bag, you can bake dozens of loaves rather than just three, and it’s far more economical. Keep the bag in the freezer so it stays fresh.  Also, since it’s instant yeast you don’t have to wait for it to activate. Just add your ingredients and keep going.

JK Adams French rolling pin


J.K. Adams FRP-1 Maple French Rolling Pin

Most rolling pins have tiny handles on the ends, that somehow make them harder to hold and roll, especially if when your hands get sticky.  This one is different. It’s long and tapered, so there’s more surface area to roll out and shape the bread dough. It’s much easier to use than the old, carved one I had.

Norpro bench scraper/chopper

 

I admit, it took me a while to get one of these. But it’s really fantastic for getting your dough into the bowl to rise. It’s also great for scraping bits of dough and flour off the counter . Or, use it to scoop up chopped veggies and toss them into your pot.

More Kitchenaid White Bread Recipes

kitchenaid honey oat bread recipeKitchenaid Honey Oat Bread Recipe

Slightly sweet, with oats mixed right into the dough, with more sprinkled on top.  Great for toast, especially cinnamon toast.

 

single loaf challah recipeSingle Loaf Challah Recipe for Kitchenaid Stand Mixer

A single golden, round loaf of challah. Perfect for the holidays. If you haven’t heard of this bread before, it’s a kissing cousin to brioche.

 

kitcheanaid potato bread recipeKitchenaid Potato Bread Recipe

Why potatoes? It’s not just flavor. The potatoes also make the bread moist and tender. You get the softness of store-bought, without having to go to a store. And since you made it yourself, you know exactly what’s in it. You also can enjoy that wonderful fresh bread smell as it bakes.

kitchenaid cinnamon bread

Easy Kitchenaid Cinnamon Bread

A sweet, comforting treat. This is great on its own, or toasted with some butter or cream cheese. And the smell….. well you may have your neighbors rushing over to beg for some.

 

 

Single Serving Double Dark Chocolate Pudding Recipe

In keeping with last week’s theme of indulgence, here’s a bit more. Because it’s the holiday season, and why not? This recipe, which I adapted from Tina’s Cookings, was billed as a thick European-style hot chocolate, which is sort of a runny pudding you can drink. That’s not quite what I got.  Instead, I got a single serving double dark chocolate pudding recipe. Even better! I’m not sure if I transposed it incorrectly (her measurements are metric), but I did it twice and got the same result.

In any case, this is rich, decadent, and utterly delicious! And since it’s seriously bitter cold outside, warm pudding (or hot chocolate is perfect).

So why not give yourself a little treat? We’ve all been working hard over the holidays, and we all deserve a reward.

Make sure to use high quality chocolate and cocoa to make this. I used Cadbury Bourneville cocoa and Trader Joe’s Belgian chocolate (which is really Callebaut in a clever disguise). It’s worth it!

If you use the Callebaut callets (essentially chocolate chips), you’ll need about 2 or 3 oz (by weight).  Then you don’t have to break up the chocolate and it will melt faster.




Single Serving Double Dark Chocolate Pudding Recipe Substitutions and Variations

  • Add more milk or reduce the cornstarch and get European-style hot chocolate
  • Top with whipped cream or sliced strawberries
  • Top with broken up candy canes
  • Sprinkle some cinnamon and nutmeg or chocolate shavings on top
  • Try a splash of brandy or Kahlua

More Chocolate Dessert Recipes

greek yogurt chocolate cakeGreek Yogurt Triple Chocolate Cake

Not one, not two, but three kinds of chocolate: cocoa, chocolate, and a chocolate ganache icing on top. Because why not.

 

easy chocolate mousseEasy Chocolate Mousse

One of the very first recipes I learned to make. Only five ingredients, no melting chocolate in a double boiler and no separating eggs either. Easy!

 

small batch brownies cocoa powderSmall Batch Brownies with Cocoa Powder

Normal brownie recipes are too much for one person to eat. I’ve scaled this one down so it’s a perfect mini recipe for one.

 

poached pears with chocolate sauce and ice creamPoached Pears with Chocolate Sauce and Ice Cream

Not entirely chocolate, but a quick and elegant dessert that is easy to prepare.

 




Pan-Fried Steak with Mushroom Brandy Cream Sauce

Sure it’s the holiday season, and there are a lot of parties and fancy meals everywhere.  But sometimes (holiday or no) you just want to treat yourself even without a party.  Cooking for one doesn’t have to mean dull and boring.  Pan-fried steak with mushroom brandy cream sauce is rich, creamy, and just slightly indulgent.  The cream is velvety, and the mushrooms add an earthy flavor, while the scallions and garlic bring just a hint of sweetness to the sauce. A funny thing happens to onions and garlic once you sauté them; they transform from spicy to sweet.

All that and it’s still really easy to prepare. You can have a delicious, festive dinner in about twenty minutes.  A big payoff without a lot of work!

I’ve made the sauce with pan-fried steak, but it works just as well with a pork chop or a piece of chicken.  If you make it with a bone-in chicken thigh, start that about 20 minutes before you begin cooking the sauce, as it takes longer to cook than a steak or a pork chop.

If you’re going with the steak, start that at the same time as the sauce. Then take it off the heat and let it rest while you finish preparing the sauce.




I made this with brown jasmine rice and some string beans, but it would work well with potatoes too, or even just some crusty bread to sop up every last bit of the sauce.

Pan-fried Steak with Mushroom Brandy Cream Sauce Substitutions and Variations

  • Use shallots or chopped onions instead of the scallions (I grabbed scallions because I have a pot of them growing in my windowsill)
  • Exchange the brandy for white wine and toss the same sauce with pasta
  • Add nutmeg and serve it over chicken breasts
  • Make more mushrooms and eat them as a side dish

More Steak and Mushroom Recipes

spicy beef noodle soupSpicy Beef Noodle Soup for One

Soup doesn’t have to hard, or time consuming. This one is ready in minutes, with only six ingredients.

 

cold leftover steak saladCold Leftover Steak Salad with Goat Cheese and Red Wine Vinaigrette

Bright, fresh, crispy, and the perfect way to use up leftover steak. And, you can get your veggie servings in at the same time.

chicken mushroom skillet recipeChicken and Mushroom Skillet Recipe

Perfect for a weeknight, this dish is rich with mushroom flavor. No marinating, and no separate sauce pot either. It creates its own sauce right in the skillet.

 

stovetop coq au vinStovetop Coq au Vin Chicken with Red Wine Sauce

A classic French dish updated for busy modern lives. This version needs only one pot and you can make it right on your stovetop.

 

 




Butternut Squash Cream Sauce Recipe for One Person

Nothing quite says fall like butternut squash. This butternut squash cream sauce recipe is great over pasta and makes a delicious change from the usual heavy cream or tomato sauces.  It’s got sweet butternut squash, savory/sweet roasted garlic, and creamy parmesan added just at the end.

First, roast the squash, and the garlic, then pop it in a saucepan with chopped onions and puree the whole thing.  A bit of cream and parmesan gives it a creamy, rich flavor.

I sometimes like to add a bit of bacon or pancetta crumbled on top for an extra bit of salty/savory deliciousness (and besides, bacon!).

I did try to make this as cleanup friendly as possible, but it’s a bit hopeless. There are a lot of pans involved! Luckily, since we’re only making enough for one person, they’re fairly small pans.

There are several pieces of kitchen equipment that are essential for this recipe. The first is good sharp sturdy knife.  It’s got to cut through that peel.  Next is a good peeler. Butternut squash can be hard to peel without one (although you can cheat if you want and get the pre-peeled, cut up cubes in a bag).  And, finally a stick blender (or a regular one, but the stick is easier) to puree the sauce.

I tend to cut off a chunk, peel it, and then cut that up into cubes. It’s easier that way.




Butternut Squash Cream Sauce Recipe Substitutions and Variations

  • Try shallots instead of onions
  • Add some crumbled bacon or pancetta on top
  • Fry a few sage leaves in the butter and use them to garnish the sauce

More Butternut Squash Recipes

curried butternut squash soup with applesCurried Butternut Squash Soup with Apples

The perfect fall soup, flavored with squash, apple cider, and mild curry.  Mmmmmm good.

 

roasted cinnamon nutmeg squashRoasted Cinnamon Nutmeg Butternut Squash

Flavored with cinnamon and nutmeg this is a great autumn side dish. Serve with a simple piece of roast chicken.


butternut squash brown sugar vanilla

Butternut Squash with Brown Sugar and Vanilla

Sure, it looks like a side dish. I mean, squash is a vegetable, right? Nope. It’s dessert (it’s wearing a clever disguise…shhhh).

 

 




Cider Braised Pork Chop with Sauerkraut and Apples

Now that fall has finally arrived, it’s time to start switching light meals and salads for something more substantial. This cider braised pork chop with sauerkraut is full of classic fall flavors, from rich pork, crisp apples and sweet cider. That sweetness is balanced by savory onions, piquant sauerkraut, and just a touch of brown sugar.

It’s great simple comfort food. This is a good dish for a weeknight dinner or even for company. You only need to use one pan, so there’s not a lot of clean up involved. And, after a bit of chopping and slicing it’s ready in about half an hour. Just be careful not to overcook the pork. Put everything together, deglaze the pan, and then cook it gently for 15 or 20 minutes.

There are lots of variations on this idea. Some add bacon. Others roast the pork. I added carrots, but you can also skip the carrots in the main dish and make my honey mustard glazed carrots as a side dish. The sweet honey and the savory mustard complement the pork nicely.




Cider Braised Pork Chop with Sauerkraut Substitutions and Variations

  • Use white wine or chicken broth instead of the cider
  • Replace the carrots with potatoes
  • Add some sausage
  • Saute some bacon in the pan first and cook the pork in the bacon fat instead of the oil
  • If you find commercial sauerkraut too salty, mix in some raw cabbage to cut the salinity.

Pork and Cabbage Recipes

Polish sausage with cabbage and potatoesOne Pot Polish Sausage and Cabbage with Potatoes

An entire meal: meat, potatoes, and veggies all packed into one single bowl (and one cooking pot).

 

creole cabbage and sausageQuick Creole Cabbage and Sausage

Fast, pantry-friendly and delicious. Colorful too, especially if you use red cabbage.  Just add some rice for a full meal.

 

chinese chicken noodle cabbage soup

Chinese Chicken Noodle Cabbage Soup for One Person

Fragrant with garlic, spicy chili, and a hint of sweetness from honey, this Chinese chicken noodle cabbage soup tastes good and knocks out germs too.