Tag: cooking for one

Penne with Feta Cheese Sun-dried Tomatoes and Olives

This penne with feta cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and olives recipe is fairly hands-off, simple, and delicious. And, of course, it’s just one serving!

It also allowed me to make some progress using the enormous jar of sun-dried tomatoes that’s been in the back of my fridge forever! Add some pasta, a bit of feta cheese, olives, and a few leaves of fresh basil, and you get a tasty lunch with only a few minutes of real work. (I have a basil plant growing in my window, so that basil was really fresh).

The feta was leftover from making a feta and spinach omelette, so it also helps toward my goal of not wasting anything. I just hate having a couple of tablespoons of sauce, or a few random bits of fruit or vegetables turning into a science experiment.

Now, on to more tasty mental pictures.

If you get plain, dried tomatoes (without any oil), you’ll have to start by heating them and softening them up a bit.  You can do this overnight (if you’re organized), or just start them a few minutes before you start boiling the water for the pasta. If you get the kind in oil, you can skip this step.

Once the tomatoes are soaked and the pasta is cooked, the rest of the recipe takes only a few minutes to prepare.  Just cook the garlic, toss the remaining ingredients in the saucepan you used to cook the penne and heat them up with the pasta.

Since the entire meal only uses one pot, it’s also easy to clean up afterwards. I don’t have a dishwasher, so easy cleanup is good!




 

Substitutions and Variations for Penne with Feta Cheese, Sun-Dried Tomatoes, and Olives

  • add a handful of fresh spinach (maybe half a cup of torn leaves) at the end, after you drain the pasta; cooking it just a minute or two until it wilts
  • add 1/4 chopped eggplant, a couple of mushrooms, and a few slices of red bell pepper
  • put in some leftover cooked chicken, this makes it more substantial and suitable for dinner
  • try a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of extra kick

Ingredients and Tools for This Recipe

sun-dried tomatoes

Roland Sun-Dried Tomatoes

The nice thing about sun-dried tomatoes is that they do last a long time (if you happen to have bought a giant jar because the price was great).  In addition to pasta, you can toss them on pizza, mix them in with eggs, add them to pesto, or put them in meatloaf.

 

olives

Jeff’s Naturals Whole Castelvetrano Olives

My mom only eats black olives and my dad only liked green ones. I never really liked olives of any kind that much until I tried these. They were set out as a bar snack (of all things). They are bright green, mild, and don’t taste sour or briny like most olives do. They’re great with this pasta dish, and also marinated in olive oil with slivers of garlic and rosemary (which is how the bar served them). Delicious and great for a wine and cheese cocktail hour (either just for you or for company).

More Single Serving Feta Cheese Recipes

strawberry spinach salad with balsamic dressing and feta cheeseStrawberry Spinach Salad with Balsamic Dressing and Feta Cheese

Perfect for long, hot summer days, this recipe requires no actual cooking. Crisp, refreshing, salty, and sweet, all at once.

feta brined roast chickenFeta Brined Roast Chicken Recipe for One

Easy enough for a weekend, fancy enough for company. The feta brine helps keep the chicken moist and adds flavor too.

 

summer pasta with green olives and feta cheeseSummer Pasta with Green Olives and Feta Cheese

Sweet, juicy tomatoes, plus salty olives and feta, equals an easy summer meal. The feta cheese and olives are slightly salty, while the tomatoes add sweetness. Add a squirt of lemon juice for a citrusy burst. Works either hot as dinner, or cool as a pasta salad.

 

spinach and feta cheese omeletteSpinach and Feta Cheese Omelette

Spinach and feta pie flavors, with a lot less effort. Make this for breakfast, brunch, or lunch.

 

 

 




Spicy Sesame Noodles Recipe for One Person

I recently found myself craving spicy sesame noodles. Unfortunately, I had trouble finding a ready-made recipe that appealed to me. One recipe was too sweet, another was too bland.  Yet a third called for ingredients I didn’t have at hand, like tahini and sesame paste. While those would be good, I dislike buying an entire jar/package/bottle of something just for one recipe. It did give me the idea to include some ginger, which I liked. Besides, I wanted spicy sesame noodles right then and there, not several hours or days in the future!

So, I combined and improvised.  And, of course, cut down the recipes from eight or four people to just one serving.

I also didn’t have long  rice noodles, only linguine, so I used that.  If you use rice noodles, follow the directions on the package to cook them.  There are instructions in the recipe for both.  If you only have linguine (or even short pasta) use that and don’t worry about it.

So, instead of a ready-made recipe, I ended up with my own twist. But, I’m happy to say it turned out really well.

A bit of a warning about this recipe. As is, it’s really spicy, since that chili garlic sauce packs a punch, so if you prefer a milder version, leave it out.

It’s great for a hot summer day, as it requires only that you cook the noodles, and nothing else. Just chop, mix, arrange in a bowl, and eat.

 




Spicy Sesame Noodles Recipe for One Person Substitutions and Variations

  • if you don’t have rice vinegar, use white vinegar
  • top with diced fresh bell pepper
  • add lightly cooked snow peas or broccoli
  • if you want a heartier meal, add in some cooked chicken
  • add 1 tsp tahini  to the sauce
  • garnish with sliced cucumber
  • use the peanut butter and cucumber to make a peanut butter and cucumber sandwich — yes, really)

More Spicy Noodle Recipes

spicy beef noodle soupSpicy Beef Noodle Soup for One

Exactly one serving of hot, spicy soothing soup. And it only takes a few minutes to prepare too.  You don’t have to simmer it for hours.

 

szechuan chili noodlesSchezuan Chili Noodles

Think Dan Dan noodles, but faster and easier.  You only need a few ingredients, and you don’t have to order out either.

 

easy singapore noodles with chickenEasy Singapore Noodles with Chicken for One Person

Nobody knows how this got its name. It’s not really from Singapore. But, it is crunchy, slightly spicy, warm, and delicious. Also a good way to clean out the fridge.

 

chinese chicken noodle cabbage soupChinese Chicken Noodle Cabbage Soup for One Person

Infused with garlic, chili, and just a touch of sweetness, this is a wonderful, quick soup that’s perfect for a cool fall day.

 




Chili Citrus Chicken Thigh

This chili citrus chicken thigh recipe was inspired by a friend.  She used orange zest and marmalade, but I didn’t have either of those things.  And, I’m not a fan of marmalade anyway.  I figured lime would do just as well.

The citrus gives it a bit of a tang, the chili garlic sauce adds heat, and the honey adds a touch of sweetness to balance the flavors.

It’s a pretty easy, hands-off recipe.  First, you mix the marinade ingredients together in a small bowl. Then, pour the marinade over the chicken, and let it sit for half an hour or so and bake. And that’s just about it.  If you’re really in a hurry, you can skip the marinating time, but the flavor improves if you let it sit.

UPDATE: I’ve changed the way I make this. The new method is easier, faster, and yields better results.  I’ve increased the cooking temperature, reduced the cooking time, and eliminated the need for an extra pot. And, the chicken ends up with a crisper skin and juicier meat.




More Chicken Recipes for One Person

one person chicken curryEasy Chicken Curry Recipe

Quick, and pantry friendly too. This dish requires only a few fresh ingredients, and some spices. It’s got plenty of flavor though, from onions, garam masala, and cumin.

 

chicken with mushrooms and tarragonChicken with Mushrooms and Tarragon

Delicious French food without going out (or getting a big bill at the end). Only takes one pot and about thirty minutes to make.


homemade chicken shawarmaHomemade Chicken Shawarma with Yogurt Sauce

Can’t go to your favorite Mediterranean takeout place? Make your own. No fancy equipment needed. You can make it right in your oven.

 

honey sticky garlic chickenHoney Sticky Garlic Chicken

Delight your taste buds and clear your allergy head with this crispy, sweet, and spicy chicken recipe. And it’s pantry-friendly too.

 

 




Egg Chili Cheese Burrito Recipe

This egg chili cheese burrito recipe is adapted from a Southwestern cookbook I bought long ago. Their recipe called for refried beans, and while I had beans, they were dry beans and hadn’t been soaked or refried, and I didn’t want to bother.  I did have tortillas (the ones I use as sneaky crepes), plenty of eggs, chilis, scallions, and cheese.

I decided to improvise with what I had ready to eat, rather than waiting for the beans to soak.  I was hungry, and didn’t want to fuss.

If you want to make the refried beans, you can use canned beans. If you have dried beans, and you have more time than I did that day, use the quick soak method to speed up the process.

To refry beans, just heat some bacon drippings in a pan, add cooked (or canned) pinto beans, plus some of the soaking liquid, cook them on high heat, and mash them up.  Turn the heat to low once the beans get thick and simmer until they’re soft.




Egg Chili Cheese Burrito Variations and Substitutions

  • add refried beans (about 1/4 cup)
  • cut up a sausage, fry it, and add that to the burrito
  • swap the salsa for some spicy stovetop chili
  • vary the cheese; I used sharp cheddar, but Colby, Monterey Jack or Colby-Jack would work too

More Egg Recipes

eggs with spinach and chili pepperEggs with Spinach and Chili Peppers

An easy light meal, flavored with ginger, garlic, and chili peppers. First you cook the seasonings, then the eggs, all in the same skillet.

 

frittata recipe for one personFrittata Recipe for One Person

A flexible recipe that uses whatever veggies you have around (fresh or frozen). Keep it vegetarian, or add some ham.

 

egg and tomato gratinEgg and Tomato Gratin

Fast food that’s so much better than anything from a takeout place. This is fragrant with thyme, garlic, and, onions. The whole thing is then topped with Swiss cheese.

 

shakshouka for oneShakshouka for One

Poached eggs bathed in a spicy tomato sauce, enlivened with fresh spinach. A bit more effort, but definitely worth it!

 

 




Frittata Recipe for One Person

The first time I made this frittata recipe it was for a crowd (rather than one serving) on a boat, which was rocking. It took quite some time to make and they devoured it in minutes! I’ve scaled it back considerably, made it a bit faster, and of course, it’s now a frittata recipe for one person instead of six. If you’re not sure what a frittata is, think  of an omelette crossed with a quiche. The full list of ingredients changes, but it’s essentially eggs, sliced potatoes, and veggies.

The other great thing about frittatas is that they’re flexible. The original recipe (from one of the 60 Minute Gourmet cookbooks) called for ham, zucchini, leeks, peppers, and mushrooms. A great combination, but I didn’t have all those ingredients when I made the version I’ve posted here. So, I used broccoli, mushrooms, and onions instead.

It does require a bit of slicing and chopping, but you can cheat, and use some frozen, pre-cut veggies, which is what I did here. I’m calling it lunch, but you could make it for a weekend brunch or for dinner too.




 

Substitutions and Variations for Your Frittata for One

  • make it with spinach, feta, scallions, and dill (like spanakopitas)
  • or crumble some cooked sausage and parmesan cheese
  • add artichokes (the marinated kind) and red peppers
  • add a mild cheese
  • cook some bacon, crumble it up, and add that to the vegetable/potato mixture

More Egg and Omelette Recipes

spinach and feta cheese omeletteFeta and Spinach Omelette

The essential flavors of spanakopitas, without all the fiddly phyllo dough.  Salty feta, tender spinach, and a mild oniony bite from scallions.

 

egg chili cheese burritoEgg Chili Cheese Burrito Recipe

Great for any meal, and perfect when you want food fast.  Cook an egg, heat some canned beans, and heat some chilis. Ready in fifteen minutes.

 

eggs with spinach and chili pepperEggs with Spinach and Chili Peppers

Another perfect breakfast, light lunch, or brunch favorite.  Earthy spinach, some cumin for spicy warmth, and chili for heat.  Ready quickly too.

 

egg and tomato gratinEgg and Tomato Gratin for One Person

Eggs mixed with sweet tomatoes, fragrant onions, and garlic, and topped with cheese. That’s tomatoes in the photo (not bacon), but you could certainly add some!

 




Savory Mac and Cheese Recipe with Three Cheeses

There are probably hundreds, if not thousands, of mac and cheese recipes out there: three cheese, four cheese, and on and on. This savory mac and cheese recipe is a bit different. First, it’s both savory and cheesy, second it’s sized for just one person. No leftovers.

I got the idea for this recipe from a friend who made it with sun dried tomatoes. I tried it that way, but wasn’t mad about the combination.  However, the idea to add bay leaf and garlic is inspired.  I know it sounds odd, but the garlic becomes mellow once you cook it, and the bay leaf complements the cheese.




I’ve used three cheeses: cheddar, mozzarella, and manchego. My friend used cheddar and parmesan. You can follow my version, or his, or make up your own. Provolone would work too.  I even recently had mac and cheese that had muenster in it, which worked surprisingly well.

One thing though, he used low fat milk, which I would never do.  You can, if you want to.

Savory Mac and Cheese Recipe Substitutions and Variations

  • as suggested above, mix and match the cheese you use
  • add the sun dried tomatoes when you mix the cheese and pasta together (just because I didn’t care for it, doesn’t mean it’s a bad idea)
  • cook some bacon and crumble that on top
  • include some caramelized onions
  • top with prosciutto

 

More Pasta Recipes

pasta alla norma with eggplantPasta Alla Norma with Eggplant

Take advantage of fresh summer eggplant and make this easy pasta dish with a slightly spicy tomato sauce.

 

white ragu papardelleWhite Ragu Pappardelle Pasta for One

Not your usual ragu sauce, this one is made with cream (not a tomato in sight). Instead, you simmer onions, beef, carrots, and sausage, with porcini mushrooms and white wine. It’s divine!

smoked salmon pasta with tomato cream sauceSmoked Salmon Pasta with Tomato Cream Sauce

A smooth, velvety pink sauce, with just a hint of cream. The salmon adds a smoky flavor that plays beautifully with the rich sauce.

 

pasta with tomato artichoke saucePasta with Tomato Artichoke Sauce Recipe

Also called pasta raphael, this pasta sauce is flavored with rich, sweet tomatoes, a bit of earthy oregano and summery basil. It’s got a bit of a kick from red pepper flakes and lots of freshly-ground black pepper. All straight out of your pantry (even the spices).

 




Spicy Beef Noodle Soup for One

It’s creeping crud season, and while I’m not quite sick, I’m definitely not feeling quite well either. I was browsing through Pinterest and spotted a spicy beef noodle soup recipe. I was about to save it when I realized I already had one! So I made that instead.

The beauty of this is that it’s really easy, and quick, as well as being spicy (good for fighting germs), hot (the steam is good for fighting congestion) and comforting on a cold day.  I sort of got this recipe from my online friend Terry. She had posted a “recipe” (no amounts or detailed directions, just the ingredients) for a spicy beef noodle soup that sounded awfully good.

She used red pepper which I didn’t have, as well as a specialty Korean chili sauce (which I also didn’t have). However, cooking is part following what someone else is done, part inspiration, and part improvisation, so I went with improvisation.

I did have cabbage, and I also had leftover steak, sriracha, and chili garlic sauce. I figured those would work just fine for my beef noodle soup.




If you don’t have turkey stock, you could use beef or even chicken if you prefer (see improvisation!).

Either way, once you have the stock, the rest of the soup is really easy to make and only needs a few ingredients.

Start the noodles first, then while they’re cooking, heat the stock in a separate pot and add the other ingredients. Or, you could throw everything (except the steak!) in one pot. If you do, the noodles will absorb a lot of the liquid, so you’ll need more.

Since I had the leftover steak,  I didn’t even have to cook that. If you don’t, cook that while the noodles are cooking, and then add it to the soup at the last minute.

Another thing about this spicy beef noodle soup is that with all that garlicky, spicy goodness it will kill any germs that may be plaguing you!

Spicy Beef Noodle Soup Substitutions and Variations

  • Use roasted gochujang (which is what Terry used)
  • Swap the steak for cooked turkey (especially if you still have turkey to use up), add that at the end, just for a minute to heat up
  • Add sliced red peppers
  • Put in some mushrooms; crimini or other stronger flavored varieties would work best

Tools and Ingredients for Spicy Beef Garlic Soup

huy fong chili garlic sauce

Chili Garlic Sauce

I love this stuff. It’s got a stronger kick, and less sugar, than the sriracha, plus the extra heat (and spiciness) from garlic.  It’s great in meatloaf, on eggs, in soup, or in a sauce. Think garlicky salsa.

 

huy fong sriracha

Huy Fong Sriracha Hot Chili Sauce

If you prefer a hint of sweetness, you might like this instead of the chili garlic sauce (or use them both).  Squeeze it over eggs, into soup, on enchiladas, or burritos.  It’s also good for stir-fry. Think of it as ketchup with a kick.

More Small Batch Soup Recipes

curried chicken soupCurried Chicken Soup

A delicious, low-effort soup that cuts through congestion and fights germs. Cut up some vegetables, add the remaining ingredients, and simmer.

 

mushroom barley soupMushroom Barley Soup Small Batch for One Person

Comfort food like my grandma used to make.  Rich, hearty, and delicious. Cooked slowly to bring out the full flavor.

 

chinese chicken noodle cabbage soupChinese Chicken Noodle Cabbage Soup for One Person

This soup is fragrant with garlic, spicy chili, and a hint of sweetness from honey.  Nutritious too (lots of cabbage, noodles, and chicken).

 

ham and lentil soupEasy Ham and Lentil Soup for One Person

Unlike beans, lentils don’t have to be soaked.  Just pour in the ingredients, and let it cook. Nothing fancy, and it’s all done in one pot.

 




Chicken with Peaches and Ginger

I adapted this chicken with peaches and ginger recipe from The New York Times. It’s a delicious combination of sweet and savory flavors and I haven’t tinkered with the ingredients very much.

On the other hand, the preparation and cooking instructions were a problem. The original recipe called for slicing up the chicken thighs into strips, then baking it at high temperature for 20 minutes. I did that the first time I made this and ended up with dry chicken!

The instructions also said to use hard peaches, because unripe peaches are easier to handle and cut up. They probably are, but they’re not as juicy and they don’t taste as nearly as good.

So, I changed the baking time and temperature and swapped hard peaches for ripe ones.

I have used both sherry and brandy for this recipe (though I think the sherry is better). The brandy is sweeter, so it’s a better option if your peaches aren’t as sweet as they should be.  You could also use Cointreau if you have some. I don’t drink enough of any of those to make it worth getting a large bottle, so I get the airline size bottles or at least the smallest bottle I can find.

The revised recipe takes a bit longer, but it’s easy to put together, and doesn’t require a lot of stirring or cutting or steps to make. Just mix up the cut peaches, basil, garlic, brandy, and oil, pour the mixture over the chicken, and throw the whole thing in the oven for an hour.

Make some rice to go with it on the side and maybe some green beans and you’ve got a great, easy dinner.  It’s also easy to scale this up for company.




More Chicken Thigh Recipes for One Person

chicken with tomatoes and olivesChicken with Olives and Tomatoes for One

A Jewish recipe from North Africa (yes really).  A bit more zesty than you might expect, with salty olives, sharp garlic, and a rich tomato sauce.

 

chicken mango stir fryQuick Chicken Mango Stir Fry

An Asian-inspired tangle of bright, crispy veggies with the sweetness of mango. Ready in minutes.

 

Vietnamese baked chicken with limeVietnamese Baked Chicken with Lime

Garlic, ginger, and a dash of chili garlic sauce add heat, softened by the sweet citrusy lime. Mix together a marinade, let it sit, and then bake.

 

crispy lemon chicken thighCrispy Lemon Chicken Thigh Recipe for One

A bit like fried chicken, without any frying.  It’s sweet, crispy, and great either hot or cold.

 




Pasta alla Norma with Eggplant

Summer is now in full force, and I got some lovely tomatoes and eggplant from the Greenmarket, as well as fresh pasta and fresh mozzarella cheese from the Italian market. Inspiration struck, and I thought I’d put them together to make pasta alla norma (pasta with eggplant) and add a caprese salad.

Caprese salad is simply fresh tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, olive oil, and basil leaves. It’s an easy summer side dish that requires no cooking at all.

Pasta alla norma is  slightly spicy pasta with fresh eggplant, and tomato sauce, topped with manchego cheese. This is a great meal when you’re in a hurry, as it’s pretty easy to throw together.

And, since we’re only making one serving (and using tomato sauce instead of the original whole tomatoes, the cooking time is cut from nearly an hour to about 25 minutes. If you don’t have tomato sauce, use canned crushed tomatoes and add garlic powder, onion powder, dried basil, and dried oregano to get the same effect.

The original recipe (from the New York Times) called for lots and lots of olive oil.  I think the term they used was “abundant” olive oil.  I love olive oil, but so does eggplant. It just slurps it up! However, I found that by cooking the eggplant on a low flame, it used a lot less olive than it would otherwise.

If you’re really concerned about the oil, you can drizzle the eggplant with it, and then roast it at 400 degrees for about 15 to 20 minutes.




 

Caprese Salad

This is so simple, it’s hardly a recipe at all.  Just layer slices of fresh tomato, fresh unsalted mozzarella, and fresh basil leaves.  Top with a generous drizzle of olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Skip the sat if you get salted mozzarella (unless you prefer salty food).

More Eggplant Recipes

vegetarian eggplant sandwichVegetarian Eggplant Sandwich for One Person

Transform a side dish salad into a full meal in minutes. This sandwich starts with Israeli salad and builds layers of flavor from eggplant, hummus, and an egg.


eggplant parmesan for oneEggplant Parmesan

This was a favorite treat as a child: tender eggplant, gooey cheese, and a rich, flavorful tomato sauce.  And yes, this is one serving!

 

rosemary olive oil broiled eggplantRosemary Olive Oil Broiled Eggplant

Velvety and creamy (but super easy) eggplant infused with olive oil and dusted with rosemary and parmesan cheese.

 

moussaka without bechamelMoussaka Without Bechamel Sauce Recipe

I love moussaka, but the standard recipe is just too much work. This one is easier (no bechamel), but still full of flavor from spicy/warm cinnamon and nutmeg, tender eggplant, ground beef, and tomatoes.




Compound Butter Cheeseburger

It was National Cheeseburger Day a few weeks ago.  Somehow, I managed to miss it, but celebrating with a compound butter cheeseburger is something you can do any day.  Who needs a holiday?

Compound butter is just a fancy way of saying that you take butter, soften it a bit, and then add other ingredients. Mix them all together and you have compound butter. Once you’ve got that, you add it to your ground beef, form your burger, and start cooking.

There are two good reasons to use compound butters.  The first reason is that it adds extra flavor. And, you can change the flavors by adding different ingredients to the butter (lemon, parsley and garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, a dash of cayenne, hot sauce, whatever you like).

The second reason is that it keeps your burger moist and delicious.  It won’t dry out as much if you overcook it a bit.

It’s pretty easy to do and fun to play with.

I served it on a fresh potato roll, but you can use a standard burger bun or a kaiser roll,  or even an English muffin if you prefer.




Compound Butter Cheeseburger Substitutions and Variations

  • I’ve used garlic, basil, and tarragon in my compound butter, but you can use any herbs you like.
  • Or, you can kick it up a notch with some cayenne or sriracha.
  • Replace the garlic with a few sun dried tomatoes.
  • Make a quick aioli (mayonnaise, garlic, salt, pepper, a splash of olive oil, and a bit of lemon juice), or add crisp bacon.

More Recipes with Ground Beef

white ragu papardelle

White Ragu Pappardelle Pasta for One

A fresh take on the usual pasta sauce, this one has white wine, sausage, and ground beef (not a tomato in sight).

Make it with fresh pasta for a real treat.

 

sloppy joes one person recipeSloppy Joe Recipe for One Person

A classic sandwich given a bit of a new twist. The tomato sauce is updated with sriracha. That elevates the flavor, gives it more kick, and modernizes an old favorite.

 

easy Italian meatballs for oneEasy Italian Meatball Recipe for One

Classic Italian meatballs, in a portion downsized for one person.  Use them in spaghetti, eat them on their own, or add them to soup.

 

easy Italian wedding soupEasy Italian Wedding Soup

Got meatballs? Add them to this soup and have a meal in minutes. You just need a few more ingredients, heat it up, and you’re done.