10+ East Recipes to Spice Up Your Everyday Meals

Easy recipes are a great way to simplify meal preparation while still enjoying delicious dishes. You can find a variety of simple recipes that save time and use everyday ingredients, making cooking approachable for everyone. These recipes are often designed to require minimal steps and time, allowing you to spend more time enjoying your meal with family and friends.

With so many options available, you can explore different flavors and cuisines without overwhelming yourself in the kitchen. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced cook, easy recipes can enhance your cooking experience and bring joy to your dining table.

1) Gumbo

Gumbo is a delicious dish that comes from Louisiana. It’s a hearty stew that combines a variety of ingredients, creating a rich and flavorful meal. You can make it with seafood, sausage, or even chicken.

A classic gumbo starts with a dark roux, which gives it a unique taste. You’ll typically find vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and celery in the mix. Serving it over rice makes it even better.

Ingredients

• 1 cup canola oil
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 3 stalks celery, diced
• 1 pound sausage
• 1 pound shrimp
• 4 cups chicken broth
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. In a large pot, heat oil over medium heat.
2. Whisk in flour to make a roux, and cook until it turns dark brown.
3. Add onion, bell pepper, and celery, and cook until they are soft.
4. Stir in sausage and cook for a few minutes.
5. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
6. Add shrimp and cook until they turn pink.
7. Season with salt and pepper.
8. Serve over rice. Enjoy!

2) Baked Ziti

Baked Ziti is a comforting and delicious pasta dish. It combines layers of ziti pasta with marinara sauce and three kinds of cheese. This recipe is perfect for family dinners or meal prep.

To make this dish, you will need simple ingredients that are easy to find. You can customize it by adding ground meat or vegetables if you like. It’s cheesy, savory, and satisfying.

Ingredients

• 1 pound (450 g) ziti pasta
• 24 ounces (680 g) marinara sauce
• 15 ounces (425 g) ricotta cheese
• 2 cups (200 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the ziti pasta according to package directions. Then, drain it.
3. In a large bowl, mix the cooked pasta, marinara sauce, ricotta cheese, and salt and pepper.
4. Layer half of the pasta mixture in a baking dish.
5. Top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Then, add the remaining pasta mixture on top.
6. Sprinkle extra mozzarella on top if desired.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes until it’s bubbly and golden.

3) Chicken Pot Pie

Chicken pot pie is a warm and comforting dish that’s perfect for a family meal. It combines tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and a creamy sauce all sealed in a flaky crust. You can use rotisserie chicken to save time, making this dish even easier to prepare.

To make this classic recipe, you’ll need some basic ingredients. You can mix your favorite veggies like peas, carrots, and corn for added flavor and texture. This dish is not only delicious but also a great way to use up leftovers!

Ingredients

• 1 pound cooked chicken, chopped
• 2 cups mixed vegetables (like peas and carrots)
• 1 can cream of chicken soup
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, mix chicken, vegetables, soup, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Place one pie crust in a 9-inch pie dish.
4. Fill the crust with the chicken mixture.
5. Top with the second crust and seal the edges.
6. Cut a few slits in the top crust for steam to escape.
7. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until it’s golden brown.

4) Huevos Rancheros

Huevos Rancheros is a delicious Mexican breakfast dish that is loved by many. It consists of corn tortillas, refried beans, eggs, and salsa. You can enjoy it for breakfast, brunch, or any meal of the day.

Start by lightly frying corn tortillas in a pan. Then, layer refried beans on each tortilla. Next, top them with fried or poached eggs. Finish with a generous amount of salsa for that classic flavor.

You can customize your Huevos Rancheros with toppings like avocado, cheese, or fresh herbs. It’s a colorful and tasty way to start your day.

Ingredients

• Corn tortillas
• Refried beans
• Eggs
• Salsa
• Optional toppings: avocado, cheese, herbs

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat a pan over medium heat.
2. Lightly fry the corn tortillas until they turn golden.
3. Spread refried beans on each tortilla.
4. Then, fry or poach eggs to your preference.
5. Place the eggs on the tortillas and add salsa. Enjoy!

5) Shakshuka

Shakshuka is a tasty dish from North Africa and the Middle East. It’s made by simmering tomatoes with spices and gently poaching eggs in the mix. This dish is packed with flavor and perfect for any meal.

To make shakshuka, you need a few simple ingredients. Your kitchen will smell amazing as everything cooks together. You can serve it with bread for dipping or enjoy it on its own.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 4 eggs
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh herbs for garnish

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat the olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
2. Add the onion and bell pepper. Cook until they are soft.
3. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute.
4. Then, pour in the crushed tomatoes and spices. Let it simmer for 10 minutes.
5. After that, make wells in the sauce and crack an egg into each.
6. Cover and cook until the eggs are set, about 6-8 minutes.
7. Finally, garnish with fresh herbs before serving.

6) Chicken Parmesan

Chicken Parmesan is a classic dish that many people love. It features breaded chicken that is baked and topped with marinara sauce and cheese. This dish is both hearty and satisfying.

To make it, you start with skinless, boneless chicken breasts. Season them with salt and pepper before breading. Use panko breadcrumbs for a crispy texture.

Once breaded, bake the chicken until it turns golden brown. Then, add your favorite marinara sauce and sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top. Bake again until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

This dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. It’s easy to make and always a hit!

Ingredients

• 4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
3. Dip each chicken breast in beaten eggs, then coat with panko breadcrumbs.
4. Place them on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes until they turn golden.
5. After that, remove them from the oven and top with marinara sauce and cheeses.
6. Bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted.

7) Beef Stir Fry

Beef stir fry is a quick and tasty meal that you can make at home. It combines tender beef with colorful vegetables for a healthy dinner. You can choose your favorite veggies, like bell peppers, broccoli, and mushrooms.

To make the dish, a simple sauce adds flavor. You can use soy sauce, garlic, and ginger to create a delicious mix. This dish cooks in just about 25 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights.

You can serve beef stir fry over rice or noodles. It’s a flexible recipe that lets you add what you like best!

Ingredients

• 1 pound beef (sliced thinly)
• 2 cups mixed vegetables (like bell peppers, broccoli, and carrots)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 teaspoon ginger (grated)

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat the vegetable oil in a pan over medium-high heat.
2. Add the garlic and ginger, and stir for about 30 seconds.
3. Then, add the sliced beef and cook until it turns brown.
4. Next, mix in the vegetables and stir-fry for 3-5 minutes.
5. Finally, pour in the soy sauce and cook for another 2 minutes.
6. Serve it hot over rice or noodles.

8) Vegetable Curry

Vegetable curry is a tasty and healthy dish you can easily make at home. It features mixed vegetables and a rich, creamy sauce. This dish is perfect for a quick weeknight meal.

You can customize your vegetable curry with your favorite veggies. Common choices include potatoes, carrots, and spinach. Use spices like curry powder and cumin for flavor.

You can serve your vegetable curry with rice or bread. This makes it a filling meal that everyone will enjoy.

Ingredients

• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 tomatoes, diced
• 2 cups mixed vegetables (like carrots, peas, and bell peppers)
• 1 can coconut milk
• 2 tablespoons curry powder
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• Salt to taste
• Fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat the oil in a pot over medium heat.
2. Add the onion and cook until it’s soft.
3. Then, stir in the tomatoes and cook for another 2 minutes.
4. After that, add the mixed vegetables and curry powder.
5. Pour in the coconut milk and mix well.
6. Let it simmer for about 15 minutes.
7. Finally, season with salt and garnish with cilantro if desired.
8. Serve it hot with rice or bread.

9) Chicken Alfredo

Chicken Alfredo is a creamy pasta dish that’s easy to make and delicious. You can prepare it quickly for a busy weeknight meal.

To start, cook your favorite pasta, like linguine or fettuccine. While the pasta cooks, pan-fry chicken breasts until they are golden brown and cooked through.

For the sauce, combine heavy cream, garlic, and Parmesan cheese in a pan. Stir it until smooth and creamy. Toss in the pasta and chicken, mixing everything together.

You can add vegetables like broccoli for extra flavor and nutrients. This dish is sure to please everyone at the table.

Ingredients:

• Chicken breasts
• Linguine or fettuccine pasta
• Heavy cream
• Garlic
• Parmesan cheese
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper

Cooking Instructions:

1. Cook pasta according to package directions.
2. In a skillet, heat olive oil and cook chicken breasts.
3. Remove chicken and slice it.
4. In the same skillet, add garlic and heavy cream.
5. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted.
6. Add cooked pasta and chicken; mix well.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

10) Spaghetti Carbonara

Spaghetti Carbonara is a classic Italian dish that is both simple and delicious. It features spaghetti tossed in a creamy sauce made from eggs, cheese, and pancetta or bacon. This meal is quick to prepare, usually taking about 20 minutes.

To make this dish, cook your spaghetti until al dente. In a separate pan, crisp up the pancetta.

Next, whisk together eggs and grated Parmesan cheese. Combine everything quickly to create a creamy sauce without scrambling the eggs.

Ingredients

• 12 ounces spaghetti
• 4 ounces pancetta or bacon
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook spaghetti in boiling salted water until al dente.
2. In a pan, cook pancetta until crispy.
3. Whisk eggs and Parmesan in a bowl.
4. Drain spaghetti and mix with pancetta.
5. Remove the pan from the heat and quickly stir in the egg mixture.
6. Season with salt and pepper, then serve.