It is easy to fall under the assumption that a good meal requires any of the following: (1) A long & complicated ingredient list, (2) a long cooking or prep time, (3) expensive & hard-to-find ingredients or (4), a lot of skill. Whilst this can on occasion be true, a satisfying dish can come from less. Less work, less ingredientes, less stress.
At my home, I have a couple go-to-meals which require two ingredients! You heard me right! Some of them might be quite obvious, as they are very commonly used, such as:
- Avocado & Toast
- Caprese salad
- Chicken & Rice
- Yogurt + Berries
- Pasta + Pesto Sauce
- Eggs & Spinach
These are absolutely great ideas when you’re looking to simplify your cooking. However, our wish is to take it a step further and explore more unique options that you might not have though of, that remain just as easy to make. When you look beyond the usual pairings, you’ll find a world of creative, nourishing simplicity.
All our combinations are unexpected, yet effortlessly delicious. Perfect for those seeking calm in the kitchen, these ideas prove that minimalism can also be exciting. Keep in mind we don’t consider herbs, spices or garlic/onion as ingredients.
1. Chickpeas in Tomato Sauce
This traditional Spanish dish is so quick and easy to make that, once you try it, you’ll find yourself cooking it again and again. All you need is a jar of cooked chickpeas and a jar of natural, uncooked tomato sauce.
Pour both into a wide pan and let them simmer gently. (Tip: The tomato sauce tends to splatter, so cover the pan with a lid, leaving a small gap to allow the steam to escape and the sauce to reduce.)
Season with your choice of herbs and spices — you can make it spicy by adding chili flakes, or keep it mild. I like to include a bit of garlic and some dried aromatic herbs for extra flavour. Once the sauce has thickened to a nice consistency, your dish is ready to enjoy!
2. Salmon with Pear Slices
This combination may sound unusual at first, but it’s balanced, fresh, and simple. The sweetness of ripe pear pairs well with the richness of salmon.
For a warm version, bake a salmon fillet alongside pear slices. Place everything on a baking tray, season lightly, and roast at 375°F (190°C) for about 12 to 15 minutes. The pear will soften in the oven and add a light, sweet note to the dish.
For a cold option, slice the pear thinly and layer smoked salmon on top. This works well as a quick lunch or as small bites to serve guests. You can finish with a little lemon or black pepper if you like.
3. Halloumi Cheese with Watermelon
This is a simple but satisfying pairing that works especially well in warmer months. You’ll need firm slices of halloumi cheese and chunks of cold watermelon.
Pan-fry or grill the halloumi until it’s golden on both sides. Let it rest for a minute, then plate it with fresh watermelon cubes. The salty cheese and juicy fruit balance each other, and you get a mix of warm and cold with each bite.
This can be served as a small meal or a refreshing starter.
4. Zucchini noodles with Peanut Butter
This dish is quick, light, and full of texture. All you need is spiralized zucchini and a spoonful of peanut butter.
Toss the raw zucchini noodles in a bowl with the peanut butter until well coated. If the peanut butter is too thick, warm it slightly or add a splash of water to help it spread. You can also add a pinch of chili flakes or a drop of soy sauce for more depth.
Eat it cold or at room temperature. It takes five minutes, and there’s barely any cleanup.
4. Canned Lentils with Coconut Milk
This is a smooth and cozy dish you can make with just two pantry staples. Use one can of lentils and one can of full-fat coconut milk.
Pour both into a small pot and warm them gently. Stir often so the mixture doesn’t stick. The coconut milk will thicken slightly and coat the lentils. You can add turmeric, garlic, or curry powder if you like, but it’s optional.
Serve it in a bowl on its own, or over plain rice for something more filling.
5. Rice with Kimchi
This is one of the easiest combinations when you want something fast and full of flavour. You’ll need freshly cooked or leftover rice and a few spoonfuls of kimchi.
Chop the kimchi if it’s in large pieces. Mix it into warm rice until everything is combined. The heat from the rice will soften the kimchi and bring out its aroma. You can eat it as is, or add an egg or some greens on top if you like.
It works well as a meal or a quick side dish.
6. Smoked Tofu with Stir-Fry Vegetables
This is a balanced, protein-rich meal that comes together quickly. You’ll need smoked tofu and any mix of fresh or frozen stir-fry vegetables.
Slice the tofu into bite-sized pieces and pan-fry it until the edges are golden. Add the vegetables directly to the same pan. Cook everything together until the vegetables are just tender and the tofu is heated through.
The smoked tofu adds a rich, savoury flavour that pairs well with the lightness of the vegetables. You can finish it with soy sauce, sesame oil, or chili flakes, but it’s optional. Serve hot in a bowl or over rice if you want something more filling.
7. Eggs and Tomato Sauce (Shakshuka Shortcut)
This is a simple take on a popular dish. All you need is tomato sauce and eggs.
Pour tomato sauce into a skillet and let it simmer over medium heat. Once it starts to bubble, crack in the eggs. Cover the pan and cook until the whites are set and the yolks are still soft.
You can add garlic, chili, or cumin for extra flavour. Eat it straight from the pan with a piece of bread, or serve in a shallow bowl.
8. Soba Noodles with Soy Sauce
This meal comes together in minutes and works well cold or warm. You’ll need dried soba noodles and soy sauce.
Cook the noodles according to the package and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking. Shake off the extra water and place the noodles in a bowl. Drizzle with soy sauce and toss until coated.
Add sesame seeds, scallions, or chili oil if you like, but it’s not necessary. It’s filling, fast, and easy to adjust to your taste.
9. Pumpkin Puree with Red Lentils
This is a warm and filling meal with a soft texture and mellow flavour. You’ll need red lentils and plain pumpkin puree.
Cook the lentils in water until tender. Once they are cooked, stir in the pumpkin. Keep heating until everything is hot and blended. The texture will be thick and smooth, similar to a mash or stew.
You can season it with salt, cinnamon, or cumin. It’s a good autumn or winter meal, but works any time you want something grounding.
10. Cauliflower with Tahini
This is a simple and balanced combination. Use fresh cauliflower and plain tahini.
Cut the cauliflower into small florets and roast them in the oven at 400°F (200°C) until golden. When they’re done, spoon tahini over the top. The heat from the cauliflower softens the tahini, making it easier to coat each bite.
A squeeze of lemon or a pinch of salt adds more balance, but it’s optional. This dish works as a meal or a side.
11. Cabbage Steaks with Parmesan Crust
This is a good way to turn a basic vegetable into something more hearty. You’ll need green or red cabbage and grated parmesan.
Cut the cabbage into thick, flat slices. Lay them flat on a baking tray, brush with a little oil, and top with parmesan. Roast in a hot oven until the edges are crisp and the cheese is golden.
The result is warm, savoury, and has a bit of bite. Serve with a knife and fork, or pull apart with your hands.
12. Chorizo with Chickpeas
This is a strong and flavourful combination, made with pantry staples. Slice the chorizo into small pieces and cook it in a skillet until the fat starts to melt.
Add cooked chickpeas and stir well. Keep cooking until the chickpeas are hot and coated in the oil and spices from the chorizo.
You can eat this straight from the pan or spoon it over toast, rice, or greens. It’s rich, simple, and satisfying.
These combinations show that good food doesn’t need to be complicated. With just two ingredients, you can make meals that are nourishing, balanced, and full of flavour. Whether you’re short on time, energy, or ingredients, these ideas are here to keep things simple. Let them serve as a reminder that cooking can be both easy and satisfying. We hope you enjoyed them & let us know if you make any! ❤️🌶️
Leave a Reply