10 really easy recipes for beginners, plus must-know tips and advice

If you’re a beginner, cooking can be daunting. But don’t worry, we’ve got you. Here are 10 easy, quick and delectable recipes to welcome the season of renewal.

Cajun-spiced fish with apple slaw

This meal is the perfect weeknight meal. Not only does it have minimal ingredients, it’s easy and big on flavour! When grilling fish, make sure to take the fish out of the fridge about 20 minutes before grilling. Grilling it straight from the fridge will create steam during the cooking process, which defeats the purpose of the grilling method.

Chakalaka-roasted red cabbage steaks with mixed seeds

The addition of chakalaka to the cabbage gives this popular South African vegetable a whole new flavour profile. This dish is delicious, fun and extremely easy to make. Although tasty on their own, the cabbage steaks can easily be incorporated into a warm salad. You certainly don’t have to be vegetarian to enjoy this.

Leek-and-pea soup with crème fraiche

Peas and leeks are a classic flavour combination. This soup is simple and quick, and a satisfying warm bowl of green goodness. Like most soups, it can be cooked a few days before serving, making it perfect for meal prepping. It’s extremely important to cook the peas for the specified amount of time to preserve their vibrant green colour.

Curried pork shanks

Enjoying this great curry with loved ones is the perfect Sunday lunch. Although the recipe calls for stovetop cooking, you can cook the shanks in a slow-cooker. Once the pork shanks are browned and the onions are softened, everything can be cooked in the slow-cooker for 4–6 hours or until the meat is tender. The meat should easily fall off the bone when ready.

Crunchy Thai salad with peanut dressing

Get ready for a flavour explosion with this vibrant, crunchy Thai salad. The punchy dressing truly gives this dish a burst of flavour. You can add chicken, beef, pork or any protein of choice to make this recipe your own.

Roast butternut-and-cashew salad

This dish is delicious as a main meal or as a side to a chicken or lamb roast. To make it more substantial, add more salad leaves and a sprinkle of feta.

Fynbos honey-and-balsamic lamb loin

Ready in just a few minutes, you can’t go wrong with these juicy lamb chops. The combination of the honey and balsamic creates an irresistible and flavoursome glaze. Since we’re approaching peak braai season, here’s a braai maintenance tip: it’s always easier to clean a warm grill than a cold one!

Cheesy festive cornbread

It’s hard to resist the call of home-made bread. Don’t have self-raising flour at hand? Don’t panic, simply add 1t baking powder to 250ml flour.

Creamed spinach, chicken tomato and feta bake

Ready in 25 minutes, this succulent and creamy dish is set to be a new Sunday lunch fave. You can swap for ricotta while still maintaining a similar flavour profile.

Peppermint crisp thumbprint cookies

Now, for a sweet ending. Treat yourself and your loved ones to these indulgent cookies. If you aren’t too familiar with your oven, investing in an oven thermometer might help make baking less intimidating.