Long day at work, unexpected guests or midnight snack cravings? We have exactly what you need!3-ingredient recipes- Time is of the essence and you want to be able to whip up something instantly. Put away that packet of maggi, we've got a list of recipes that need only 3 main ingredients and will make you feel like a finalist on Master Chef.(Disclaimer: Spice and garnish do not count as one of the 3 ingredients. Neither does sugar. Nor oil.)
1. Quesadilla - Flour, mushrooms, cheese
In a frying pan, saute sliced mushrooms with olive oil, salt and pepper. Make rotis out of the flour (you could even chose atta for a healthier option) and cut them into four triangles to make sandwiches. Add the sauteed mushrooms and cheese between the triangle slices and heat in a pan over medium flame. Once the cheese melts and seals the deal your Mexican treat is ready!
2. Teriyaki Chicken Wings - Chicken wings, teriyaki sauce, sesame seeds
Take 8 chicken wings halved at the joint and discard the wing tips. Grill them over medium-low heat, covered and with a little oil for about 20 minutes. In the last 5 minutes of grilling, add 1/4 cup of Teriyaki sauce (or BBQ sauce). Add 1/2 teaspoon of toasted sesame seeds and serve with the leftover Teriyaki sauce as dipping sauce.
3.Hashbrowns- Potatoes, butter and a whole lotta love!
Shred potatoes in cold water and rinse until the water becomes cloudy. Drain the water and pat dry with paper towels to remove all moisture. Heat butter in a pan and add shredded potatoes and cook on both sides until they turn brown and crispy. This should take around 10-12 minutes. Season with salt, pepper and any other seasoning you'd like.
4. Pesto - Basil, garlic, olive oil
Grind some fresh basil leaves, add some olive oil and a little bit of grated garlic for an amazing pesto that can be had with some toast or pasta. Who said fine dining needed to be high maintenance? Add some crushed walnuts if you're feeling extravagant.
5. Milk Poha - Poha, milk and coconut
This is comfort food at it's best. Take 1 cup poha and wash thoroughly. Add 1 cup of warm or cold milk, as per your liking, and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Add some grated coconut and eat immediately (before anyone else does)!
6. Grilled Shrimp - Shrimp, lemon and ginger
Devein shrimps, marinate with lemon juice and finely grated fresh ginger. Add salt and pepper for taste. Cook in a saucepan until completely opaque. This should ideally take 4-5 minutes.
7. Ham and Cheese Pockets - Ham slices, cheese and bun
Make an incision in a bun and add ham, cheese and any seasoning you'd like. Heat in a microwave or toast slightly on a pan.
8. Ice Cream Sandwiches - Oreos, ice-cream and chocolate sauce
This is perfect for when you have guests coming over and don't have enough time to prepare an elaborate dessert. Make a crust of crushed Oreos, add a scoop of ice cream and spread evenly, then add some chocolate sauce and another layer of crushed Oreos, and freeze until you're ready to serve them. If you feel like a challenge, make multiple tiers. We know the guests wouldn't mind.
9. Grilled Chicken - Chicken, tandoori chicken masala and curd
Cut medium pieces of chicken, add some tandoori chicken masala, fish masala or any other masala that you might have lying in the freezer. Add some curd and marinate for a few hours (you could also add lime juice and ginger-garlic paste). Grill in the oven, cook on a saucepan or over flaming coals. Vegetarians can use Paneer and the masala is vegetarian too. Serve with some pudina (mint) chutney, which is just as easy to make, or on it's own.
10. Classical Corn - Corn, butter and cilantro
Grill some corn over a medium-high flame, brush with a generous dollop of butter and add some finely chopped cilantro with some salt and red chilli powder and lemon juice. And you have the perfect snack for a rainy day or if you're having a picnic. (It's also a the most loved dish by vegetarians at Barbecues.)
11. Guacomole - Cilantro, avocado and onions
Stir mashed avocado, finely chopped cilantro and onions in a bowl. Season with salt and lemon juice. Chill in the fridge for half an hour. Guacamole can be used in almost everything, right from wraps to a dip with nachos or on toasted bread.
12. Bread Pizza - Ketchup, cheese, onions
No need to go looking for the pizza delivery number, a much faster and cheaper alternative is a bread pizza! Much faster than 30 minutes! Spread some ketchup or chilli sauce over a slice of bread. Add cheese and cut onion or any other toppings (saving Italian spice from the last time you ordered pizza is also a good idea). Put in the oven for a few minutes till the cheese melts and your bread pizza is ready!
13. Chilli Tofu - Tofu, chilli flakes and garlic
Sauté cut pieces of tofu and finely chopped garlic in olive oil on a medium-high flame for about 3-5 minutes. Add chilli flakes and salt for seasoning. Sprinkle some sesame seeds to make it a gastronomical wonder. This makes for the perfect dish to whip up when guests arrive unexpectedly.
14. Fried Bacon - Bacon, bacon and more bacon!
Fry some bacon in a saucepan and add some salt and pepper and maybe chopped green chillies too. You really don't need to think of anything else, when you've got bacon. The video above is testament to the magical powers of bacon.
Have you tried any of these recipes? Do you have any easy-to-make recipes of your own? Do share with us in the comments section below.