5-Ingredient Cooking for Two: 100+ Recipes

I bought this on a whim because the kindle price was low. The author wasn't familiar to me, but I desperately needed a break from cooking from "serious" cookbooks - while still having to cook - and "5 Ingredients" was enough to reel me in. I love this book so much that I'm already waiting for the author's next. Since the recipes in this book are only five ingredients (not counting things like oil, salt, pepper, water, etc), they are somewhat basic, but I actually love that because it gives me a bit of leeway to add an additional ingredient or two which makes me feel as though I'm a more natural cook than I am. Because of that, I think it would be a great book for beginning cooks who can see what's possible at a minimum before learning by trial and error to build on them. Most of the recipes have boxes at the beginning noting the following: Freezer-Friendly, 30 Minutes or Less, One Pot, Feeling Fancy, or a combination of some or all of those. Most recipes have a list of "Optional Finishing Touches" at the end. Many of the recipes are for dishes that are usually much more complicated, having many times more ingredients, taking too much time and utilizing too many pots and pans. The complexity of taste that comes from all of that may be somewhat lacking, but I will honestly take Donovan's quick and easy, pared down versions for delicious weeknight meals, saving the crazy-difficult recipes for weekends and those times when I really want to spend some time cooking. The Pork Chile Verde is a case in point. A typical recipe for it has 3x the ingredients and steps to go through that result in something only slightly more complex than this version. I added cannellini beans to mine because I didn't have rice to serve it with and we love both versions. Tailoring the recipes on purpose is also easy. The Italian-Style Oven Baked Fish was very good and reminiscent of a puttanesca sauce minus the capers. The next time I make it, I'll throw in some capers and voila! I'll feel like a chef! The Sausage with Caramelized Cabbage and Onions is as good as it sounds and took 20 min to put on the table. Changing it up is as easy as serving it with wide noodles, using another type of sausage or tipping some caraway seeds in. Note about the Kindle version of this book: It does not have an index. The recipes, however, are all listed in the Contents and are clickable links. There are not so many recipes that that is a problem. Bottom line: I have a feeling that this will become one of my most-used cookbooks... out of the 400+ I have. And that is saying something!

It has simple recipes that taste delicious. We have tried 10+ recipes so far and they came out great. It makes deciding what to cook easier and helped us trying new ingredients. It’s a great book for beginners, and if you know how to cook, the recipes can serve as a base for additions. I recommended to all my friends. The apple cider-braised chicken is a must try

Recipes are wonderful and are truly meant for two people but would like photos.

This is a really great collection of simple recipes for every day. I’m impressed with the variety of meals in each section and since they have few ingredients, this will be a book I reach for on the counter.

"5-Ingredient Cooking for Two: 100+ Recipes Portioned for Pairs" is a culinary gem that has transformed our cooking routine for the better. This cookbook is a game-changer, simplifying meal preparation while delivering delicious results. What sets this cookbook apart is its emphasis on simplicity. With just five ingredients per recipe, it makes cooking a breeze, even on the busiest days. The carefully selected recipes not only save time but also ensure that the flavor isn't compromised. Each dish is a delightful surprise, proving that less can indeed be more. The portion sizes are perfect for two, making it effortless to create meals tailored to our needs. There's minimal waste, and we can enjoy a variety of dishes without overwhelming leftovers. This is a fantastic solution for couples seeking practicality in the kitchen. The recipes cover a wide range of cuisines and flavors, offering something for every palate. Whether we're in the mood for a quick weeknight dinner or a special weekend treat, this cookbook delivers with its diverse selection. Each recipe is accompanied by clear instructions and beautiful photos, making it easy to replicate at home. In addition to the delicious recipes, the cookbook's layout and design are both visually appealing and user-friendly. It's a joy to browse through, and the clear organization makes finding the perfect meal a breeze.