8 Spectacular 3-Ingredient Recipes
Got salt, pepper and oil? Well then we've got ingenious dishes that will shorten your grocery list without sacrificing flavor.
By Kate Rockwood and Lynn Andriani
The "Cupboard's Bare? No Sweat!" Classic
When you need a fast, frugal and filling pantry meal, you probably reach for pasta. But instead of jarred tomato sauce, try this speedy, olive oil-based alternative. The key is to not hold back on the garlic, since its pungent flavor mellows when you sauté it. Grated Parmesan is the other powerhouse ingredient here; put some in the dish, and then pass around more at the table.
Get the recipe: Spaghetti with Garlic and Olive Oil
Couldn't-Be-Simpler Mashed Potatoes
We love buttermilk, crème fraîche and all the other fantastic mix-ins we've seen added to classic mashed potatoes. But on a busy Tuesday night, this ultrasimple version is ideal. Potatoes, heavy cream, butter, done.
Get the recipe: Creamy Whole Butter Potatoes with Coarse Salt and Cracked Black Pepper
A Brighter Than Usual White Pizza
A classic garnish takes center stage as thin slices of citrus, rind and all, combine with smoky cheese for a gooey, tart slice that's a cut above traditional pies.
Get the recipe: Lemon and Smoked-Mozzarella Pizza
Traditional Bar Food, Lightened Up
Think of salt and black pepper as ho-hum standbys? Not after you try this recipe: The spice rack staples add a piquant flavor that makes these wings really take flight.
Get the recipe: Salt-and-Pepper Chicken Wings with Bok Choy and Peppers
A Classic Spanish Pairing, with a Burst of Tomato
Lightly sautéing cherry tomatoes and spicy sausage creates a luscious topping for the mild fish in this Spanish-style dish.
Get the recipe: Cod with Chorizo and Tomatoes
Choose-Your-Own-Filling Homemade Hot Pockets
The filling possibilities for these Latin American–style turnovers are endless—rotisserie chicken and poblano peppers, say, or barbecued pulled pork.
Get the recipe: Kale and Goat Cheese Empanadas
The Fruity Dessert with a Crazy Secret Ingredient
Even after tasting a second helping, no one will be able to guess the magical ingredient in this moist, fluffy cake: melted vanilla ice cream.
Get the recipe: Raspberry Buckle
Easier-Than-Box-Mix Brownies
Eggs and flour transform chocolate-hazelnut spread into subtly sweet, cakey brownies.
Get the recipe: Chocolate Hazelnut Brownies
Published 12/14/2012
