by Joan Inong

Created on: October 20, 2009

Everyone wants a delicious, home-cooked meal. Even single guys will need to prepare their own foods every now and then. Fortunately, it is easier than ever to find meals that are easy yet flavorful. All of the meals that are described, in-depth, below can be made in less than an hour and will require very few ingredients.

Adobo (vegetarian, poultry, beef, pork)

Adobo is basically a Filipino dish that requires only soy sauce, garlic, white vinegar, and your choice of "meat." All of these ingredients are cooked together for 45 minutes or so until the "meat" is falling off the bone. The traditional adobo dish is usually made with either chicken or pork, but these meats can be substituted with your choice of vegetables, such as eggplant. To make this dish for one person, you will need:

2 chicken thighs

1/3 cup soy sauce

2 teaspoons distilled white vinegar

1-2 cups hot water

2 cloves garlic, crushed

1 teaspoon canola oil

Saute the garlic first in the canola oil. Add the thighs and hot water. Allow the hot water to boil, and then add the soy sauce. Simmer for 45 minutes. Add the vinegar, simmer for another 5 minutes, and then serve with steamed rice.

Noodles Galore

This recipe will only need one required ingredient: Ramen noodles. These are inexpensive and they are easy to find. You can also add your choice of meat or vegetables. Follow the instructions that come with the Ramen noodles. Do not add the seasoning packet that comes with the package. Once the noodles are cooked to your liking, you can take them off the heat. In another pan, cook your desired meat and/or vegetables. When you are ready to eat, mix the noodles and the vegetables together.

Chicken Pot Pie

This is an all-time favorite that is both inexpensive and perfect for any time of the year. The required ingredients can be found in most supermarkets.

1 pie crust (Pilsbury)

2 cups chicken

2 cups mixed frozen vegetables

1 cup white sauce

salt and pepper to taste

In a pie pan, bake the bottom half of the pie. While the bottom crust is baking, place the chicken, vegetables, and white sauce in another pot. Add salt and pepper and cook until all of the ingredients are cooked and hot. When the bottom crust is finished baking, add the filling. Use the other half of the pie crust to cover the pie. Poke holes to release the steam. Bake for 45 minutes or until top crust is flaky and golden brown.

Learn more about this author, Joan Inong.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.