Real Fast Food

1. Embrace real fast food: Simple, flavorful dishes ready in minutes

There is nothing like real, fast, food.

Real fast food is about creating delicious meals quickly using fresh ingredients and simple techniques. It's not about processed convenience foods, but rather dishes that can be prepared in 30 minutes or less. This approach to cooking emphasizes flavor, freshness, and efficiency.

Key principles of real fast food:

• Use high-quality, fresh ingredients
• Employ simple cooking methods like grilling, sautéing, or steaming
• Combine pantry staples with one or two fresh items
• Focus on dishes that require minimal preparation and cooking time

Examples of real fast food:

• A perfectly ripe melon with salty Feta cheese and black olives
• Grilled chicken brushed with herbs and lemon, served in a crisp roll with garlic mayonnaise
• A bowl of porridge with blackberries and heather honey

2. Master the art of quick cooking with essential techniques and tools

Be prepared.

Efficient kitchen setup is crucial for fast cooking. Organize your kitchen so that everything has its place and is easily accessible. This saves time searching for ingredients and tools while cooking.

Essential techniques for quick cooking:

• Mise en place: Prepare all ingredients before starting to cook
• Multi-tasking: Manage multiple dishes simultaneously
• Proper knife skills: Efficient chopping and slicing saves time
• Use of high heat: Cook foods quickly while maintaining flavor

Key tools for fast cooking:

• Sharp knives
• Heavy-based pots and pans
• Steamer basket
• Food processor or blender
• Microplane grater

3. Stock your pantry wisely for effortless meal preparation

To the quick cook a sufficiently stocked storecupboard is not just a time-saver but a source of inspiration.

A well-stocked pantry allows for quick meal creation without frequent shopping trips. Focus on versatile ingredients that can be combined in various ways to create different dishes.

Essential pantry items:

• Oils: Olive oil, vegetable oil, nut oils
• Vinegars: Red wine, balsamic, sherry
• Dried pasta and grains
• Canned tomatoes and beans
• Spices and dried herbs
• Condiments: Mustard, soy sauce, hot sauce

Refrigerator and freezer staples:

• Eggs
• Hard cheeses (e.g., Parmesan)
• Frozen vegetables and fruits
• Bacon or pancetta

4. Elevate eggs as the ultimate fast food with versatile recipes

The egg must be the most convenient of all foods.

Eggs are incredibly versatile and cook quickly, making them ideal for fast meals. They can be prepared in countless ways and paired with various ingredients to create satisfying dishes.

Quick egg recipes:

• Scrambled eggs with herbs or cheese
• Frittatas with vegetables and leftovers
• Poached eggs on toast or salad
• Omelets with various fillings

Tips for perfect eggs:

• Use fresh eggs for best flavor and texture
• Cook scrambled eggs and omelets over low heat for creamy results
• Experiment with different herbs and seasonings
• Pair eggs with vegetables, cheese, or meats for complete meals

5. Transform pasta into quick, satisfying meals with creative sauces

Good-quality dried pasta made with durum wheat flour cooks in about 9–11 minutes.

Pasta is a fast-cook's best friend, providing a blank canvas for countless quick meals. The key is to pair it with flavorful sauces that can be prepared while the pasta cooks.

Quick pasta sauce ideas:

• Olive oil, garlic, and chili flakes
• Fresh tomatoes, basil, and olive oil
• Cream and Parmesan cheese
• Pesto (store-bought or homemade)
• Canned tuna, capers, and lemon

Tips for perfect pasta:

• Use plenty of salted water for cooking
• Cook pasta al dente for the best texture
• Reserve some pasta cooking water to help sauces adhere
• Experiment with different pasta shapes for variety
• Combine pasta with vegetables or proteins for complete meals

6. Harness the power of vegetables for rapid, nutritious dishes

Of all my food shopping, it is poking around the vegetable stalls that I enjoy most.

Vegetables are essential for quick, healthy meals. They cook rapidly and offer endless possibilities for flavor combinations and cooking methods.

Fast vegetable cooking methods:

• Stir-frying
• Grilling or roasting
• Steaming
• Raw preparations (salads, slaws)

Quick vegetable dish ideas:

• Grilled aubergine with chick pea purée
• Stir-fried broccoli with garlic and chili
• Raw fennel salad with citrus dressing
• Roasted peppers with balsamic vinegar
• Sautéed mushrooms with herbs

Tips for cooking vegetables:

• Don't overcook; maintain crispness and nutrition
• Experiment with different seasonings and herbs
• Combine vegetables with grains or proteins for complete meals
• Use seasonal produce for best flavor and value

7. Reimagine meat dishes for swift, flavorful main courses

To say I have a deep affection for mashed potato is something of an understatement. It is almost an addiction.

Fast meat dishes focus on quick-cooking cuts and efficient preparation methods. The goal is to achieve maximum flavor in minimal time.

Quick-cooking meat cuts:

• Chicken breasts or thighs
• Lamb chops
• Pork tenderloin
• Beef sirloin or flank steak

Fast meat cooking techniques:

• Grilling or broiling
• Pan-searing
• Stir-frying
• Quick braising

Recipe ideas:

• Grilled lamb chops with herbs
• Pan-seared chicken with lemon and capers
• Stir-fried beef with vegetables
• Pork tenderloin with mustard sauce

Tips for cooking meat quickly:

• Bring meat to room temperature before cooking
• Use high heat for fast cooking and browning
• Let meat rest before slicing to retain juices
• Pair with quick-cooking vegetables or grains

8. Discover the versatility of cheese in quick, satisfying meals

I would hate to live in a world without cheese.

Cheese is a fast-cook's secret weapon, offering instant flavor and substance to many dishes. From quick snacks to main courses, cheese can elevate simple ingredients into satisfying meals.

Ways to use cheese in fast cooking:

• Melted on toast or in sandwiches
• Crumbled over salads
• Mixed into pasta dishes
• As a starring ingredient in omelets or frittatas
• Paired with fruit for a quick dessert

Quick cheese dish ideas:

• Welsh Rabbit (cheese on toast)
• Grilled halloumi with vegetables
• Caprese salad (tomatoes, mozzarella, basil)
• Baked feta with honey and thyme
• Blue cheese and pear salad

Tips for using cheese:

• Experiment with different types for variety
• Let cheese come to room temperature for best flavor
• Pair strong cheeses with complementary flavors (e.g., blue cheese with walnuts)
• Use cheese as a finishing touch for added richness

9. Unlock the potential of fruit for fast, refreshing desserts

I often turn to the fruit bowl in search of pudding.

Fruit offers endless possibilities for quick, refreshing desserts. With minimal preparation, fruit can be transformed into elegant and satisfying sweet endings to a meal.

Quick fruit dessert ideas:

• Grilled peaches with honey and cream
• Bananas foster (caramelized bananas with rum)
• Fresh berries with whipped cream or yogurt
• Poached pears in wine
• Citrus salad with mint and honey

Tips for fruit desserts:

• Use ripe, in-season fruit for best flavor
• Enhance natural sweetness with honey or sugar
• Pair fruit with complementary flavors (e.g., strawberries and balsamic)
• Experiment with different textures (raw, cooked, pureed)
• Consider savory additions like black pepper or herbs

Last updated: August 1, 2024