### Simple and Fast Recipes with 6 Ingredients or Fewer
In the whirlwind of today’s life, having a collection of simple and fast recipes is invaluable. Whether you’re facing a hectic weeknight, surprise visitors, or simply wish to create something tasty without an extensive list of components, these recipes are ideal for you. Below are some of my preferred recipes that utilize six ingredients or fewer, yet are full of flavor and guaranteed to impress.
#### 1. **Garlic Butter Shrimp**
– **Ingredients**: Shrimp, garlic, butter, lemon juice, parsley, salt.
– **Instructions**: Heat butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add chopped garlic and sauté until aromatic. Add the shrimp and cook until they turn pink. Drizzle lemon juice over, garnish with minced parsley, and season with salt. Serve right away.
#### 2. **Caprese Salad**
– **Ingredients**: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, basil, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt.
– **Instructions**: Cut the mozzarella and tomatoes into slices. Arrange them alternately on a dish. Add fresh basil leaves. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Add salt to taste.
#### 3. **Pasta Aglio e Olio**
– **Ingredients**: Spaghetti, garlic, olive oil, red pepper flakes, parsley, salt.
– **Instructions**: Prepare spaghetti according to the directions on the package. In a skillet, warm olive oil and sauté sliced garlic until golden brown. Stir in red pepper flakes and the cooked spaghetti. Toss thoroughly. Top with chopped parsley and season with salt.
#### 4. **Baked Chicken Thighs**
– **Ingredients**: Chicken thighs, olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, pepper.
– **Instructions**: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Rub the chicken thighs with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Arrange on a baking sheet and bake for 35-40 minutes until fully cooked.
#### 5. **Avocado Toast**
– **Ingredients**: Bread, avocado, lemon juice, salt, pepper, red pepper flakes.
– **Instructions**: Toast the bread. Mash the avocado with lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Spread the mixture on the toast and sprinkle with red pepper flakes.
#### 6. **Chocolate Mousse**
– **Ingredients**: Dark chocolate, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, salt.
– **Instructions**: Melt the chocolate and allow it to cool slightly. Whip the heavy cream with sugar and vanilla until soft peaks appear. Gently combine the melted chocolate and a dash of salt. Refrigerate before serving.
These recipes demonstrate that a lengthy list of ingredients isn’t necessary to prepare something delicious and fulfilling. Keep these in your cooking toolkit for those moments when you desire a quick, simple, and flavorful dish. Enjoy!