5 simple foods to cook when you don't feel like cooking

Cooking can be a joyous experience, but let’s face it – there are days when the thought of standing in front of a stove seems daunting.

Whether you’re feeling tired, lazy, or just not in the mood, there’s no shame in wanting a quick and easy meal. A satisfying and flavourful meal doesn’t have to require hours in the kitchen.

Here are five simple dishes that require minimal effort but deliver maximum flavour:

We all know and love the convenience of Indomie noodles. But this time, take it a step further! Saute chopped veggies like onions, bell peppers, and your choice of protein – shredded chicken, tinned sardines, or crumbled crayfish – in a little oil.

Add your favourite Indomie flavour and simmer until the noodles are cooked through. This quick and easy dish is sure to become a weeknight staple.

We all know and love the agege bread. Take it a step further and create a hearty and flavourful agege bread omelette. Simply whisk together eggs with chopped onions, tomatoes, and your favourite spices.

Fry the eggs, toast the agege bread and slice it into two parts, then put the omelette in between the bread. Let it toast until set, and enjoy it with a chilled beverage or juice.

Leftovers are a gift, not a burden! Repurpose leftover roasted chicken, beef or fish into a flavourful salad. Add leftover grilled vegetables and chopped boiled eggs, and top it off with crispy fried or roasted bole (plantain).

Drizzle with your favourite sauce, and voila! A satisfying and flavourful meal created with minimal effort.

Elevate the classic Nigerian breakfast of yam and egg to a simple meal. Parboil or roast your yams until tender, then cut them roughly. In a separate pan, scramble some eggs with chopped onions, tomatoes, and your preferred protein – think shredded leftover suya or tinned sardines.

Combine the mashed yam and scrambled eggs, season with your favourite spices (think curry, thyme, or a sprinkle of your favourite seasoning blend), and enjoy!

Vegetable stir-fry is a simple and nutritious meal perfect for when you’re short on time. Start by chopping up your favourite vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, cabbage, spinach and mushrooms.

In a hot pan, stir-fry the vegetables with garlic, ginger, and soy sauce until tender-crisp. Serve the stir-fry over cooked rice or noodles for a quick and healthy meal bursting with flavour.

Cooking need not be a stressful task. These five simple recipes prove that delicious meals can be prepared with minimal effort. So, the next time you’re tempted to order takeout, consider these delightful options.