Dinner doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive to be delicious and satisfying. This quick and economical recipe combines simple ingredients into a flavorful meal that everyone will love. Follow these easy steps to create a tasty dish that will surprise you with its simplicity and taste.
Ingredients:
- 1 green bell pepper
- 1 onion
- 1 tomato
- Olive oil
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1 cup of water
- 2 tablespoons of tomato paste
- 3 packets of instant noodles
- Mozzarella cheese (optional)
- Parsley (optional)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Vegetables:
- Chop the Vegetables: Start by chopping a green bell pepper into small pieces. Repeat the process with an onion and a tomato, ensuring all the vegetables are cut into similar-sized pieces for even cooking.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
- Heat the Pan: In a large pan, add a drizzle of olive oil and heat it over medium heat.
- Add the Onions: Once the oil is hot, add the chopped onions to the pan. Sauté them, stirring frequently, until they start to become translucent.
- Add the Bell Peppers: Next, add the chopped green bell peppers to the pan. Continue to sauté the vegetables, mixing them well with the onions.
- Add the Tomatoes: Finally, add the chopped tomatoes. Stir everything together to combine the flavors and cook until the tomatoes begin to soften.
3. Season and Add Liquids:
- Season the Vegetables: Season the mixture with 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. Stir well to ensure the seasonings are evenly distributed.
- Add Water and Tomato Paste: Pour in 1 cup of water and add 2 tablespoons of tomato paste. Mix everything thoroughly to create a cohesive sauce. Cover the pan and let it cook for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
4. Cook the Noodles:
- Add Instant Noodles: Uncover the pan and add 3 packets of instant noodles. Push the noodles into the liquid to ensure they are fully submerged.
- Cover and Cook: Cover the pan again and let the noodles cook. Follow the cooking time recommended on the noodle packets, usually around 3-5 minutes. Stir occasionally to help the noodles cook evenly and absorb the flavors from the sauce.
5. Final Touches:
- Stir and Check Consistency: After the noodles have cooked, uncover the pan and stir everything together well. Ensure that the noodles are fully cooked and have absorbed most of the liquid. The mixture should be slightly saucy but not too watery.
- Optional Cheese: If desired, sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the top of the noodles. Cover the pan again briefly to allow the cheese to melt.
- Add Parsley: Once the cheese has melted, uncover the pan and sprinkle parsley to taste over the top. This will add a fresh touch and enhance the presentation.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
- Final Stir: Give the mixture one final stir to ensure everything is well combined and the cheese is evenly distributed.
- Serve: Scoop the delicious noodle mixture onto plates and serve hot. Enjoy the delightful blend of flavors and textures in this simple yet satisfying dish.
Tips and Variations:
- Add Protein: For an extra protein boost, consider adding cooked chicken, sausage, or tofu to the dish.
- Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add other vegetables you have on hand, such as mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach, to make the dish even more nutritious.
- Spice it Up: If you enjoy spicy food, add a dash of chili flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the sauce for an added kick.
- Herb Alternatives: Instead of parsley, you can garnish the dish with fresh basil, cilantro, or green onions for a different flavor profile.
Final Thoughts:
This fast and economical dinner recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you need something quick, delicious, and satisfying. The combination of sautéed vegetables, savory tomato sauce, and tender noodles creates a harmonious dish that is sure to become a family favorite. Plus, the optional addition of mozzarella cheese makes it even more indulgent.
Cooking at home doesn’t have to be a chore, and with recipes like this, you can create tasty meals with minimal effort and ingredients. Make this recipe your own by adding your favorite ingredients and adjusting the seasonings to suit your taste. Enjoy this delightful dish, and don’t forget to share it with friends and family!
Thank you for watching this video and following along with this recipe. Make it at home and let me know what you think. See you in the next video. Bye!
