UPFs are on everyone’s mind. Here are seven simple recipes to take things back to basics
Looking to cut down on ultra-processed foods? Save these simple recipes which you can make from scratch, from sardine pasta with gremolata to salmon & broccoli traybake
According to a new Mintel report, home cooking is on the rise, due to the awareness of ultra-processed foods. People are cooking more meals from scratch compared to a year ago, the report claims, with the main reason being to make their meals healthier.
To help you cook more meals from scratch, we've shared seven simple recipes below that take things back to basics. All of these recipes feature a minimal ingredient list and spotlight whole foods, making them perfect for healthy, hassle-free cooking. These are also great for people looking to cut down on ultra-processed foods.
For more information on ultra-processed food, see our read our guide what is processed food?
For more simple meal ideas, see our five-ingredient freezable dinners, five-ingredient family meal recipes and five-ingredient budget meal plan.
1. Sardine tomato pasta with gremolata
Bookmark this wholemeal tomato pasta dish topped with a simple gremolata, with added nutrients thanks to the sardines. It's a healthy dinner that's low on calories and fat – perfect for busy weeknights.
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2. Charred broccoli, lemon & walnut pasta
Replace your pasta ready meals with this simple and healthy dish, combining charred broccoli, lemon and chopped walnuts. It puts cheap storecupboard ingredients to brilliant use, yet it still promises crunchy textures as well as citrus and chilli flavours.
Try more healthy pasta dishes.
3. Soy salmon & broccoli traybake
Five ingredients is all that's required to cook this zingy soy and citrus flavoured fish dish, served with healthy greens and fresh lemon. Ready in under half in hour, it's a simple dish to add to your weekly rotation.
Discover more healthy salmon recipes.
4. Easy kedgeree
This pared-back take on kedgeree by Tom Kerridge sees smoked haddock layered with basmati rice and frozen peas. It's a simple yet delicious five-ingredient recipe that's also low in fat and calories.
Try more kedgeree recipes.
5. Healthy bolognese
This healthy take on bolognese combines lean pork mince with fennel and cherry tomatoes to give a burst of fresh flavours. It also offers two of your five-a-day.
Check out our round-up of cheap and healthy recipes.
6. Chicken piccata with garlicky greens & new potatoes
Our tasty chicken piccata is proof that a short ingredient list doesn't compromise on flavour. It's also ready in just 20 minutes, as well as being healthy and low in calories.
See our healthy chicken recipes for more inspiration.
7. Harissa broccoli & flatbreads
Make flatbreads from scratch with just natural yogurt and flour in this winning one-pan dish. Spread the remaining yogurt over your flatbreads and top with charred broccoli, a fried egg, a little harissa and a few twists of black pepper.
Try more one-pan recipes in our one-pan budget meal plan.
