We all know a student who lives off baked beans, or have that one friend who has Deliveroo on speed dial because they can’t face cooking. If they’re short on time, lack inspiration, or swear that they simply can’t cook, this round-up of the best budget-friendly and easy cookbooks for beginners will help to get them started. From a collection of all-in-one recipes to a novice’s guide to curry, these are the best cookbooks to buy for first-time cooks.
Simple, quick and inventive one-tin recipes.
Revolutionise your midweek meal repertoire.
Leave the hard work to the oven with 75 life-changing recipes.
The Roasting Tin
The Roasting Tin is the perfect gift for new cooks and committed kitchen-phobes. Featuring 75 flavour-focussed recipes that all come together in just one roasting tin, this is a book that leaves the hard work to the oven. All that’s left is to marvel that something so easy can taste so good – and leave so little washing up. Dishes like one-tin bulgur wheat with roasted red peppers and feta and all-in-one steamed salmon with broccoli, ginger, and lime will quickly become weeknight favourites.
Simple, flavour-packed recipes for the whole family.
Demystifying the notion that cooking with spices is complicated.
From easy breakfasts and lunches, to side dishes and classic bakes.
Nadiya’s Simple Spices
Nadiya Hussain’s cookbooks have always been full of recipes for dishes that are delicious to eat and uncomplicated to make – and Simple Spices is no exception. Using just eight readily available spices, Nadiya shows us how to cook easy midweek meals and sweet treats that are packed with warmth and depth of flavour.
River Cafe Cook Book Easy
Pioneering a new approach to cooking and eating, The River Cafe Cookbook Easy offers stripped back instructions, accessible recipes, and easy takes iconic Italian dishes, designed with home cooks in mind. You’ll find impressive, dinner party-worthy dishes like beef carpaccio, as well as go-to, everyday recipes like pork chops with lemon and easy plum and orange almond cake.
Five Ingredients, Ten Minutes
Even the most reluctant of cooks can’t argue with 130 incredibly simple recipes, from a chicken and cashew stir-fry to a frozen banoffee cheesecake, each of which can be made in ten minutes using just five ingredients. These recipes couldn’t be more straightforward, and are perfect for students or those on a tight budget.
Simple, delicious home cooking
Mouthwatering new bakes
All the recipes from the TV series
At My Table
In Nigella’s most accessible cookbook yet, the emphasis is on the laid back dishes that she loves to serve at her own kitchen table, from pastas and traybakes to cakes and puddings. It’s makes a perfect gift for beginners who want to create a whole range of dishes without intimidating or complicated recipes. At My Table also happens to contain plenty of comfort food favourites, including sticky toffee pudding and meatballs with orzo.
Healthy family meals
Inspiring recipes that won’t break the bank
All the recipes from 2017’s TV series
Eat Well for Less: Family Feasts on a Budget
If they’re worried that cooking from scratch means spending lots of money on expensive ingredients, Eat Well For Less will show them how to cook interesting and adventurous meals that are also budget-friendly. This one is another great choice for students or families.
100 easy one-pot recipes
Crowd-pleasing family favourites
Fuss-free one-pot puddings and bakes
One Pot Wonders
A warming and hearty dish all made in one pot is surely the ultimate in un-intimidating cooking. With 100 warming and nutritious one-pot dinners, One Pot Wonders is a brilliant initiation into cooking. There are dishes to suit every occasion, whether curling up on the sofa in front of the telly or feasting with family and friends. The red orzo risotto with goat’s cheese and the sausage and lentil stew are two of our particular favourites.
Affordable, no-fuss recipes for your slow cooker
Simple, creative ideas for everyday cooking
Mouthwatering dishes to feed a crowd
Slow Cooked
With 200 recipes for adventurous, affordable food that’s low on effort and big on flavour, Slow Cooked is a useful book for beginners and budget-conscious cooks. There are recipes for hearty main courses (like this classic pulled pork recipe) and indulgent puddings (like this fluffy cherry Bakewell pudding), as well as quick-and-easy side dishes and creative ways of using up any leftovers. This is no-fuss, inexpensive, slow-cooker food at its best.
Mincespiration!
Budget friendly and super easy, the recipes in TV chef, Dean Edwards’ mince-tastic cookbook take inspiration from all over the world to help beginners get to grips with everything from fajitas to pizza. Great for students or reluctant cooks, Dean proves that cooking great food doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. We love the pork meatball Thai curry, the chicken and chorizo lasagne, and the easy toffee banana tarte tatin.
70 easy-to-follow Chinese recipes from chef Kwoklyn Wan
From braised and steamed dishes to noodles, rice and stir fries
Master authentic Chinese cookery with ease
Chinese Made Easy
You can always trust Kwoklyn Wan for delicious Chinese takeaway recipes, thanks to his beloved cookbooks on Chinese takeaway recreations. His latest cookbook, though, focuses on simple, effortless takes on authentic Chinese fare that any reluctant cooks can confidently follow. In no time you can whip up dishes such as Caramelised Braised Pork Belly and Spicy Peanut Noodles like a pro.
Easy Chinese Food Anyone Can Make
Easy Chinese Food Anyone Can Make is for the busy bees who want a quick post-work meal without sacrificing on time and flavours. Expect favourites like Sweet and Sour Pork and Bang Bang Prawns as well as savoury vegetable and vegan alternatives.
Spanish Made Easy
Spanish cuisine is so diverse and multifaceted that it may be daunting and puzzling to know where to begin. Spanish Made Easy will put your worries at ease with 70 stress-free, beginner-friendly recipes of Spanish staples and classics like Buñuelos de Queso and Spanish Paella.
Indian Made Easy
Cooking Indian cuisine doesn’t have to be stressful thanks to Indian Made Easy. Expect easy, authentic recipes that don’t lack mouthwatering spices that are typically found in Indian fare. Vegetarians will also get great use out of this cookbook as there are plenty of naturally vegetarian recipes. And don’t fret about sourcing out-of-reach ingredients; Masterchef UK finalist Anurag Aggarwal shares accessible substitutions.
Simply Malaysian
With over 80 recipes from various regions of Malaysia, Simply Malaysian aims to be a comprehensive cooking resource of all things Malaysian cuisine. Mandy Yin, owner of famed Malaysian restaurant, Sambal Shiok Laksa Bar, dives into the fundamentals of Malaysian cooking. In no time, you’ll whip up Sambal Aubergines, Spicy Tomato Prawns, and Nasi Lemak with ease.
Sam Holland’s Kitchen Kickstart
Whether you’re heading to university or moving to your first solo flat, cooking on your own may seem intimidating. Chef and food creator Sam Holland has the perfect cookbook for young and beginner cooks looking to brush up on their chef skills. Sam Holland’s Kitchen Kickstarts features easy, creative, and arguably, most importantly, budget-friendly recipes so you will never get bored in the kitchen or at the dining table.
