Connecting with others over a meal is good for people’s health. But for many, hectic schedules make quick and convenient meal options essential. Simple recipes and cooking solutions can help make family meals happen more often.  

How can we make it easier to make home-cooked meals?  Simple recipes and quick scratch cooking methods balance convenience, affordability, taste, and well-being. 

What is quick scratch cooking?

Cooking everything from scratch isn’t realistic for most people. Quick scratch cooking uses a combination of fresh ingredients and pantry staples to make flavorful meals quickly.

Customize recipes & get creative

Simple recipes like Chicken Curry in a Hurry, let us explore global flavors with familiar ingredients. This recipe uses pantry staples like Campbell’s Cream of Mushroom soup, curry powder, and fresh ingredients to make a fast and flavorful meal. 

Quick scratch cooking also makes it easy to meet individual needs. Simple recipes allow for customization, like using chickpeas instead of chicken to make a vegetarian curry. It also helps people get creative and reduce food waste by using ingredients they have on hand. 

Promote health and well-being

The quick scratch cooking style can help people meet their health goals, even when they are short on time.  

Cooking simple meals at home: 

• Makes it easy to swap in ingredients like lower-sodium broths to make recipes fit individual needs 
• Makes it easy to cook and freeze for later 
• Uses a combination of fresh, frozen, and canned veggies to help you stay within budget 

• Provides an opportunity to add more veggies and whole grains into meals 
• Helps you explore global flavors 

Quick scratch cooking solutions can help people continue cooking at home and meet their health goals. For many, less time in the kitchen means more time at the table with loved ones. 

For more tips for eating well, check out easy ways to eat more veggies and fruits.