The 27 simple recipes in this book are the basis for building an intuitive and confident approach to cooking. Sections include Breads, Main Courses, Pastas, Skillet Suppers, Salads, Veggies and Desserts, made with easily obtained and economical ingredients and prepared with a minimum of equipment. The focus is on the cooking process, great for those who are just starting to cook, or for more experienced cooks who are burned out and want to simplify their whole approach to cooking.
The book begins with an introductory essay that explains the philosophy behind Minimalist Cooking and, more importantly, how to have fun in the kitchen and how to step back from the unrealistic expectations that have been placed on the home cook, such as creating gourmet treats for gatherings, or making a different meal for every member of the family. Ultimately, cooking should be relaxing, even meditative, and the end result is to simply share simple food.
Simplicity trumps originality in this collection, and it is deliberate. Minimalist Cooking steps back from trendiness and provides simplified versions of basic dishes, to encourage the cook to rethink offering complex meals or replicating restaurant or readymade dishes. The recipe for Macaroni and Cheese, for example, is as simple as making it from a box mix, and tastes infinitely better. A single variation on a no-knead bread recipe provides everything from baguettes to an amazing pizza crust. Many of the recipes have suggested variations, and nearly all would be enjoyed by children and picky eaters.
Minimalist Cooking is fully illustrated with photographs of the actual dishes as they looked at the time of eating. Every recipe was tested for both ease of preparation, and of course taste before being added to the book.