One pan · four cuisines · zero fuss
Great food,
humble kitchen.
A cookbook of cheap, beginner-friendly dishes from India, Italy, China and Mexico. Every recipe explains its spices and where it comes from.
Download the full cookbook (PDF)
About the author
Aarav Gautam
Hi there! I’m Aarav Gautam.
I’m a student on a mission to prove that eating well doesn’t require a culinary degree, a massive budget, or a kitchen full of fancy gadgets.
Like many teens and young adults, I know how easy it is to default to fast food when life gets busy. I’m creating this cookbook to change that. My goal is to help you build confidence in the kitchen by breaking down simple, accessible techniques and sharing recipes that are healthy, genuinely delicious, and kind to your wallet.
Warm spices, everyday comfort
Indian home cooking is built on a handful of aromatic spices bloomed in hot oil, a technique called 'tadka'. These dishes are cheap, forgiving and come together in one pan. Expect earthy cumin, warming turmeric and a gentle heat from chilli.
View all 15 Indian recipes
Few ingredients, big flavour
Italian cooking celebrates simplicity: good olive oil, garlic, tomatoes and fresh herbs. Most of these recipes need nothing more than a pot of pasta water and a hot pan, proving that a memorable meal can cost very little.
View all 15 Italian recipes
Fast, fresh, wok-hot
Chinese stir-fries are the ultimate quick meal: high heat, a splash of soy sauce and a few minutes in the pan. Garlic, ginger and spring onion form the flavour base for dishes that are light on the wallet and ready in minutes.
View all 15 Chinese recipes
Bright, bold and budget-friendly
Mexican staples lean on beans, corn, tomatoes and chilli, cheap ingredients that deliver huge flavour. A squeeze of lime and a scatter of coriander turn the humblest pan of beans into a fiesta.
View all 15 Mexican recipes
Pet-Friendly Kitchen
A few simple, unseasoned meals that are safe for dogs and cats — no salt, oil, onion, garlic or spices. Always cool before serving.
