25 Foods to Make From Scratch

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In today’s world, where convenience often trumps quality, making food from scratch is a rewarding and healthy way to take control of what goes into your body. Did you know most foods today are filled with dyes and preservatives? If you're looking to cut out preservatives, enjoy the satisfaction of homemade creations, or simply connect with your food in a deeper way, these 25 foods to make from scratch will elevate your culinary skills and enrich your everyday life. From basics like bread and pasta to indulgent treats like ice cream and cheese, the options are limitless!

Below, we've compiled 25 foods, complete with ingredient lists and easy-to-follow instructions, that you can easily make at home. Let's dive in!

1. Bread

Ingredients:

  • 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 packet dry yeast (or 2 ¼ tsp)
  • 1 ½ cups warm water
  • 1 tbsp sugar
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 ½ tsp salt

Instructions:

  1. In a bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 10 minutes until bubbly.
  2. Add olive oil and salt to the yeast mixture.
  3. Gradually add flour, mixing until dough forms.
  4. Knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth.
  5. Let dough rise for about 1 hour in a warm place.
  6. Punch down, shape into a loaf, and let it rise again for 30 minutes.
  7. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.

2. Pasta

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 3 large eggs
  • ½ tsp salt

Instructions:

  1. On a clean surface, make a well with the flour and add eggs and salt.
  2. Gradually incorporate the flour into the eggs until dough forms.
  3. Knead for 10 minutes until smooth.
  4. Roll out the dough thinly and cut into desired shapes (fettuccine, ravioli, etc.).
  5. Cook fresh pasta in boiling salted water for 2-4 minutes.

3. Tortillas

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil
  • ¾ cup warm water

Instructions:

  1. Mix flour, salt, and baking powder in a bowl.
  2. Add oil and water gradually, mixing until a dough forms.
  3. Knead the dough for 5 minutes.
  4. Divide into balls and roll each into a thin circle.
  5. Cook on a hot griddle or pan for about 1-2 minutes on each side.

4. Yogurt

Ingredients:

  • 1-quart whole milk
  • 2 tbsp plain yogurt with live cultures

Instructions:

  1. Heat the milk in a saucepan to 180°F (82°C), then let it cool to 110°F (43°C).
  2. Stir in the yogurt and mix well.
  3. Pour into jars and cover.
  4. Let it sit in a warm place for 6-12 hours, depending on how thick you want it.
  5. Refrigerate and enjoy!

5. Cheese (Ricotta)

Ingredients:

  • 4 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 3 tbsp white vinegar or lemon juice
  • ½ tsp salt

Instructions:

  1. Combine milk and cream in a saucepan, heating until it reaches 190°F (88°C).
  2. Add vinegar or lemon juice, stirring gently. Let it curdle for 5-10 minutes.
  3. Strain the curds through cheesecloth, then stir in salt.
  4. Let the ricotta cool before using in dishes.

6. Granola

Ingredients:

  • 3 cups old-fashioned oats
  • 1 cup nuts (almonds, walnuts, etc.)
  • ½ cup honey or maple syrup
  • ¼ cup coconut oil
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Mix oats, nuts, honey, coconut oil, vanilla, and salt in a bowl.
  3. Spread evenly on a baking sheet.
  4. Bake for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally until golden brown.
  5. Let cool, then store in an airtight container.

7. Hummus

Ingredients:

  • 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • 3 tbsp tahini
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 garlic clove
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. In a food processor, blend chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, garlic, and olive oil until smooth.
  2. Add salt and pepper to taste.
  3. Serve with pita or veggies.

8. Mayonnaise

Ingredients:

  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice or vinegar
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 cup vegetable or olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Blend the egg, lemon juice, and mustard in a food processor or blender.
  2. With the motor running, slowly drizzle in oil until the mixture thickens.
  3. Season with salt and pepper.

9. Apple Sauce

Ingredients:

  • 6-8 apples (peeled, cored, and chopped)
  • ½ cup water
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Combine apples and water in a saucepan.
  2. Simmer over low heat for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally until soft.
  3. Mash the apples with a fork or blend for a smoother texture.
  4. Stir in cinnamon and lemon juice, if desired.

10. Jam (Strawberry)

Ingredients:

  • 2 pounds strawberries (hulled and mashed)
  • 4 cups sugar
  • 1 packet pectin (or homemade pectin)

Instructions:

  1. In a large pot, mix strawberries, sugar, and pectin.
  2. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly.
  3. Simmer for 10-15 minutes until thickened.
  4. Pour into sterilized jars and let cool.

11. Coconut Milk

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups unsweetened shredded coconut
  • 3 cups warm water

Instructions:

  1. Blend coconut and warm water in a blender until smooth.
  2. Strain the mixture through a cheesecloth to extract the milk.
  3. Store in a jar in the refrigerator.

12. Pickles (Cucumber)

Ingredients:

  • 4 cups sliced cucumbers
  • 1 cup white vinegar
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 tbsp sugar
  • 2 tbsp salt
  • 2 garlic cloves
  • 1 tsp mustard seeds
  • 1 tsp dill seeds

Instructions:

  1. Pack cucumbers into jars.
  2. Combine vinegar, water, sugar, salt, and spices in a saucepan and bring to a boil.
  3. Pour the hot brine over the cucumbers and seal the jars.
  4. Let them sit at room temperature for 24 hours, then refrigerate.

13. Pizza Dough

Ingredients:

  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 packet dry yeast
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 1 cup warm water
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp salt

Instructions:

  1. Combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5-10 minutes.
  2. Add flour, olive oil, and salt. Mix until a dough forms.
  3. Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes, then let rise for 1 hour.
  4. Roll out the dough, top with your favorite ingredients, and bake at 475°F (245°C) for 12-15 minutes.

14. Coconut Butter

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups unsweetened shredded coconut

Instructions:

  1. Blend shredded coconut in a food processor until it turns into a smooth, creamy consistency.
  2. Scrape down the sides occasionally, as the coconut will go from dry to clumpy to smooth butter.
  3. Store in a jar.

15. Salsa

Ingredients:

  • 4 large tomatoes, diced
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 1-2 jalapeños (optional)
  • 2 tbsp cilantro, chopped
  • 1 lime, juiced
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Mix all ingredients in a bowl.
  2. Adjust seasoning as needed.
  3. Serve with chips or tacos.

16. Stock (Chicken)

Ingredients:

  • 1 whole chicken or chicken parts
  • 1 onion, halved
  • 2 carrots, chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves
  • 1 tsp black peppercorns
  • 8 cups water

Instructions:

  1. In a large pot, combine chicken, vegetables, peppercorns, and water.
  2. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer for 1-2 hours.
  3. Strain and store the stock.

17. Pancakes

Ingredients:

  • 1 ½ cups flour
  • 1 tbsp sugar
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 ¼ cups milk
  • 1 egg
  • 3 tbsp butter, melted

Instructions:

  1. Mix dry ingredients in one bowl and wet ingredients in another.
  2. Combine both mixtures and stir until smooth.
  3. Pour batter onto a hot greased skillet, cooking each side until golden brown.

18. Biscuits

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups flour
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 6 tbsp cold butter
  • ¾ cup milk

Instructions:

  1. Combine dry ingredients in a bowl.
  2. Cut in butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  3. Add milk and stir until just combined.
  4. Roll out the dough, cut into biscuits, and bake at 450°F (230°C) for 10-12 minutes.

19. Ice Cream (Vanilla)

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • ¾ cup sugar
  • 1 tbsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

  1. Mix cream, milk, sugar, and vanilla extract.
  2. Pour into an ice cream maker and churn according to manufacturer’s instructions.
  3. Freeze until firm.

20. Barbecue Sauce

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup ketchup
  • ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
  • ¼ cup brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika

Instructions:

  1. Combine all ingredients in a saucepan.
  2. Simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  3. Store in a jar for up to 2 weeks.

21. Falafel

Ingredients:

  • 1 ½ cups dried chickpeas (soaked overnight)
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp coriander
  • Salt and pepper
  • Olive oil for frying

Instructions:

  1. Blend all ingredients in a food processor until smooth.
  2. Shape into small balls and fry in hot oil until golden brown.
  3. Serve in pita with tahini sauce.

22. Mustard

Ingredients:

  • ¼ cup mustard seeds
  • 2 tbsp vinegar
  • 1 tbsp water
  • ½ tsp salt

Instructions:

  1. Grind mustard seeds to a fine powder.
  2. Mix mustard powder with vinegar, water, and salt.
  3. Let sit for 24 hours to develop flavor.

23. Vinaigrette

Ingredients:

  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tsp mustard
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Whisk all ingredients together until emulsified.
  2. Adjust seasoning as needed.

24. Crackers

Ingredients:

  • 1 ½ cups whole wheat flour
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp baking powder
  • ½ cup water

Instructions:

  1. Mix all ingredients into a dough.
  2. Roll thinly, cut into shapes, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes.

25. Pesto

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups fresh basil leaves
  • ½ cup olive oil
  • 1/3 cup pine nuts
  • 2 garlic cloves
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan

Instructions:

  1. Blend basil, garlic, pine nuts, and Parmesan in a food processor.
  2. Gradually add olive oil and process until smooth.

Making these foods from scratch not only allows you to control the ingredients, but it also enhances the flavors and provides a sense of accomplishment.

Location: United States

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