For NDIS participants, learning to cook isn’t just about making food. It’s about building confidence, gaining practical life skills, and enjoying the process of creating something for yourself. And the good news? You don’t have to be an experienced chef to start.
At Otao Kitchen, we believe that everyone should feel at home in the kitchen. That’s why our NDIS cooking classes focus on teaching recipes that are easy, delicious, and fun to make. In this article, we’ve gathered 10 simple recipes you can try at home—perfect for anyone who wants to cook with ease and confidence.
1. Why Start with Simple Recipes?
When you’re just starting out, the kitchen can feel a little intimidating—lots of tools, ingredients, and steps to remember. But simple recipes change that.
These recipes use fewer ingredients, so you can focus on learning the basics without feeling overwhelmed. They also involve easy techniques like chopping, stirring, and mixing—skills you can build on over time.
Starting with simple recipes also means you can see results quickly. There’s nothing like the feeling of creating a meal you can eat and enjoy. That little spark of achievement builds confidence and motivates you to try more.
At Otao Kitchen, we always say: start small, grow big. Whether it’s learning how to boil pasta or put together a colorful veggie wrap, these first steps set the foundation for cooking more exciting dishes in the future.
2. Tips for Cooking Success at Home
Before jumping into the recipes, here are a few simple tips to make cooking easier (and more enjoyable):
Get ready before you start. Gather your ingredients, tools, and any help you might need. This makes cooking feel less rushed.
Take your time. Cooking isn’t a race. Go at your own pace, and don’t worry if things take longer than expected.
Keep it simple. Don’t stress about making things perfect—practice makes progress.
Ask for help if needed. Carers, friends, or family can support you with trickier steps, like chopping or using the oven.
Have fun with it! Play with flavors, try new ingredients, and enjoy the experience.
These are the same tips we teach in our NDIS classes at Otao Kitchen, because we want every participant to feel comfortable, supported, and proud of their progress.
3. 10 Easy & Delicious Recipes to Try
These recipes are quick, simple, and beginner-friendly. They use easy-to-find ingredients and don’t require fancy equipment. Let’s dive in!
1. Fruit & Yogurt Parfaits
Why it’s great: No cooking needed, just layering!
You’ll need:
1 cup yogurt (plain or flavored)
½ cup granola
1 cup chopped fruit (like berries, banana, or mango)
Steps:
In a glass or bowl, add a layer of yogurt.
Add some granola and fruit on top.
Repeat layers until full.
Serve chilled.
Tip: Swap granola for oats if you want something softer.
2. Microwave Scrambled Eggs
Why it’s great: No stove required—just a microwave!
You’ll need:
2 eggs
2 tbsp milk
A pinch of salt and pepper
Steps:
Crack eggs into a microwave-safe bowl.
Add milk, salt, and pepper, then whisk with a fork.
Microwave for 30 seconds, stir, then cook for another 30–60 seconds.
Fluff with a fork and enjoy.
Tip: Add cheese or chopped veggies for more flavor.
3. Veggie Wraps
Why it’s great: Fresh, healthy, and super quick.
You’ll need:
Tortilla wraps
2 tbsp hummus or cream cheese
Sliced veggies (carrot, cucumber, lettuce, capsicum)
Steps:
Spread hummus or cream cheese on the wrap.
Place veggies in the center.
Roll it up tightly and cut in half.
Tip: Use pre-cut veggies to save time.
4. Simple Pasta Salad
Why it’s great: Good for lunch or dinner, and can be made ahead.
You’ll need:
2 cups cooked pasta
1 cup chopped veggies (like capsicum, cucumber, cherry tomatoes)
2 tbsp salad dressing
Steps:
Cook pasta and let it cool.
Mix pasta with veggies in a bowl.
Add salad dressing and toss.
Tip: Use canned tuna or chicken for extra protein.
5. Cheese & Veggie Quesadillas
Why it’s great: Melty, cheesy, and easy to cook.
You’ll need:
2 tortillas
½ cup shredded cheese
½ cup chopped veggies
Steps:
Place one tortilla on a pan.
Sprinkle cheese and veggies on top.
Add the second tortilla, then cook on medium heat for 2–3 minutes per side.
Cut into wedges and serve.
Tip: Use pre-grated cheese for extra convenience.
6. One-Pot Veggie Soup
Why it’s great: Hearty, comforting, and minimal cleanup.
You’ll need:
2 cups chopped veggies (carrots, celery, potatoes)
4 cups vegetable stock
1 tsp dried herbs
Steps:
Add all ingredients to a pot.
Simmer on medium heat for 20–25 minutes until veggies are soft.
Season to taste and enjoy.
Tip: Use frozen mixed veggies to make it even easier.
7. Sheet Pan Chicken & Veggies
Why it’s great: Just toss and bake.
You’ll need:
2 chicken breasts (cut into chunks)
2 cups chopped veggies
2 tbsp olive oil
Salt, pepper, and herbs
Steps:
Preheat oven to 200°C.
Toss chicken and veggies with oil, salt, and herbs.
Spread on a baking tray.
Bake for 20–25 minutes.
Tip: Buy pre-cut chicken to skip the prep.
8. Easy Fried Rice
Why it’s great: A great way to use leftovers.
You’ll need:
2 cups cooked rice
1 cup mixed veggies
2 tbsp soy sauce
1 egg (optional)
Steps:
In a pan, scramble the egg (if using).
Add rice, veggies, and soy sauce.
Stir and cook for 5–7 minutes.
Tip: Use microwaveable rice for a quicker version.
9. No-Bake Bliss Balls
Why it’s great: A healthy, sweet snack with no cooking needed.
You’ll need:
1 cup rolled oats
½ cup peanut butter or honey
¼ cup shredded coconut
Steps:
Mix all ingredients in a bowl.
Roll into small balls.
Chill in the fridge for 30 minutes.
Tip: Add cocoa powder for a chocolatey version.
10. Microwave Mug Cake
Why it’s great: Dessert in just 5 minutes!
You’ll need:
4 tbsp self-raising flour
3 tbsp sugar
3 tbsp milk
2 tbsp cocoa powder
Steps:
Mix everything in a microwave-safe mug.
Microwave for 60–90 seconds.
Let it cool a little and enjoy.
Tip: Top with ice cream for a treat.
4. How Cooking Builds Confidence & Independence
Cooking isn’t just about food—it’s about self-reliance. For many NDIS participants, cooking at home can lead to:
Improved independence: You can prepare meals without relying on pre-packaged or takeaway foods.
Better health: Home-cooked meals are often more nutritious.
Boosted confidence: Each recipe you make successfully adds to your sense of accomplishment.
One of our participants, Sarah, shared:
“At first, I was nervous about using knives and the stove. But the Otao team showed me step by step. Now I cook dinner for myself twice a week. I feel proud and capable.”
5. How Otao Kitchen Supports Your Cooking Journey
If you want to take your cooking further, Otao Kitchen offers NDIS-friendly classes designed to make you feel safe, supported, and excited about cooking.
Our classes are:
Hands-on: You’ll practice real skills in a supportive space.
Customisable: We adapt to your needs and comfort level.
Fun & social: Cooking together is a great way to connect with others.
Ready to try? Explore our NDIS Cooking Classes and see how fun and empowering cooking can be.
Conclusion
Cooking doesn’t have to be complicated. With these 10 easy recipes, you can start creating delicious meals, boost your independence, and feel proud of your skills in the kitchen.
And if you’re ready to take it further, join us at Otao Kitchen. Our classes are designed to make cooking accessible, fun, and confidence-building for everyone.
Book your NDIS cooking class today and take your first step toward independence in the kitchen!
