Easy Cheap Meals For One

So you’re craving something tasty but too lazy to spend forever in the kitchen, huh? Same. We’ve all been there: refrigerator looking like a desolate wasteland, wallet feeling a bit thin, and the mere thought of cooking an elaborate meal makes you want to just order pizza (again). But fear not, my friend! I’ve got a little culinary secret weapon for you that’s so easy, so cheap, and so utterly delicious, you might just wonder why you haven’t been living this glorious life all along. Get ready to meet your new best friend: **The “Too Cool For Cereal” Toast.**

Why This Recipe is Awesome

Okay, let’s break it down. Why is this specific “meal for one” the bee’s knees? First off, it’s virtually **idiot-proof**. Seriously, if you can toast bread and crack an egg, you’re halfway to culinary genius status. Secondly, it’s ridiculously cheap. We’re talking pantry staples here, nothing fancy that requires a second mortgage. Thirdly, it’s surprisingly gourmet-looking. You can totally snap a pic for the ‘gram and pretend you spent hours slaving away. Plus, it’s super customizable, meaning you can tweak it to whatever sad, lonely ingredients you have lingering in your fridge. It’s the kind of meal that says, “I care about myself, but not enough to do dishes for an hour.” IMO, that’s a win-win.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gather ’round, budget chefs! Here’s what you’ll need for one glorious serving. Feel free to adjust if you’re feeling extra hungry (or want to make a second for later, no judgment).

• **1-2 Slices of Sturdy Bread:** Whatever you have! Sourdough, whole wheat, even regular ol’ white bread works. Just nothing too flimsy unless you like a soggy bottom (and who does?).
• **1 Ripe Avocado:** The kind that yields slightly to a gentle squeeze, not the rock-hard kind you bought last week that’s still mocking you.
• **1 Large Egg:** Fresh is best, but we’re not running a Michelin star restaurant here.
• **A Pinch of Chili Flakes:** For that little “zing!” that tells your taste buds you mean business.
• **Salt & Freshly Ground Black Pepper:** Your basic, essential flavor enhancers. Don’t skip these; they’re the unsung heroes!
• **Optional Drizzles (but highly recommended):** A tiny splash of olive oil, a squeeze of lemon juice, or even a dash of balsamic glaze if you’re feeling fancy.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. **Get Toasty:** Pop your bread into the toaster. We’re looking for golden brown perfection here, not charcoal briquettes. While it’s toasting, you can move onto the next step. Multitasking!
2. **Eggcellent Timing:** Heat a small non-stick pan over medium heat. Add a tiny bit of oil or butter (butter, for the soul!). Once it’s shimmering, crack your egg into the pan. Cook it however you like it – sunny-side up, fried, or even a quick scramble. Aim for a runny yolk if you’re into that creamy goodness.
3. **Avocado Magic:** While your egg is doing its thing, grab your ripe avocado. Slice it open, remove the pit (carefully, please!), and scoop out the creamy green goodness onto a small plate or directly onto your toasted bread. Mash it up with a fork. You want some texture, not baby food, unless that’s your jam.
4. **Assemble Your Masterpiece:** Once your toast is done and your avocado is mashed, spread that glorious green over your toast. A nice thick layer, please.
5. **Egg Drop Perfection:** Carefully slide your cooked egg on top of the avocado. If the yolk is still runny, try not to break it just yet!
6. **Season and Serve:** This is where the magic happens! Sprinkle your chili flakes generously (or sparingly, depending on your spice tolerance), then grind some fresh salt and pepper over the whole thing. If you’re feeling extra, a tiny drizzle of olive oil or a squeeze of lemon really elevates the flavor.

And there you have it! A beautiful, delicious, and incredibly easy meal for one that looks way more impressive than it has any right to be.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• **The Rock-Hard Avocado Fiasco:** Trying to mash an unripe avocado is like trying to convince a cat to love you on command. It’s futile and will lead to frustration. Always use a ripe one!
• **Burning the Bread:** We’ve all done it. Distracted by social media, only to find our toast has become a sad, smoky crisp. Keep an eye on it! A slightly burnt toast tastes like sadness.
• **Forgetting to Season:** Trust me on this, unseasoned avocado and egg are just… bland. Salt and pepper are non-negotiable. The chili flakes bring the party!
• **Overcooking Your Egg:** If you’re going for a runny yolk, pulling it off the heat too late is a tragedy. Keep an eye on those edges!

Alternatives & Substitutions

This recipe is a blank canvas, my friend! Don’t have everything? No sweat. Here are some ideas to keep your “Too Cool For Cereal” Toast game strong:

• **No Avocado?** Sad, but not the end of the world! Try cream cheese, a smear of hummus, or even a dollop of cottage cheese.
• **Egg Aversion?** No problem! Top your avocado toast with some crumbled feta cheese, sliced tomatoes, or even a quick sautéed mushroom mix. You could also make a tofu scramble instead of an egg.
• **Chili Flakes MIA?** Hot sauce is your best friend! Sriracha, Tabasco, whatever fiery concoction you have lurking. Even a sprinkle of paprika can add some color and mild flavor.
• **Bread Boredom?** Switch it up! Use an English muffin, a bagel, or even a rice cake if you’re feeling extra healthy (but why?).
• **Feeling Extra?** Add some everything bagel seasoning, a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor, or some fresh chopped herbs like cilantro or parsley. The world is your oyster… or, in this case, your toast!

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Got questions? I’ve got answers. Probably. Maybe.

1. **”Can I make this ahead of time?”** Oh, honey, no. This is a fresh-off-the-press kind of deal. Avocado goes brown, toast gets soggy. It’s worth the 5 minutes, promise!
2. **”What kind of egg is best?”** IMO, a fried egg with a runny yolk is peak perfection here. But if you prefer scrambled or poached, go for it! Your kitchen, your rules.
3. **”Is this really a ‘meal’?”** Absolutely! It’s got carbs, healthy fats, and protein. It’s a balanced, delicious, and satisfying meal for one. Plus, it feels fancy, and sometimes that’s all that matters.
4. **”My avocado isn’t ripe, HELP!”** Rookie mistake! Next time, buy a few at different stages of ripeness. For now, you can try wrapping it in foil with a banana and leaving it on the counter overnight. Or, just swap it out for one of the alternatives mentioned above!
5. **”Can I add cheese?”** Is the sky blue? Yes! A sprinkle of cheddar or a thin slice of mozzarella would be delightful. Just pop it under the broiler for a minute to get it melty.
6. **”What if I don’t like spice?”** Then just skip the chili flakes! The salt and pepper alone will do wonders. Or use a very tiny pinch, just for the visual appeal.

Final Thoughts

So there you have it, folks! Your new go-to, stress-free, budget-friendly meal for one. It’s simple, it’s delicious, and it proves that you don’t need a fancy recipe book or a full pantry to eat well and enjoy yourself. Now go impress someone—or yourself—with your new culinary skills. You’ve earned it!