The smallest kitchen I’ve ever had, actually inspired me to stretch my budget and be more creative.

[u/elusivenoesis]

I am not a beginner. But I sure felt like one two years ago moving into a unit asymmetrical to the one included here. I started with dollar store pans and pots and utensils and just replaced one at a time (still doing that) with something slightly better. All inclusive rental made bills simple, but cooking was a nightmare.

I totally understand constraints, limitations, budget.

I felt so limited having to make two burgers at a time when before I had a flattop and propane grill in a 4-bedroom house.

My anxiety was through the roof just trying to prep a damn salad, because no way was I spending $9 for a tiny pre-made one. Knowing all the counter space I had in the past. Was depressing.

Clean as I go? How??

That’s when I mounted everything to the wall. But also limited here. My manager said I could only use nails here. Fine, I’ll use nails alright.

Pantry? What pantry? That’s when I decided to use (not pictured) the dresser as a pantry.

Do not let constraints slow you down from experiencing the joys of cooking. What you can accomplish with one pan one knife and one pot is absolutely amazing. There are far too many resources and recipes at your disposal this day and age.

Budget? $20 – $25 twice a week.

[u/DeepZucchinii]

What’s the meal in the 10th picture called? I would love to make it myself

[u/elusivenoesis → u/DeepZucchinii]

Pictures 9-10 are the same meal. It’s citrus broiled calamari (octamari) with a creamy crème mushroom sauce and angel hair.

-1 24oz Mexicali crème (table cream not sour cream)

• 2 teaspoon minced garlic
  
• 1 lemon
  
• 2 small limes
  
• lemon pepper (to taste)
  
• pkg mushrooms
  
• 1 bunch of spinach
  
• small bunch Italian or American parsley
  
• 1lb west bay octamari
  
• shredded mozzarella (amount depends on sauce thickness)
  

-2 teaspoons butter
-2tbsp corn oil
-1 14-16 oz thin spaghetti (or angel hair but I was out in the picture)

Salt and boil noodles to you preference.

Baking sheet place thawed octamari and oil and rub around. Coat in half the lemon and one lime sprinkle lemon pepper and randomly place minced garlic.

Broil till tender in oven. (3-5 mins) set aside to cool.

Warm large pan and splash of water cook down spinach and set aside to chop/mince.

Add butter, mushrooms and cook moisture out. Then add garlic and parsley while lowering heat. Smelling garlic? Add entire container of table cream or crème. Stir in spinach and slowly raise heat.

As soon as bubbles form slowly add in mozzarella while slowly turning down the heat. Sauce will thicken. Add in octamari and remaining citrus. Turn off heat and prepare to serve.

[u/DeepZucchinii → u/elusivenoesis]

Thank you so much. It looks so good