Simple cookery book recommendations for husband learning to cook one weekly meal

[Diversion]

My DH cannot cook! He can bung things in the oven so frozen stuff but cannot cook from scratch although he can manage an omelette. I have cooked for our whole family, six of us and now just the two of us and my Dad twice a week since forever. DH is due to reduce his working hours shortly and I have requested that on his day off whilst I am at work, that he cooks our tea/dinner/evening meal. Please can anyone recommend a simple cookery book which uses basic ingredients, nothing fancy which will give step by step instructions and encourage him to taste and add seasonings etc. I don't require a fancy meal, just something simple and homemade which has flavour and is not overcooked/soggy/burnt. Just to add he is a wonderful husband and amazing Dad who has lots of talents in other areas just not cooking 😀Just one meal a week cooked for me would be an amazing treat. I do keep a very well stocked pantry and freezer so he would not need to even shop for ingredients really.

How hard is a bit of spag bol

My spag bol is a Nigel Slater recipe that I ripped out of the Observer many years ago. I can do it without re-reading the recipe now but if I had never cooked anything, I doubt attempting it by just 'cracking on' without a recipe would be anywhere near as nice (put mince and tinned tomatoes in a pan, simmer until cooked through, wonder why it tastes like shit...because I haven't added onion or pre-browned the mince, because I am brand new at this.)

Readers Digest Cookery Year.

Its fantastic, my first copy fell apart so on my second copy now! Its got so much information including the very basic things such as making a roux or pancakes or a sponge cake. Explains all the different sorts of pasta, rice, veg etc and how best to cook and serve them. All the different types and cuts of meat and fish etc, so if there is something that you are not sure on there will be instructions in there. I have had my copy for 30 years ish and still refer to it!

The recipes are grouped by months and use ingredients that are in season in the UK in that month (therefore theoretically cheaper and more ethical as far fewer food miles).

Delia Smith Complete Cookery Course because it explains a lot of basic principles as well as covering a range of typical family style dishes.

Nigel Slater Real Fast Food - really really simple dishes, all under 30 minutes, but again helps you understand what flavours you can combine very simply using simple fresh ingredients and a few store cupboard basics.

Jon Watts Speedy comfort is pretty easy and tasty food. Quite a few recipes use the same ingredients so he tells you to freeze /put away parts you don't use for other recipes (eg. uses half a carton of passata or coconut milk). Also, as per the title(!), they are quick to make. I think he also is on Instagram so he can watch a video for some recipes too.

Oh, also online I use Good Food website quite a lot.

Jamie Oliver’s Ministry of Food. It is designed to teach non-cooks how to cook.

I learnt to cook with the Good Housekeeping book as per pp.

Another vote for Recipe Tin Eats, and BBC Good Food

+1 for Ministry of Food. Really clear no fuss recipes with photos of every step, for a little of everything. Casseroles, stir fries, roasts, curries etc.

Probably already been suggested, but Hello Fresh isn't a bad shout in this situation. Simple to follow and all the ingredients. If he wants more responsibility, then simply cooking is also good.

Jamie Oliver - Ministry of Food
Any of the "Eat Well for Less" books - all straightforward family meals
Rebecca Wilson - Family Comforts
Dean Edwards books are very accessible

Another option if he prefers digital would be to go for a BBC Good Food app subscription. There are so many recipes on there and I've never tried one that didn't work.

Another vote for Jamie Oliver “5”

If he is so incompetent* he can't even find himself a recipe book, then get him this one: www.waterstones.com/book/9781409537137

(* of course he is capable, he's playing you for a right mug, and more fool you for letting him.)

How is it “playing someone for a fool” to ask their advice on something they are a lot more experienced on than you?

Would OP be playing her DH for a fool if she asked him for advice on feeding chickens or fertilising soil, or other areas he knows more about ur than her? Was I playing my dad for a fool when I asked him how to change the oil on my car, or my mum for a fool when I wanted her to show me how to knit? I could have gone on YouTube, after all.

Bored of Lunch 6 ingredient cookbook - it’s more “assembling” than cooking - even those with the lowered skills could manage that - my teenagers can!