A method of computing a solution to a computational problem using a quantum system comprising a plurality of qubits is provided. The method includes encoding the computational problem into a problem Hamiltonian of the quantum system, wherein the problem Hamiltonian is a single-body Hamiltonian including a plurality of adjustable parameters, and wherein the encoding includes determining, from the computational problem, a problem-encoding configuration for the plurality of adjustable parameters. The method further includes evolving the quantum system from an initial quantum state towards a ground state of a final Hamiltonian of the quantum system, wherein the final Hamiltonian is the sum of the problem Hamiltonian and a short-range Hamiltonian, wherein the plurality of adjustable parameters of the problem Hamiltonian are in the problem-encoding configuration and wherein the short-range Hamiltonian is a d-body Hamiltonian, wherein d is independent of the computational problem. The method further includes measuring at least a portion of the plurality of qubits to obtain a read-out of the quantum system. The method further includes determining a solution to the computational problem from the read-out.