Tips For Easy Cooking That Is More Enjoyable
In my opinion, one of the best ways to make cooking more enjoyable is to make it easier. When you are able to create a meal that both you and your family enjoy, it brings a sense of pride and satisfaction. Positive feedback can eliminate the dread of cooking. So, here are some suggestions to make dinner easier!
Use the right equipment
Having the necessary equipment or appliances for your recipes is crucial to make cooking less challenging. Larger items, such as an electric mixer or an air fryer, can significantly simplify the cooking process. A well-equipped kitchen definitely makes a difference. If you don’t have the budget for new appliances, you can still optimize the effectiveness of your existing equipment. One simple way is to use a sharpening stone to keep your knives sharp. Chopping is much easier and quicker with a sharp knife rather than a dull one. Additionally, using the appropriate kitchen utensils, like a slotted spoon, can improve your dishes and enhance the cooking experience.
Plan your meals ahead of time
Meal planning is an essential aspect of making cooking easier. Knowing in advance what you will be preparing throughout the week saves you from coming home after a long day at work and wondering what to cook or if you have the necessary ingredients. Use your days off to plan your meals, ideally for the entire week, but even planning 2-3 days ahead can be extremely helpful. Create a shopping list based on your meal plans, and ensure you have essential pantry staples like olive oil stocked up. Proper meal planning eliminates unnecessary stress and saves precious time.
Do Meal Prep On Days Off
Meal prep has gained popularity due to its efficiency in saving time and money, as well as aiding in healthy eating habits. Allocating a few hours each week to prepare large batches of food that will last for several days allows for easy and quick meals. You can even prep vegetables, making it even easier to cook home-cooked meals. If you’re interested in exploring meal prep, you can find beginner-friendly tips here.
Follow a recipe
While some people prefer to cook intuitively and experiment with different ingredients, this approach can be overwhelming and stressful for beginners. It is advisable to follow recipes until you become more comfortable in the kitchen. Print out your favorite recipes that you have enjoyed and can easily recreate. Having a collection of go-to recipes ensures quick and easy meal options for busy times. If you are cooking for the family, consider exploring family dinner ideas for variety and enjoyment.
Cooking Easy Food
Let’s be honest, following a recipe for Julia Child’s French Bouillabaisse requires much more complexity and effort compared to a simple pasta dish. If you are not an experienced cook, opt for easy dinner recipes that guarantee easy wins. When seeking to cook easy food, think of quick and satisfying categories that require minimal effort.
For instance, eggs are incredibly fast to cook and can be used in numerous ways, from scrambled or fried to boiled. Breakfast for weeknight dinners can be delightful and simple. Beans are another easy food to cook. Canned beans are almost ready to eat—you just need to add some spices and warm them up! Try dishes like black beans with garlic and cumin or red kidney beans with diced bell peppers, onions, and celery. Lentil soup is also an excellent option. Pasta is another favorite for cooking easy food—it only requires tomato sauce and parmesan cheese to create a delicious meal. With various sauces and ingredients, the possibilities for easy pasta dishes are endless. Chicken breasts and ground beef are versatile meats for cooking easy food, as they cook quickly and can be used in numerous simple recipes that the whole family will enjoy.
As you gain more cooking experience, create a list of quick dinner ideas that have worked well for you. This will save you a lot of time brainstorming healthy weeknight dinner ideas.
Ask for help
You don’t have to do everything on your own. If you feel overwhelmed trying to handle cooking and everything else, there is no shame in asking for help. Seek assistance from your partner or children if they are capable. Involving children in cooking is beneficial for their development. Additionally, meal services can be a helpful solution when you do not have the time or energy to cook an entire meal. A store-bought rotisserie chicken paired with a simple salad is always an easy and healthy option. And if you find yourself popping a frozen pizza in the oven one night, that’s completely fine—it happens to everyone occasionally!
Conclusion
To make cooking easier, remember to have the right equipment and plan your meals in advance. Additionally, consider doing some meal prep and choose simple recipes for a more enjoyable experience. Cooking easy food often yields more satisfying and enjoyable meals. What’s for dinner tonight?
