Cooking From Home: Tips, Tricks, And Recipes For The Home Chef

In the ever-changing world of 2020, many of us found ourselves spending more time at home than ever before. But while the pandemic and related restrictions have changed life as we know it, it has also afforded us the opportunity to embrace our inner culinary artist. Whether you’re a novice in the kitchen or a seasoned pro, cooking from home can be a rewarding and enjoyable experience. Read on for our top tips, tricks, and recipes for the home chef.

Tips for Cooking from Home

Cooking from home doesn’t have to be intimidating or overwhelming. Here are some tips to make the process easier:

• Start simple. Instead of attempting a complex recipe, start with something easy and familiar you know you can make well. This will help you gain confidence in the kitchen and prevent any kitchen disasters.
• Stock up on essentials. Make sure you have the basic ingredients for cooking, such as oil, butter, salt, and pepper. You should also have a few staples on hand, like rice, pasta, canned tomatoes, and frozen vegetables.
• Experiment with spices. Spices are an easy way to add flavor and pizzazz to any dish. Try different combinations to find out what tastes best to you.
• Get creative. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different ingredients and techniques. You might be surprised with the results!
• Plan ahead. Make a grocery list and plan your meals for the week. This will help you save time and money.
• Clean as you go. Cleaning up as you cook will help keep your kitchen organized and make the process easier.

Tricks for Cooking from Home

Once you’ve mastered the basics, it’s time to up your game. Here are some tricks to take your cooking to the next level:

• Make use of leftovers. Instead of tossing out leftovers, use them to create something new. For example, you could turn leftover chicken into a flavorful soup or leftover vegetables into a delicious stir-fry.
• Freeze meals. If you have a busy schedule, pre-preparing meals and freezing them is a great way to have a home-cooked meal on hand without having to cook every night.
• Invest in quality cookware. Quality cookware will make cooking easier and more enjoyable. Investing in a good set of pots and pans, knives, and other kitchen tools is well worth the money.
• Learn the basics. Knowing the basics of cooking is essential. Learn the basics of knife skills, cooking techniques, and flavor profiles to become a better home chef.
• Have fun. Don’t be afraid to have fun with cooking! Think outside the box and try something new. You never know what you might discover.

Recipes for Cooking from Home

Now that you’ve got the basics down, it’s time to get cooking. Here are some of our favorite recipes for the home chef:

One-Pot Pasta

This is a delicious and easy one-pot pasta dish that comes together in just 30 minutes.

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 pound pasta
• 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic, oregano, and red pepper flakes and cook for 1 minute. Add the diced tomatoes, chicken broth, salt, and black pepper and bring to a boil. Add the pasta and stir to combine. Reduce the heat to low and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is cooked through, about 15 minutes.

Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese and parsley (if using). Serve hot and enjoy!

Crispy Baked Chicken

This crispy baked chicken is sure to be a hit with the whole family.

• 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

In a large bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Add the chicken breasts and toss to coat. In a separate bowl, combine the panko, Parmesan cheese, and parsley. Dip each chicken breast in the panko mixture, pressing gently to adhere.

Transfer the chicken to the prepared baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through. Serve hot and enjoy!

Conclusion

Cooking from home is a great way to enjoy a home-cooked meal without the hassle of going out or ordering in. With these tips, tricks, and recipes, you’ll be on your way to becoming a master home chef in no time. As the great Julia Child said, “You don’t have to cook fancy or complicated masterpieces—just good food from fresh ingredients.” So, get cooking and have fun!