It’s 2023, and everyone is busier than ever. In the past, cooking was a way to relax and enjoy the process of creating something delicious. But now, the idea of cooking can seem overwhelming. Luckily, there are plenty of ways to cook less and enjoy more. Here are a few tips and tricks for how to keep things simple in the kitchen this year.
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Simplify Your Grocery Shopping
The first step to cooking less is to simplify your grocery shopping. Instead of buying ingredients for a single recipe, try to buy groceries that can be used in a variety of dishes. For example, lean proteins such as chicken, fish and tofu can be cooked in a variety of ways, and can be used in salads, stir-fries, tacos and more. Buying versatile ingredients will save you time and money in the kitchen.
Use Your Freezer
An often-overlooked kitchen essential is the freezer. It can be a great way to make your meals last longer, and to save time in the kitchen. For example, you can cook a large batch of grains or beans, and then freeze them in individual portions. This way, you can quickly reheat them for fast meals throughout the week. You can also freeze leftovers, or pre-make meals and freeze them for later.
Take Advantage of Time-Saving Tools
In this day and age, there are plenty of tools that can help you save time in the kitchen. For example, a slow cooker or pressure cooker can help you make meals quickly and easily. There are also tools like food processors and blenders that can help you chop, blend and puree ingredients quickly. Investing in a few kitchen tools can make your life easier in the long run.
Try Meal Delivery Services
If you’re really short on time, you can always take advantage of meal delivery services. These services deliver pre-made meals directly to your doorstep, and they often offer healthy, organic, and vegetarian options. With a few clicks, you can have a delicious meal on your table in no time.
Create a Meal Prep Schedule
Meal prepping is a great way to save time and money in the kitchen. You can make a plan for the week ahead, and then shop and prep accordingly. For example, you can cook a large batch of grains or beans on Sunday, and then use them throughout the week in salads, stir-fries or tacos. You can also batch-cook meals and freeze them for later.
Take Advantage of Technology
Another great way to save time in the kitchen is to take advantage of technology. There are so many apps and websites that can help you plan meals, create grocery lists, and even cook for you. For example, there are meal planning apps that can suggest recipes and create grocery lists for you. There are also meal delivery services that can send you pre-made meals. There are even cooking apps that can help you cook step-by-step.
Make Cooking Fun!
At the end of the day, cooking should be a fun and enjoyable experience. To make things even more enjoyable, try playing some music or putting on a podcast while you cook. You can also try having fun with it by adding silly names to your dishes, or adding funny jokes to the ingredients list. After all, a little bit of laughter can go a long way in the kitchen.
Cook Less and Enjoy More!
Cooking doesn’t have to be a chore. With a few simple tips and tricks, you can learn how to cook less and enjoy more. Start by simplifying your grocery shopping, using your freezer, and taking advantage of time-saving tools. You can also try meal delivery services, creating a meal prep schedule, and taking advantage of technology. Above all, make sure to have fun while you’re in the kitchen! As the famous song lyric says, “You don’t have to cook fancy, just cook smart.”
