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When you sit and watch a cooking show on television, they make it seem so easy. The way the chefs prepare and execute meals looks like an art form, and of course, everything always turns out perfect. However, as much as we may try, not all of us enjoy being behind the stove. We might not have the time to spend, or we simply would rather enjoy doing something else.
If this is the case for you, then keep on reading! Below we will discuss ten tips you can follow to save more time in the kitchen.
Try out a meal delivery service
If one of the main reasons you don’t enjoy cooking is that you never have the right ingredients, a meal delivery service is an excellent option for you. These companies provide you with a recipe card and the exact ingredients to put together a delicious meal. What’s also great is that many of them consist of “fast and easy recipes.” So, you can still eat a fresh and nutritious meal without all of the hard work.
You can find a list of great meal delivery services by clicking the link.
Plan your meals in advance
We all know preparation and planning in advance can save you time, but it can also help cut down the cost of your grocery bill. By writing a list of your weekly meals and the required ingredients, you don’t have to worry about “what you are having for dinner” again.
You can even ask the whole family for assistance! For example, everybody can pick a favorite meal, or you can set specific nights (Taco Tuesday is a classic favorite).
Batch cook and meal prep
Another great tip to follow when planning your meals is to batch cook. By preparing everything on the weekend or during your day off, you can quickly heat up a nutritious dish in a matter of minutes.
What’s great about this cooking method is that it also saves you money by reducing food waste. You can find some more information to get started here.
Organize your kitchen
The more organized your kitchen is, the easier it will be to cook. So, if you haven’t already, try deep cleaning and rethink how you should store your equipment. Items you use regularly should be in locations that are easy to access. For instance, you might keep a jar on top of the counter with utensils rather than hiding them in the cupboard.
Don’t forget about your refrigerator and pantry, either! A Lazy Susan is a great way to store spices and sauce bottles. You can even label all of your containers so that you can find what you need quickly.
Prepare your veggies after purchase
It might seem easier to shove your groceries away as soon as you get home, but taking one extra step can make a big difference. If you wash and store your vegetables and fruits immediately, your future self with thank you for it. You can even make a DIY cleaner to remove any leftover soil, bacteria, and chemicals from the skin. Just add a tablespoon of lemon juice, one cup of vinegar, and four cups of water to a bottle. Then spray your produce and rinse in the sink!
Clean as you cook
Cleaning is often much worse than cooking, and after a delicious meal, the last thing you want to do is wash and tidy up. So to save time and effort, clean as you cook to the best of your ability.
For instance, you might try the following:
- Placing dirty dishes straight into the sink/dishwasher.
- Using a bowl for your food scraps and waste.
- Cleaning spills immediately.
- Putting back ingredients once you have finished with them.
Use a slow cooker
Do you wish you could come home to a beautifully cooked meal after a long day? Well, it is possible if you use a slow cooker. Just add all of your ingredients into the one pot, and let it simmer away to perfection.
There are so many great slow-cooker recipes out there, and they are all quick and easy. From roasts to curries and even desserts, the options are endless.
Portion your snacks
If you are always on the go, one simple tip to get in the habit of following is to portion out your snacks. Grab some Ziplock bags and small containers and divide up your chips, nuts and cut fruit. You can simply grab what you need and be on your way when you’re in a rush. It also works well if you have hungry children that are constantly snacking throughout the day.
Take a cooking class
Perhaps you actually enjoy cooking but find it challenging because you don’t know what you are doing. In that case, it might be beneficial for you to take a cooking class.
With the right motivation and practice, you’ll be able to build up your confidence, even when it comes to simple techniques. If there aren’t any classes near you, you can also check out YouTube for plenty of excellent tutorials.
Invest in the right equipment
Finally, the last tip to follow is to ensure that you invest in the right equipment. A great set of knives and even some exciting gadgets can all speed up the time it takes to cook a meal.
Quality is essential, but don’t think that you need to spend a lot of money. You can still find plenty of great tools at an affordable price point if you do some research.
Final words
And that’s it! These are ten tips to save more time in the kitchen. By following the above, you’ll still be able to eat well without all of the unnecessary stress. However, you should still try and branch out of your comfort zone. Who knows, you might develop a new passion! What do you think? Do you have any other advice you would like to share?
