Bachelor Living: My Favorite Recipes and Cooking Habit
When it comes to bachelor life, one of the most exciting aspects is the freedom to explore and experiment with different recipes and cooking methods. As someone who has been living independently for the past two years, I have discovered a variety of meals that keep me satisfied and happy. Whether it's a time-consuming dish or quick and easy options, cooking has become more than just a necessary task; it’s a way to unwind and enjoy my downtime.
Living the True Bachelor Life
For me, living the true 'bachelor life' began about two years ago, although I was technically a bachelor before that. However, during my college days, I had the luxury of roommates, so cooking was not as common. It wasn't until I started living alone that I immersed myself more deeply into the art of cooking.
When I lived with roommates, I would cook regularly, and it didn't feel like a tedious task due to my fondness for it. A deal was made with my roommates: they would handle the dishes and I would cook, but not prepare the ingredients. This agreement ensured that my cooking venture was hassle-free. One of my roommates, in particular, had disastrous intentions and taste! He once bought Ghost peppers and used them raw in a sandwich, which was a rather unusual and unhealthy choice.
Roommate Culinary Failures
My roommate had a few food-related mishaps. One day, he decided to make a sandwich with ghost peppers, mayo, tomato, lettuce, cheese, and a raw layer of ghost peppers. The next 2 minutes were filled with intense coughing and breathing fire. Another day, he tried to 'fix' the sandwich by sprinkling sugar in it, which didn't work. Finally, he lathered it with chocolate sauce and crumbled some cookies over it. Despite my lack of patience, he somehow managed to eat the 'sandwich.'
Favorite Go-to Meals and Pantry Staples
Throughout the past couple of years, I found that my go-to meals were quite varied. From comforting dishes like Rajma Chawal and Butter Chicken to healthier options such as Sauteed Mixed Vegetables with Roti and Fried Rice and Soup, my meals were versatile. I also enjoyed making diverse sandwiches, Chicken Curries, and savory dishes like Mushroom Mattar Masala. Every weekend, Chicken Biryani was a special treat.
Below are some of the photos from my cooking days, sent to my mom who lived in India. Here they are:
Adopting a New Lifestyle and Grocery Planning
As I transitioned from living with roommates to living alone, my food habits evolved significantly. I now place more emphasis on optimizing my grocery shopping, especially since I was discarding a lot of food. A wise man once said, 'Adulting is buying a full gallon of milk and throwing it away unopened because it was decorating your refrigerator till it expired. Then buying another gallon just to repeat the process.' This statement resonates with me, especially as I have learned to stock up on ingredients that will keep for a while, ensuring I use them up before they expire.
I have started a method called 'reverse grocery planning,' where I first decide what I want to cook, then make a list of the required ingredients. This approach saves me time, prevents waste, and helps me plan my meals more effectively. By doing this, I have reduced the number of frozen meals and takeout orders, and my kitchen is now a treasure trove of ingredients that I can use to create delicious and varied meals.
Living alone has not only given me more independence but also taught me valuable skills in managing my daily routine and ensuring that I keep my living space as enjoyable as possible. Cooking has become a rewarding hobby, and I look forward to experimenting with new recipes and ingredients as I continue on this journey of bachelor living.