Tips for Simplifying Daily Homemade Cooking

Homemade cooking can be a rewarding experience, but it often gets turned into a mere chore. Here are some valuable tips to help you streamline your daily cooking routine and make the process less daunting.

Organize Your Kitchen Efficiently

One of the most effective ways to simplify your cooking process is to organize your kitchen. Start by grouping similar items together. For example, keep all baking supplies in one area, oils and vinegars in another, and canned goods organized by type (such as soups together, veggies together, pasta together, and seasonings together). The same approach applies to your fridge and freezer. Store all frozen chicken in one area, beef in another, and vegetables in another. Use dividers or shelves to keep your freezer organized, especially if you have a lot of frozen items.

Master Knife Skills and Use Shortcuts

Proper knife skills can save you a significant amount of time when prepping ingredients. Make sure to practice how to chop vegetables, dice, julienne, and mince ingredients efficiently. Utilize time-saving shortcuts like pre-cut frozen vegetables, frozen mashed garlic, ginger cubes, and frozen fruit pieces. These allow you to quickly prepare recipes without spending too much time on prep work. Additionally, a food processor can make quick work of tasks like making coleslaw from cabbage and carrots.

Mise en Place and Practice Techniques

The French term 'mise en place' means having all your ingredients prepped and arranged before you start cooking. It greatly simplifies the cooking process by eliminating the need to reach for ingredients while cooking. Knowing how to properly prepare different cuts of meat ensures that you can plan for meals that require slow or quick cooking. Techniques such as slow-cooking with an immersion circulator or slow cooker can also save time and effort, as can shortcuts like cooking rice in the same way you would pasta, which takes half the time.

Plan Your Meals and Groceries

Planning ahead is crucial for efficient daily cooking. Make a meal plan for the week, especially focusing on leftovers for subsequent dinners or lunches. This not only saves time but also reduces waste. Prepare your grocery list and stick to the perimeter of the store, where you can find fresh produce, meats, and dairy. By doing this, you save time and ensure healthier meals.

Prep in Advance to Stay Ahead

Even with the best intentions, sometimes homemade cooking can seem like a hassle. Here are a few tricks to make the process smoother. Visit your local farmers' market at least once a week to get fresh, quality ingredients. The day you bring these items home, clean and prep them (e.g., washing and peeling onions, prepping garlic). Store them properly to ensure they are ready to use. Another tip is to peel onions in bulk and store them in an airtight container to use throughout the week. If garlic is an essential ingredient, you can also prepare and store cloves in olive oil in a glass jar.

By following these tips, you can make homemade cooking a more enjoyable and efficient experience. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a cooking novice, these strategies will help you simplify the process and reduce the time and effort needed to prepare delicious meals.