Want to cook smarter? Discover kitchen hacks to save time, money and stress
Cooking doesn't have to be a never-ending chore.
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Cooking after a long, tiring day at work can sometimes feel like another job.
You just want to relax, but the thought of getting home and then still having to chop, stir, and clean can be truly draining.
It's easy to fall into the trap of ordering takeout or making something quick and unhealthy just to avoid the hassle.
However, there are simple ways to make cooking less of a chore and more of a breeze.
With a few smart kitchen tricks, you can actually look forward to making meals, saving yourself precious time, keeping more money in your pocket, and cutting down on that everyday stress.
Here are some easy tips that will completely change your cooking routine for the better.
Save time
- Prep once a week: Spend an hour or two on Sunday to wash and chop veggies like peppers, onions, and carrots. This means less work during the week.
- One-pan meals: Cook everything in one pan. Think roasted veggies and chicken on a sheet pan. Fewer dishes, easy cleanup, and the food practically cooks itself.
- Cook big batches: Make a lot of rice, soup, or stew. You'll have meals ready for days. Freeze extra portions for busy nights.
- Get ready first: Before you cook, get all your ingredients out and measured. This stops you from searching for things while you’re cooking and keeps you organised.
Chopping veggies over the weekend will save you time when cooking during the week.
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Save money
- Use your freezer: Don't waste leftovers. Freeze extra soup or stew. You can also freeze ripe fruit for smoothies, herbs in ice cube trays, and bread.
- Shop smart: Plan your meals before you go to the store. Buy only what you need and look for sales on common items.
- Check what you have: Before shopping, check what you already have in your pantry and fridge. You might find things you forgot, saving you from buying them again.
Always check what you have before you go shopping.
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Less stress
- Good, sharp knife: Using a dull knife can be frustrating. It’s a good idea to invest in a sharp knife that will make chopping easy and fast.
- Clean as you go: Wipe counters and wash small items while you cook. This stops a big mess from building up at the end.
- Take shortcuts: It's okay to use store-bought items like rotisserie chicken or pre-chopped garlic. Cooking should be fun, not a struggle.
- Don't aim for perfect: Not every meal needs to be fancy. A simple pasta or omelette is fine. Don't let pressure make cooking stressful.
Invest in a good sharp knife.
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