The idea is always to work smart, not hard. Learn nifty cooking techniques and kitchen hacks to save time and still make the act of cooking feel enjoyable and low effort.
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For women with full-time careers but still bear the responsibility of cooking, there’s simply not enough time to make complicated meals and spend too much time in the kitchen. So learning time-saving tricks and clever kitchen techniques just make sense. Whether you’re pressed for time or just want to cook smarter, learn how to streamline your routine and make meals feel effortless.
Prepping is key
It may seem obvious but prepping ingredients in advance saves time. Chop garlic, onions and vegetables at the start of the week and store in airtight containers. This saves times when cooking, especially on busy nights.
Tip: Peel ginger with a spoon – you’ll remove the peel without wasting the flesh.
Minimal effort, maximum flavour
- Add a splash of lemon juice or vinegar at the end of cooking to brighten a dish.
- Is your meal too spicy? Add a dollop of plain yoghurt.
- Toast your spices before adding them to enhance depth.
Smart storage
Treat your herbs like flowers – cut off the stems and place them in a glass of water and store in the fridge. Store leafy greens in paper towel to prevent wilting. This reduces waste and saves money.
Quick fixes
Over-salted your dish? Add a splash of cream, lemon juice or a peeled potato to absorb the extra salt. If the sauce is then too watery, make a mixture of cornflour and water to thicken it up.
Cooking shortcuts
Cut your herbs, pizza or chicken with kitchen scissors – it’s more effective than a knife. When you bake, line the pan or tray with baking paper for easy clean-up. And if you need soft butter in a hurry, grate it, or place a warmed-up bowl over it for a few moments.
The takeaway
Cooking doesn’t need to be overly complicated, and let no one shame you for trying easy ways to do things. It’s about working smarter. These small, practical tips can transform your time in the kitchen, save time and make cooking more enjoyable.
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