If you’re like most people, you probably spend way too much time cooking. It’s one of the most stressful and anxiety-inducing parts about being a busy adult. You see, no matter how much you love to cook or how organized and efficient you are, there’s always going to be that one night that is just not right for fried chicken. Or maybe you’ve got a big family and everyone else is having buffalo wings. Or maybe it’s your husband’s birthday and he doesn’t like anything more than pizza and pasta. The point is, when it comes to home cooking, sometimes the ingredients just aren’t in place. That doesn’t have to be the case though! Home cooking with just a few basic ingredients can actually be incredibly easy, tasty, and budget-friendly. There are so many different versions of home cooking out there: from complicated gourmet meals to reheated take-out Chinese takeout . While some might appeal more than others, at the end of the day we all need somewhere to come home to that tastes good enough to eat for dinner (and if we can make it there first thing in the morning then so be it). Here are some great ways that you can make the best home cooking with a few basic ingredients:
Get a Good Cookbook
There are lots of cookbooks out there that are full of ideas and recipes that will change your life. However, there are some that are better than others. If you’re looking for a quick and easy recipe then A Modern Loaf by Robin Robertson is one of the best cookbooks you could ever own. However, if you’re looking for a more in-depth look at a certain topic then any of the cookbooks by Alice Waters, Michael Symon, or Jeffrey Samett are going to be invaluable.
Make Simple Changes
Not all changes are good, some of them can actually be harmful to your health and well-being. One of the most simple ways that you can make your home cooking healthier is to make small changes. For example, instead of using high-fat cheese on your home fries, try using cheddar cheese slices or even American cheese. You can also try adding mustard powder or hot sauce to your favorite potato dishes. Similarly, you can try swapping out the creamy sauces in your favorite entree dishes for more healthier alternatives like avocado or guacamole.
Invest in Good Equipment
If you’ve got the money to spend then buying the best is definitely a good thing to do. However, if you’re just starting out then it makes more sense to invest in less expensive gear that you’ll probably use less often. For example, if you’re just starting out on your home cooking journey then an inexpensive, basic, non-stick skillet should be fine for most things. Once you’ve got the hang of things then you can buy a more expensive model if you really want to get fancy. Likewise, for a regular mid-afternoon snack try making some hummus or a spicy salmon roll. You can also try making some fresh veggies at home using good old-fashioned, oven-cooked vegetables.
Buy Fresh Ingredients
When you’re just starting out on your home cooking journey it can be difficult to find fresh ingredients. But don’t worry, there are still ways to make the best home cooking with just a few basic ingredients! For example, instead of buying the canned tomatoes in the jar, try making your own. To make your own tomato sauces you can purchase paste, tomato puree, or even canned tomatoes. Or if you’re looking for a new vegetable to try in home cooking try growing your own! You can also try to look out for deals at the grocery store on veggies and other fresh produce. If you’re really into making meals at home delivery services like Amazon or Google can offer fresh, ready-to-cook ingredients that you can shop for even faster.
Don’t Be Afraid to Play It Safe
When you’re just starting out on your home cooking journey it’s important to be conservative. Don’t be afraid to try new things or use cheaper ingredients. Just because an ingredient costs less doesn’t mean that it’s less effective or healthy. On the contrary, cheaper ingredients tend to be of higher quality, so you get the same amount of flavor per dollar spent. Another way that you can play it safe is by using cheaper cuts of meat. For example, if you’re just starting out on your home cooking journey then pork shoulder is probably too expensive. However, pork loin is actually cheaper per pound and is usually of higher quality so you get the same amount of flavor per dollar spent.
Conclusion
The best way to make the best home cooking with just a few basic ingredients is to buy the best ingredients you can find. Then, use good technique and have fun loving what you make! If you do this, you’re sure to have some delicious, budget-friendly meals right at home. The possibilities are only as limiting as your imagination and the ingredients that you have available to you. So, get ready to make the best home cooking with just a few basic ingredients!