Cooking is not just about satisfying hunger. It is an art that requires patience and a pinch of love. However, with packed schedules and a seemingly endless to-do list, many moms struggle to dedicate ample time to the kitchen.
If you’re a busy mom, every minute counts for you. Therefore, try these hacks to maximize your cooking time without compromising on taste or quality.
1. Do not frequently try new recipes
If you want to avoid overwhelming yourself in the kitchen, limiting the number of new recipes you try is best. While the allure of experimenting in the kitchen can be irresistible, it is crucial to strike a balance between culinary exploration and the demands of daily life. As a rule of thumb, try just one new recipe a week.
Trying a new recipe takes time as you navigate the instructions, gather the necessary ingredients, and follow the steps. Limiting yourself to one new recipe per week allows you to allocate sufficient time for the learning curve involved in the process.
Let’s say you have found an intriguing recipe for cooking instant pot pork roast. Now choose a day when you can give it your undivided attention, carefully following the instructions and adjusting the flavors to suit your family’s preferences. Doing so allows you to gauge their response and determine whether it becomes a new favorite or requires some tweaks for future attempts.
2. Plan meals in advance
With a well-thought-out meal plan, you will not have to think about what to cook every day. In other words, it eliminates the last-minute scramble to figure out dinner, lunch, or breakfast.
Meal prepping also promotes healthier eating. When you plan your meals, you have greater control over the ingredients you use. It enables you to prioritize nutritious options loaded with vitamins. As a result, you can avoid relying on unhealthy takeout or processed foods during busy times.
To get started with meal prepping, create a shopping list based on your plan. Here is how you can go about it:
- Review your meal plan: Review the meals you have planned for the week. Take note of the recipes you will prepare and the ingredients required for each dish.
- Take inventory of your pantry: Before adding items to your shopping list, check your pantry, refrigerator, and freezer. Identify any ingredients you already have on hand to avoid unnecessary purchases.
- Categorize your list: Organize your shopping list into categories such as proteins, grains, dairy, pantry staples, and spices. It will help you navigate the store in a breeze and ensure you do not overlook any items.
- Stay flexible: Be open to making adjustments if you come across seasonal produce, sales, or special offers that align with your meal plan.
3. Invest in a high-quality slow cooker
Slow cookers are versatile appliances that serve as invaluable resources for busy moms. With a slow cooker by your side, you can effortlessly prepare a delicious dinner in a matter of minutes upon arriving home from work. It saves you from time-consuming and stressful cooking sessions.
By setting the desired cooking time and leaving the slow cooker to work its magic, you can focus on other important tasks without worrying about overcooking or burning your food. You can rest assured that your meals will be cooked to perfection, as these appliances are specifically designed to maintain consistent and gentle heat.
A slow cooker also provides an added layer of safety because they are equipped with advanced safety features to prevent overheating, reducing the risk of house fires.
Since the market is peppered with a host of options, considering the following factors will lead you to buy the best slow cooker:
- Size and capacity: Assess the size of your family or the number of people you typically cook for. Choose a slow cooker with an appropriate capacity that can accommodate your desired portion sizes.
- Removable inner pot: Opt for a slow cooker with a removable inner pot made of durable material. Besides making cleaning a breeze, it enables you to use the pot to serve and store leftovers.
- Shape: Decide between a round or oval-shaped slow cooker. Round models are ideal for soups and stews, while oval ones are better suited for larger cuts of meat and poultry.
- Budget: Determine your budget and select a slow cooker that offers a good balance between price and features. Be sure to prioritize quality and functionality over unnecessary frills.
4. Use leftovers
With leftovers on hand, you can easily and quickly assemble a meal without the need to start from scratch. Instead of spending time chopping, marinating, or cooking ingredients, they can simply reheat or repurpose the leftovers.
On top of that, utilizing leftovers allows you to minimize the amount of cooking. As a result, you will have fewer pots, pans, and utensils to clean up. It will ultimately save them the time and effort required for dishwashing.
If you do not know how to make the most of leftovers, they could be used to make delicious stir-fries or fried rice. Simply sauté the vegetables with some oil, add the leftover meat, and toss in the cooked rice. Season with soy sauce or other desired spices for a quick and flavorful meal.
If you have leftover cooked chicken, turkey, or beef, you may slice it and use it as a filling for sandwiches or wraps. Add some fresh lettuce, tomatoes, and condiments for a tasty and convenient lunch option.
Conclusion
When you are already feeling drained from a busy day, the idea of spending additional time in the kitchen can be downright frightening. The thought of chopping vegetables, marinating meat, and waiting for a casserole to bake may seem impossible. No wonder why moms choose convenience over cooking by ordering meals from their favorite restaurants. Fortunately, cooking meals for busy moms do not have to be as difficult. All you have to do is to stick to the tips covered in this blog.
