Let’s face it. No matter how much you might love food, cooking can get a little tiresome at times. After a while, we seem to get into a rut with our cooking habits, creating the same tired old meals day after day, without even thinking about new recipes. Unfortunately, this can mean that we end up with uninspired experiences, stressful moments in the kitchen and a lack of creativity.
While you don’t necessarily need to have variety in your diet, as long as you’re getting the right dose of healthy vitamins and nutrients, you will need to make sure that you’re making changes every now and again if you want to avoid going absolutely insane. Nobody likes eating the same thing week after week! Here, we’ll take a look at how you can spice things up with your cooking routine, and take boredom out of the kitchen.
Take an alternative approach
You don’t have to be a vegan or vegetarian to like the flavors they create. If you’re getting sick of your standard recipes, but you don’t want to stray too far from your favorites, you could always try creating the vegetarian or organic version of your most popular meals. For instance, swap the minced beef in your lasagna for eggplant, or switch a chicken stir-fry to one that’s brimming with rainbow-colored veggies. Not only will you have more fun in the kitchen, but you might also get an extra dose of all-important nutrition.
Invest in the right accessories
A new toy or gadget is always a great way to make sure that you’re feeling more creative in the kitchen. A spiralizer that helps you make noodles out of vegetables, or some sort of unique grilling device that adds a new flavor to your favorite meals, could help to give you the inspiration you need. At the same time, make sure you have the essentials right. For instance, a Red Copper 5-piece set could ensure that you’re not spending all of your time in front of the oven, feeling stressed and overwhelmed.
Let the kids choose
Why should parents have to be responsible for everything? If you’re tired of choosing the same old meals for your family, why not give your children the power they so desperately crave, and ask them to suggest something that you should cook in the following week. Make sure they know that you’re planning the meal in advance, so that you have the time to go out to the grocery store and stock up on any necessary ingredients.
Let the online world inspire you
If you’ve ever watched a cooking video on YouTube or seen a picture on Pinterest that you wished you could recreate in your own kitchen, now’s your chance. There’s never been a bigger selection of recipes to choose from online, so even if you don’t have an idea of what you want to cook in mind, you can always try typing a single “primary” ingredient into the search bar on Google, and see what comes up.
Eat breakfast for dinner
Who said that pancakes and waffles were only for mornings? Try introducing breakfast foods into your dining room in the evening as well as the morning. Omelets and other egg-dishes are quick and simple to cook, and great for when you want a little extra protein. At the same time, you can always make wraps with savory pancakes for a more filling dinner experience. Make sure you add a few veggies for that extra nutritional punch.
Spice things up (literally)
Finally, one simple way to add a little more taste to your experiences in the kitchen is to try adding a few new herbs and spices into the mix. Try stocking up your spice rack with flavors that are sure to go with a variety of dishes, such as authentic Himalayan salt or cayenne pepper. Experimenting with herbs and spices can add a whole new depth to even the simplest meals, and it means that you can keep your budget low, if you’re into frugal cooking.
Spicing up your kitchen experience
Time spent over a hot stove doesn’t have to be a boring experience. With the tips above, and a little creativity, you’re sure to find a way that you can transform your cooking habits, and get out of your dinnertime rut. Use the suggestions we covered above to inspire you into creating brand-new flavors, and leave boredom out of the kitchen.