Restaurant dining are increasingly popular due to the enjoyment and social aspects of fine dining. However, after a few days of consecutive restaurant meals, you will also notice a burn in your pocket and additional weight gain. Any other options? Cooking at home.
Apart from saving a significant amount of money by cooking at home, it is also a convenient option on your lazy days. As much as cooking may seem like an intimidating task, it is also one of the most rewarding experiences to eat or share your dish with your loved ones. Besides, it is truly an #Adulting failure when you notice that the only dish you can whip out of your kitchen are cereals, instant noodles or a sandwich.
Instead of being intimidated by the kitchen at your apartment, here are some of the tips that we would like to share with you:
1. Kitchen Tools
Whether you are setting up a new kitchen or familiarising with the kitchen, here are some that you will commonly use.
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Knife: Choose one that is not too heavy or flimsy and comfortable to hold. This way, you will be able to properly handle and control it.
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Pots and Pans: Go for the non-stick option if your budget allows and cleaning up will be so much easier for you. Select pots and pans of different sizes so you can select one that fits best for the dish you are whipping up.
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Metal Spatula: Just like Spongebob’s trusty spatula, choose a sturdy metal one that fits best in your grip. You will definitely be using this one a lot.
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Tongs: From flipping chicken on a pan to reaching spots in the oven, a pair of cheap but good tongs will be your handy assistant.
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Others: Utensils like measuring spoons, cups, peeler and can openers.
2. Rice Cooker
As an asian, rice and carbohydrates play an important role in a satisfying meal. With just a push of a button, you will have white, fluffy rice to accompany your side dishes. That being said, an essential in the kitchen would be a reliable rice cooker.
To switch things up for you or your guest, there are a variety of rice cooker dishes that you can find on the internet. And the best thing is … most recipes allow you to throw in your ingredients and the rice cooker will do the job for you! Here are some of our favourites:
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KFC Chicken Rice: Yes, you saw that right - the viral KFC Chicken Rice is easily prepared with a rice cooker!
3. Start Small
Other than just popping ingredients in the rice cooker, master your basic dishes. Learn how to properly crack and fry an egg for a fancy scrambled egg breakfast. Boil potatoes and pasta until they are perfectly timed and cooked. Experiment pan-frying or baking with chicken, beef or fish.
Although these may sound basic, it will take you a good 3 to 4 fumbling and bumbling moments in the kitchen before you perfect them.
4. Have At Least One Go-to Recipe
When you invite your friends or family over, it is important to serve a dish that you are most confident to impress them with. For that to happen, start by choosing a dish that is relatively easy and one that you consider delicious. Practice that dish until you are ready to invite people over to your apartment.
Remember, a reliable dish does not have to be fancy or over-the-top, it just needs to be delicious!
5. 3R - Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
As cliché as it sounds, the ‘3R’s can be relevant to cooking as well. If you are living alone, it is difficult to buy 1 portion of ingredients in the supermarket. Instead, use the leftover ingredients to experiment with new recipes. If you made too much, keep it in the fridge and reheat it for another meal.
However, take note of the shelf life as fresh ingredients only stay good for a few days.
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From cleaning tools, laundry items to kitchen accessories, Leifheit got all you need to make life at home easier.