Roasting is especially good for root vegetables, like potatoes, carrots, and parsnips, but you can also roast things like brussels sprouts, cauliflower, zucchini, and bell peppers. Some vegetables take longer to roast than others. For instance, potatoes will roast a lot more slowly than something like asparagus. Most veggies will need to spend at least 15 minutes in the oven before they’re tender.
The amount of time it takes to roast a piece of meat, and the recommended cooking temperature, will vary depending on the type of meat and how big it is. Check the packaging or look online for recommendations. For example, some chefs recommend starting a beef tenderloin at 450 °F (232 °C) for the first 10 minutes, then cooking it at 275 °F (135 °C) until it reaches an internal temperature of 115–118 °F (46–48 °C). The cooking time will depend on the weight and thickness of the tenderloin. [6] X Research source Seasoning the meat with salt and pepper will give it flavor and help it stay juicy as it cooks. You can also lightly rub the surface with oil or butter to help the seasonings stick.
You can either buy pre-made stir fry sauce, or make your own by combining 1 cup (240 mL) of chicken or vegetable broth, 2 tablespoons (30 mL) of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon (13 g) of sugar, and 1 tablespoon (15 mL) of rice wine vinegar. To make your stir fry extra flavorful, add in some aromatic veggies and let them fry for 30 seconds before you pour in the sauce. Some tasty options include garlic, shallots, onions, fresh ginger, chilies, and celery. You can also spice it up by adding fresh herbs at the very end of the cooking process, such as parsley, basil, cilantro, or chives.
Give the rice a more complex flavor by toasting it for a few minutes in oil before you add the water. Grain-based sides like rice, pasta, quinoa, or couscous are simple to cook and will nicely complement most meals. If you’re pressed for time, instant rice or couscous can be ready in just a few minutes! Simply follow the directions on the box. Serve your rice on the side with a meat and vegetable, toss a stir fry over it, or eat it with a fried or poached egg on top for a simple but nutritious meal!
Your soup will take on the flavor of the vegetables, but you can also boost it by adding salt and pepper, fresh herbs, aromatics like garlic, onions, or bay leaves, or sweet and tangy diced tomatoes. Experiment around with different flavors to figure out what you like best! If you want some protein in your soup, brown some bite-sized chicken pieces in olive oil and add them to the soup along with the vegetables. Or, if you prefer non-meat proteins, add some tofu or beans.
Really dense vegetables can take a lot longer to steam. For example, whole artichokes may take up to 40 minutes. Leafy greens like spinach will be done within about 3-5 minutes. You can speed up the steaming time for slower veggies, like potatoes or carrots, by chopping or slicing them before putting them in the steamer.
Use lemon, vinegar, or other acidic flavors to brighten up the taste of your dishes and give them a little zing. Add a hint of heat with chilies or crushed red pepper. Impart a savory flavor with soy, oyster, or Worcestershire sauce. Give your dishes an instant flavor boost with an aromatic, such as garlic or shallots. Liven up your food with distinctive-tasting herbs, like basil, oregano, mint, or rosemary. Have fun with contrasting flavors, like sweet and salty or hot and sour.
Try starting with a few simple “next-level” skills, like making your own tomato sauce or gravy, melting chocolate properly, or getting a loaf of bread dough to rise. [12] X Research source In addition to using cookbooks and written recipes, it can be helpful to watch videos demonstrating more advanced cooking techniques. Visit websites like YouTube, BBCgoodfood. com, or FoodNetwork. com to find tons of free videos and other visual aids.
For example, check out this list of easy recipes from BBC GoodFood: https://www. bbcgoodfood. com/recipes/collection/easy. You can also browse cooking websites like Allrecipes. com or TheKitchn. com for quick and easy meal ideas and recipes. If you’re really new to cooking, start with super simple dishes that only require 2 or 3 ingredients. For example, you might start with learning to make scrambled eggs or pasta topped with olive oil and garlic.
If you have trouble visualizing what you’re supposed to do based on written descriptions, watch a video so you can see a demonstration. For example, if you have no idea what a “stiff peak” should look like when you’re whipping egg whites, you can find a ton of videos demonstrating it on YouTube!
Ingredients, including things like seasonings, oils, and cooking sprays Cutting surfaces and containers for mixing ingredients Pots and pans Tools and utensils, such as measuring cups, knives, spoons, whisks, and spatulas Any special materials that the recipe calls for, like parchment paper or cheesecloth
How many servings the recipe is supposed to make How much of each ingredient you need The order of the steps in the recipe The correct way to combine and process the ingredients (e. g. , many baking recipes call for wet and dry ingredients to be combined separately, then gradually mixed together) Cooking time and temperature
Some recipes call for you to measure ingredients by weight instead of by volume. If you need to weigh your ingredients, you can get a simple kitchen scale online or at a department store. It’s especially important to get the proportions right if you’re baking, so take extra care to follow the recipe if you’re making things like cake, cookies, or bread.
Be careful making substitutions without checking first to see if they work! For example, baking soda and baking powder aren’t interchangeable. Common substitutions include butter for shortening, yogurt for buttermilk or sour cream, and lemon juice for vinegar.
Purchasing fruits and vegetables that are in season will help ensure that you get good-quality ingredients. For example, in the U. S. , the best time to get fresh corn is in the summer and fall, while asparagus is at its peak in the spring. [20] X Research source While there’s nothing wrong with using dried, frozen, or canned ingredients, fresh foods usually have the best taste and texture. Using fresh ingredients also makes it easier to avoid unhealthy additives, like salt, sugar, and preservatives.
For example, you could spice up your breakfast by tossing some apple slices in a little bit of vegetable oil or butter, sprinkling them with cinnamon and nutmeg, and baking them in the oven at 350 °F (177 °C) for 20-30 minutes. Or, if you hate brussels sprouts, try roasting them in the oven or searing them in a frying pan with some oil until they’re slightly browned around the edges. You might be surprised at how tasty they are that way! Choose fruits and veggies in a rainbow of colors, since this means you’ll be getting a greater variety of nutrients.
For example, you might whip up some oatmeal for breakfast, boil quinoa and stir fry it with garlic and mushrooms for lunch, or drizzle whole wheat pasta with lemon and olive oil as a tasty side with dinner.
Getting your protein can be as simple as boiling an egg for breakfast or adding some walnuts or cottage cheese to your salad at lunch. If you’re concerned about extra fat, avoid frying your meats. Stick to healthier cooking techniques like grilling or roasting.
Other healthy sources of fat include olives, seeds and nuts, nut butters, fatty fish (like tuna, mackerel, and salmon), and soy products (like tofu and soy milk).
If you’re baking, stick to whole wheat flour instead of bleached or refined flour. When cooking with canned fruits, vegetables, or broths, look for options that don’t have added sugar or salt. Consider making your own sauces, dressings, and condiments, since pre-made ones are often loaded with preservatives, refined sugars, and salt.
