Too Much Takeout? 6 Tips to Make Cooking at Home Easier
January 30, 2018
We’ve all been there: heading home after a hectic day, deciding what to eat, and opting for takeout because the idea of shopping and chopping sounds exhausting.
It’s no secret that cooking at home saves both dollars and calories, but you may be surprised by how much. The average American spends roughly $3,008 per year on dining out, and one study found that a typical entrée has a whopping 1,200 calories, based on restaurants in San Francisco, Boston, and Little Rock, AK.
So how can you convince yourself to cook at home more often, especially after a long day? Habit’s Chef Sylvie shares six ways to make cooking more appealing and less tiresome.
Since the flavors are guaranteed to work together, you can feel safe about deviating from the recipe. Plus, there are a ton of globally inspired mixes to choose from, like French herbes de Provence, Indian curry powder, and Lebanese za’atar. The Kitchn has a handy list of global spice mixes with accompanying recipes.
Same goes for your pantry—organize the cans and dry goods and arrange the frequently used items in the front so they’re easier to access. Consider investing in racks and containers if you need them.
Also, there may be certain items you avoid using because they’re a hassle to clean (for instance, a large pot or clunky cutting board). Consider replacing it with something you’ll use more often (in this case, a smaller pot or lightweight cutting mats). For some inspiration, check out our gift guide for healthy cooking tools.
Check out Chef Sylvie’s list of essential healthy staples for your pantry and fridge and freezer.
Another option is to batch-cook a sauce or dressing. They have a surprisingly long shelf life and can be used to add flavor to otherwise ordinary ingredients.
It’s no secret that cooking at home saves both dollars and calories, but you may be surprised by how much. The average American spends roughly $3,008 per year on dining out, and one study found that a typical entrée has a whopping 1,200 calories, based on restaurants in San Francisco, Boston, and Little Rock, AK.
So how can you convince yourself to cook at home more often, especially after a long day? Habit’s Chef Sylvie shares six ways to make cooking more appealing and less tiresome.
1. Stock up on Spice Blends
Most recipes call for measuring and mixing a bunch of individual spices. To save time and hassle, Chef Sylvie recommends substituting a pre-mixed spice blend.Since the flavors are guaranteed to work together, you can feel safe about deviating from the recipe. Plus, there are a ton of globally inspired mixes to choose from, like French herbes de Provence, Indian curry powder, and Lebanese za’atar. The Kitchn has a handy list of global spice mixes with accompanying recipes.
2. Keep Your Kitchen Organized
An organized kitchen feels a lot more inviting than a cluttered one. Sort through your cabinets and drawers, toss or donate anything you don’t need, and make sure every item has a home.Same goes for your pantry—organize the cans and dry goods and arrange the frequently used items in the front so they’re easier to access. Consider investing in racks and containers if you need them.
3. Invest in the Right Equipment
Chef Sylvie says that when you have the right kitchen tools, you’ll be more inclined to use them. Simple but useful items include a rubber spatula, a garlic press, and a set of glass or plastic containers for meal prepping.Also, there may be certain items you avoid using because they’re a hassle to clean (for instance, a large pot or clunky cutting board). Consider replacing it with something you’ll use more often (in this case, a smaller pot or lightweight cutting mats). For some inspiration, check out our gift guide for healthy cooking tools.
4. Stock up on Pantry & Freezer Staples
When you don’t have time or energy to grocery shop, a well-stocked pantry and freezer can save the day. With the right staples, you can whip up a balanced meal in minutes. For example, shrimp and broccoli from the freezer, beans from a can, and quinoa from your pantry.Check out Chef Sylvie’s list of essential healthy staples for your pantry and fridge and freezer.
5. Cook Just One Component
If you don’t have time to cook an entire meal from scratch, consider making just one component, like a pan of roasted veggies, a package of chicken breasts, or a pot of quinoa. Then, you can round out your meal with store-bought components, like something from the salad bar at the grocery store. Your meal may not be completely homemade, but chances are it’s still lighter and less expensive than takeout.Another option is to batch-cook a sauce or dressing. They have a surprisingly long shelf life and can be used to add flavor to otherwise ordinary ingredients.
6. Clean While You Cook
Chef Sylvie says the “clean as you go” technique allows you to cook more quickly and efficiently. She recommends setting out a bowl for kitchen scraps (to save you from making trips to the trash can) and washing your cooking utensils and cutting board as soon as you’re finished using them. This way, you won’t end up with a mountain of dirty dishes.
