Between deadlines, family duties and finding a moment for yourself, cooking can sometimes feel like one more task you don’t have the energy for. But mealtime doesn’t have to be stressful.
With a few clever hacks, you can make cooking easier, faster and a lot more enjoyable – even on the busiest days.
Prep ahead
Set aside some time on the weekend to chop veggies, marinate chicken or cook a batch of rice and grains. Store them in airtight containers so you have ready-to-use ingredients during the week. When time is tight, you’ll thank yourself for the head start.
Embrace one-pot wonders
When energy is low, one-pot dishes are the answer. Soups, stews, stir-fries and casseroles mean less effort, less washing up and loads of flavour. Everything cooks together, giving you a warm, satisfying meal without the fuss.
Use smart shortcuts
There’s no shame in leaning on pre-chopped veggies, frozen fruit or ready-made sauces. Mix them with fresh ingredients, and you’ll have a healthy, tasty meal in minutes. Convenience and nutrition can absolutely go hand in hand.
Invest in the right tools
Good gadgets save serious time. A slow cooker can simmer your dinner while you’re at work. An air fryer gives quick, crispy results without constant monitoring. Even sharp knives and sturdy chopping boards make everyday prep quicker and safer.
Keep go-to recipes handy
Have a rotation of quick, no-fail meals you can turn to when you’re too tired to think. A handful of reliable dishes keeps dinner stress-free and ensures variety without the daily mental gymnastics of “what’s for supper?”.
Simplify clean-up
Line trays with baking paper, soak pots straight away and keep your counter clear while you cook. A tidy workspace makes everything easier and cuts down on the dreaded after-dinner scrub.
Batch cook basics
Make double (or triple) portions of sauces, dressings and grains to store in the fridge or freezer. A jar of homemade tomato sauce or pesto can turn a simple pasta into a flavourful dinner in minutes.
Reinvent leftovers
Leftovers are a goldmine if you get creative. Roast chicken becomes tacos, extra rice transforms into stir-fry, and vegetables can be blended into a soup. Reinventing yesterday’s food saves money, reduces waste and keeps meals exciting.
Cooking shouldn’t feel like a chore. With these simple hacks, you’ll spend less time stressing in the kitchen and more time enjoying good food – and the people you share it with.
Because working women don’t just juggle, they excel. And in the kitchen, a few smart shortcuts are all you need to cook like a pro.
ALSO SEE: WHY CLEANING AS YOU COOK CAN MAKE FOR A MORE ENJOYABLE COOKING EXPERIENCE
Why cleaning as you cook can make for a more enjoyable cooking experience
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