Friday, March 29
02:26 AM

Creativity in the kitchen

25 Aug 2020

Due to quarantine and social distancing measures, many people have found themselves cooking more at home than ever before. However, after creating some of the same meals week after week, many are starting to lack inspiration and hitting a home-cooking rut. To shake things up in the kitchen, consider a  few ways to add excitement and creativity to your cooking.

Explore cultural dishes: Look to other cultures for food inspiration. Whether inspired by a book you read, a movie you watched, or a place you have visited (or want to visit), there are a lot of dishes that can open your eyes to the way people all around the world eat and enjoy food.

Use a new ingredient: Try a new ingredient you’ve never cooked with before to expand your palate. Experimenting with a new ingredient is great because the end reslt can have an element of surprise, as well as accord some thrill to the process of preparation. New ingredients can give regular recipes a whole new twist.

Host a virtual theme night: Invite friends for a virtual dinner party where everyone shows off their homemade creations. To add a little excitement to the virtual party, pick a different theme to create a meal around – could be a style of cuisine or a common ingredient to experiment with. Don’t forget to add some fun decor to make the virtual mealtime extra special.

Get inspired online: With cooking classes going virtual across countless social media platforms, look to some of your favourite foodie influencers and celebrity chefs for inspiration in the kitchen. Your favourite cooking brands, restaurants and chefs are probably hosting online cooking classes where you, too, can learn some new tips and simple tricks to make a tasty new dish.

Get the gadgets and tools: Turn your culinary world upside down with a new kitchen gadget. Try out a vegetable spiraliser that’ll help you make zoodles (zucchini noodles) or a dressing mixer to create homemade dressings, marinades and sauces. Pick up a sushi kit for a fun family dinner activity.

Try trending recipes: Try your hand at one of the latest food trends for more motivation in the kitchen. A few recipes that are gaining popularity include bread making, desserts, spicy Asian dishes and unique salads.

Add new spices: An easy way to enhance any dish is by adding spices. Try a new spice or make your own blend. Whether you’re going for some heat or want to add a savoury element, a spice you’ve never had before may do the trick. Furthermore, a new spice might even inspire new dishes you’ll love.

Shuffle your meal choices: Try shaking things up and eat breakfast dishes for dinner and dinner specialities for breakfast. Flipping around the traditional often awakens palates and is a simple way to keep meals interesting. You would be surprised to note that many enjoy eggs and porridge for dinner, meaty sandwiches for breakfast and salads and smoothies for lunch.

Make your own bowls: ‘Making your own bowl’ bars are gaining popularity in many homes these days where family members can choose their own base and toppings for their own custom creations. For example, try pairing yogurt, fresh fruit and extras like grains and nuts for a nutrient-filled breakfast, or try a rice bowl that can be topped with toasted chicken/shrimps, roasted veggies, and sauces for lunch.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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