Cooking can turn even the most basic ingredients into culinary wonders; it’s both an art and a science. While cooking and cleaning the kitchen can be therapeutic for some, we all seek tips to make life in the kitchen easier when things get cumbersome.
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Now let’s look at some hacks that will help you cook more efficiently, improve flavor, and reach new culinary heights.
Peel Garlic in seconds
Garlic can be difficult and sticky to peel. But this easy hack can greatly speed up the process. The garlic cloves can be divided between two metal dishes or placed in a mason jar.
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Then give it a good shake for fifteen to twenty seconds. You will have ready-to-use peeled garlic when the garlic skins detach from the cloves.
Keep your Cutting Board Steady
A slippery cutting board can be very dangerous, and chopping with it can cause you to harm yourself accidentally. However, with this easy hack, your chopping board can stay in place while you chop.
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To begin, place a non-slip mat or a damp paper towel underneath your cutting board. This will give you traction and prevent the board from moving while you’re working.
Freeze Fresh Herbs in Olive Oil
The flavor and freshness of herbs can disappear very quickly. But it can be preserved by freezing them in olive oil, which makes it easier to use them in other recipes. To give this a try, place your finely chopped herbs in an ice cube tray.
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Then drizzle each compartment’s herbs with olive oil. Freeze the tray, then transfer the herb cubes to a freezer bag for storage. These cubes can be used to give sauces, soups, and sautés an instant boost in flavor.
Enhance Flavors with Salt at the Right Time
Salt is a basic seasoning, and adding it to food while cooking can make a huge difference. You should season your meat with salt before cooking it to extract moisture and develop a delicious crust.
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Additionally, you can bring out the natural tastes of your veggies or pasta by adding some salt to the boiling water. You can also sprinkle flaky sea salt over foods to enhance texture and flavor.
Perfectly Cooked Pasta Every Time
It takes skill to cook pasta to the ideal consistency. However, this hack guarantees that it always comes out perfectly cooked. You can use a large pot with lots of water to keep the spaghetti from sticking together.
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Then season the water with salt before adding the pasta. If you want the ideal texture and flavor absorption, cook the pasta for one to two minutes less than the package suggests, and then finish cooking it in the sauce.
Speed Up Ripening of Fruits
Are you looking for ways to speed up the ripening of your fruits? Then give this hack a try. It quickens the ripening process of fruits. To begin, place the unripe fruits in a paper bag with an apple or banana.
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Ethylene gas emitted from these fruits accelerates the ripening process. After sealing the bag, let it sit at room temperature. Check daily until the fruits reach the desired ripeness.
Save Overly Salty Dishes
Have you accidentally added excess salt to your food? Don’t worry, there are ways to fix it. Just add in a raw, peeled potato and let it simmer for ten to fifteen minutes. The potato will absorb some of the excess salt.
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Alternatively, you can add a small amount of sugar or a splash of vinegar to counterbalance the saltiness.
Perfect Poached Eggs
Egg poaching might be difficult, but with this hack, getting perfectly poached eggs is very much easier. Simply pour one spoonful of vinegar into a pot of boiling water. The egg whites coagulate more quickly with the help of the vinegar.
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Then gently crack the egg into a small bowl and drop it into the water. After cooking for 3–4 minutes, remove with a slotted spoon.
Use Ice Water for Crispy Vegetables
You can use an ice water bath for colorful, crispy veggies after a brief cooking. This is known as blanching. In this process, as soon as the vegetables are blanched, put them in a bowl of ice water.
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This step immediately halts the cooking process, and retains a fresh color and crispness. Then drain the vegetables next, and leave them to dry for some time before serving or continuing cooking.
Use a Slow Cooker for Bread proofing
It can be difficult to proof bread dough in a cold kitchen. But a slow cooker can be an ideal proofing environment—one that is warm and controlled. To give this a try, simply add some hot water to your slow cooker and turn it down to low.
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The dough should be put in a covered bowl and placed on top of the slow cooker. The dough will rise more quickly and steadily with the warmth from the slow cooker.
Wrap Up
These expert-approved kitchen hacks are designed to simplify your time in the kitchen, enhance your dishes, and elevate your culinary skills. Incorporating these hacks into your routine can improve the efficiency and pleasure of cooking, regardless of your level of experience.
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So, don’t be afraid to try new things and see how these tips could improve your cooking.
