Quick Cooking Tips
The Quick Cooking Tips blog is created for you who crave flavourful Indian cuisine but hesitate to cook due to the time-consuming process. Our goal is to provide practical advice on kitchen organization and small adjustments to traditional recipes, based on over twenty years of personal experience, that significantly reduce cooking and preparation time to minutes.
Delicious meals, just in five minutes !!!
In today’s fast-paced world, time is more precious than ever. With busy schedules, endless to-do lists, and a constant need to juggle responsibilities, spending hours in the kitchen just isn’t feasible for most of us. But that doesn’t mean we have to sacrifice flavor or quality when it comes to our meals. The key lies in smarter cooking strategies that allow us to prepare delicious dishes in record time—think five minutes or less! In this blog, we’ll explore practical tips, tricks, and meal planning strategies to help you cook tasty, nutritious meals without the time crunch. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned cook, these time-saving techniques will ensure you enjoy every bite, even on your busiest days. Let’s dive into the art of cooking fast and still keeping it delicious!
Organizing Your Kitchen for Faster Indian Cooking: A Step-by-Step Guide
The kitchen is the heart of any home, but for those who love to cook, it can often feel like a chaotic whirlwind. Indian cooking, known for its diverse ingredients and intricate spice combinations, can be especially time-consuming. However, with a little organization, you can streamline your cooking process and save valuable time while still creating delicious, aromatic dishes. The key lies in ensuring everything is easily accessible, well-stocked, and properly arranged. Here’s how to get started on organizing your kitchen for faster cooking, with a focus on the unique needs of Indian cuisine.
Step 1: Buy the Correct Equipment and Storage Containers
The first step toward a more organized kitchen is investing in the right tools. Make sure you have the essential equipment that suits Indian cooking and the kind of meals you prepare most often. Along with these, storage containers are critical for keeping your pulses, spices, and ingredients fresh and organized. Consider using steel containers for their durability and long-lasting nature or glass containers for their elegant look and ease of cleaning. You can choose either or both, depending on your style and needs.
Clear containers are especially useful because they allow you to identify contents quickly, saving time when you’re preparing meals. Stackable, airtight containers are also a good choice for keeping dry ingredients fresh.
Step 2: Label Everything
Labeling is one of the simplest and most effective ways to stay organized. To make your kitchen more efficient, prepare a list of all essential pulses (dals) and spices (masalas) you commonly use in Indian cooking. You can create a label set by printing them on sticker pages, which are easily available at stationery shops. The advantage of labeling is not only that it makes it easier for you to grab what you need in a rush but also helps anyone else who may cook in your kitchen in your absence.
To label the containers the label maker https://amzn.to/3E70XU9 can be used.
Step 3: Purchase Containers Based on Your List
Once you have your list of essential dals and masalas, go ahead and purchase the appropriate containers for each. The key is to pick the right size and type of container for each item. You may need smaller jars for your everyday spices, while larger containers may be necessary for commonly used pulses like moong dal or chana dal.
Step 4: Invest in a Spice Box (Masala Dabba)
Indian cooking relies heavily on spices, and an organized spice box is one of the most valuable investments you can make for your kitchen. It’s important to purchase a spice box with separate compartments for each spice to prevent cross-contamination or spillage, which often happens in large containers. Many masala dabba designs come with individual containers for each spice, making it easy to store and access them without mixing or spilling.
Step 5: Stock Your Pulses and Spices
With your containers and labels ready, it’s time to stock up on the dals and spices you need. Here’s a quick guide to the important dals and spices that are commonly used in Indian cooking:
Important Pulses(Dals):
Pulses (Dals)
- Arhar dal
- Chana dal
- Dhuli Moong dal
- Kabuli Chana
- Kala Chana
- Masoor dal
- Moong dal Chilka
- Rajma
- Sabut Malka Masoor dal
- Sabut Moong dal
- Sabut Urd dal (Ma Ki Dal)
- Tooti Malka Masoor dal
- Urd dal Chilka
- Dhuli Urd
Important Spices (Masaale):
- Ajwain
- Amchur Powder
- Dhaniya
- Haldi Powder
- Heeng
- Jeera
- Kali Sarson
- Kalonji
- Laung
- Namak
- Pesi Kali Mirch
- Pesi Lal Mirch
- Rai
- Sabut Kali Mirch
- Sabut Lal Mirch
- Saunf
Essentials Electrical Equipment :
Some electrical equipment can also help speed up your cooking process. Consider purchasing:
- Microwave Oven for heating
The microwave is an essential gadget in the kitchen, available from various brands in a wide range of prices and specifications, allowing you to choose according to personal preference. The key is to recognize its true value. In Indian kitchens, it is commonly used to warm or reheat food before eating, but it has many other uses that are often overlooked. It can also be used to boil and cook food efficiently.
- Food Processor for chopping, grinding, and mixing.
A well-functioning food processor is the lifeline of any kitchen, as it drastically eases the effort involved in cooking. In an Indian kitchen, it’s commonly used for preparing shakes and chutneys, but many people don’t realize it has many more uses. It’s also a convenient tool for preparing salads and kneading dough on a daily basis. The key is to start using these functions, as they are easy to master, and once practiced, they can get the job done in minutes. The food processor comes with different parts, and their functions can be found on the product’s website. With a little effort to learn how to use them, you’ll be able to tackle tasks quickly. It can shred carrots for gajar ka halwa, grate radish for mooli ke paratha, chop onions, green chilies, and much more. It only takes a few minutes to prepare ingredients with the help of a food processor; we just need to develop the habit of using its various functions on a daily basis.
- Sandwich Maker for quick meals
The sandwich maker is truly a life-saving kitchen gadget, offering a quick and easy way to prepare a variety of delicious dishes in just a few minutes. Whether you’re craving a classic grilled sandwich, a crispy tortilla, roti pizza, or even pita bread, this versatile appliance can do it all. With its simple design and fast cooking capabilities, it takes the hassle out of meal prep, making it ideal for busy mornings or quick snacks. The result is always perfectly toasted and crispy, with minimal effort required, making it an absolute must-have for anyone who loves tasty, homemade meals without spending much time in the kitchen.
- Egg Boiler for perfectly boiled eggs in no time
An egg boiler is a game-changer for egg enthusiasts, offering a hassle-free solution to boiling eggs without the mess. Gone are the days of dealing with water stains on utensils and the struggle of cleaning burnt pots after an egg boiling session. With an egg boiler, you can easily cook your eggs to perfection, whether you prefer them soft, medium, or hard-boiled, without worrying about the eggs getting overcooked or burnt if you forget about them. It simplifies the process, ensuring that the eggs are cooked evenly every time, while keeping your kitchen clean and your utensils free from stains. It’s an essential appliance for anyone who enjoys eggs regularly, making egg preparation quicker, easier, and mess-free.
- Atta Kneader for effortlessly making dough
This incredible dough kneader is a game-changer for anyone who regularly prepares dough for rotis, paranthas, or other flatbreads. It offers a huge relief in the kitchen by making the process of kneading dough so convenient. Once you start it, you can focus on other tasks, as it kneads the dough to perfection without needing constant attention. Simply set the timer, and it will knead until it’s done, automatically stopping once the dough is ready. This makes it much more efficient than a food processor, which often requires more supervision. It can handle a variety of doughs for different types of rotis, paranthas, whether it’s besan ki roti, methi parantha, mooli parantha, or even creative mixes like gajar or onion paranthas. It’s also perfect for making pizza dough, bread dough, and any other type of dough, including those with mashed vegetables to sneak in some extra nutrition for picky eaters. A truly convenient piece of equipment, it’s an absolute boon for roti, poori, parantha, and pizza lovers alike.
- Toaster for a crispy snack or breakfast
A toaster is an essential kitchen gadget, especially when you’re in a hurry or craving a quick snack. It’s perfect for quickly getting bread toasted to perfection, whether you’re rushing in the morning or just need a simple meal. When you’re in the mood for something like pita bread with hummus, or even just a quick slice of bread topped with butter or jam, the toaster has got you covered. With its fast and even toasting, it transforms plain bread into a warm, crispy delight in minutes, making it a versatile and time-saving appliance for any kitchen. Whether you’re preparing a snack or adding a little crunch to your meal, a toaster makes it effortless and quick.
- Hand Blender
A handy hand blender is a must-have kitchen tool, especially for those who love making shakes and smoothies. Its compact design makes it incredibly easy to use, allowing you to blend directly in jugs, glasses, or bowls without the need for transferring ingredients to a bulky blender. Whether you’re mixing fruits, yogurt, or protein powders for a quick shake, the hand blender gets the job done effortlessly and quickly. It’s perfect for making single servings or larger batches without any mess, and the clean up is a breeze since most models are easy to detach and rinse. Its convenience and versatility make it a go-to tool for anyone looking to prepare shakes, soups, sauces, or even smoothies on the go. A steel hand blender is truly an asset in the kitchen, offering great versatility and convenience. Its robust design allows it to blend ingredients like dals, sarson ka saag, or vegetable soups directly in the cooking pot or cooker, even while they’re still hot. This eliminates the need for transferring hot contents to a separate blender, reducing the mess and saving time. Whether you’re blending a smooth dal or pureeing a hearty vegetable soup, the steel hand blender makes the process quick and easy, while also being durable enough to handle the heat and tough ingredients. Its practicality and efficiency make it an invaluable tool for any home cook.
Step 6: Place Containers in the Right Spots
Now that everything is labeled and organized, it’s time to put it all in its rightful place. Group similar items together, pulses in one section of your pantry, spices in another, and smaller items like baking essentials in a designated drawer or cabinet. Consider using tiered shelves or pull-out drawers to maximize space and make it easier to reach for items.
Spices should be placed near the stove or prep area for quick access, while pulses can be stored in a cool, dry place. The most frequently used items should be in the front, while less commonly used ingredients can go toward the back.
Conclusion
With just a little effort and a few simple steps, you can organize your kitchen for faster and more efficient Indian cooking. By ensuring that your equipment, storage containers, and spices are easily accessible, you’ll be able to cut down on prep time and enjoy the cooking process even more. Don’t forget to stock up on your essential dals, spices, and electrical equipment to further streamline your cooking experience.
An organized kitchen isn’t just about aesthetics, it’s about making cooking smoother and faster, which ultimately leads to more delicious and enjoyable meals. So, get started today and see how much easier it is to whip up your favourite Indian dishes!