She Strengthens

Breaking Down the Barriers to Cooking

Are you tired of feeling guilty about your lack of culinary skills? You’re not alone. Many of us struggle to get started in the kitchen, despite knowing the benefits of cooking for ourselves. Whether it’s the thought of meal planning, grocery shopping, or simply not knowing where to begin, there are many mental blocks that can hold us back.

Identifying the Hang-Ups

For me, it was a combination of factors that kept me from cooking. I hated going to the store, felt like it wasn’t worth cooking for one, and was intimidated by recipes that assumed a level of competence I didn’t possess. Sound familiar? Perhaps you’ve struggled with similar issues or have your own unique hang-ups.

Gateway Meals to Kickstart Your Kitchen Journey

To help you overcome these obstacles, I’ve identified three essential meals that served as my gateway to cooking. These meals are designed to be easy, flexible, and require minimal cleanup. They’re perfect for beginners, and once you’ve mastered them, you can experiment with new ingredients and recipes.

1. Sheet Pan Roasted Chicken and Veggies

Roasting is a game-changer for the lazy or inattentive cook. Simply throw your chicken and veggies on a sheet pan, drizzle with oil, and season with your favorite herbs. The result is a perfectly balanced meal with minimal cleanup. Start with chicken thighs, sprouts, and potatoes, and experiment with other ingredients as you become more confident.

2. Simple Soups

Soups are another revelation for me. They’re foolproof, soothing, and can be customized to your taste. Start with a basic onion-garlic-oil base, then add your favorite ingredients, such as beans, veggies, and herbs. Don’t worry about exact quantities – it’s all about experimentation and finding what works for you.

3. Stir Fry

Stir-fry is a versatile and easy meal option that’s hard to mess up. Start with the classic onion-garlic-oil combo, then add your favorite veggies, protein, and sauces. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own.

Essential Tools for Your Kitchen Journey

To get started, you’ll need some basic tools, including:

• A meat thermometer
• Aluminum foil or parchment paper
• Oven mitts
• A good knife and cutting board
• A decent pot and ladle
• A rice maker or instant pot (optional)

Take the First Step

Now that you’ve got the basics covered, it’s time to take the first step. Choose one of these meals and give it a try. Don’t be too hard on yourself if it doesn’t turn out perfectly – the key is to keep experimenting and learning. With time and practice, you’ll become more confident in the kitchen, and who knows, you might just discover a new passion.