She Strengthens

Cooking for the Dish-Hating Soul

Are you one of the many who claim to despise cooking? Perhaps the real issue lies not with the cooking itself, but with the dreaded cleanup that follows. Who can blame you? With endless entertainment options and responsibilities vying for your attention, spending precious time scrubbing away at last night’s dinner seems like a monumental task.

The Everest-Sized Mountain of Filth

For those without the luxury of a dishwasher, the prospect of facing a towering pile of dirty dishes can be overwhelming. Add to that the challenge of deciding what to cook, ensuring you have the necessary ingredients, and minimizing the mess created in the process. It’s no wonder many opt for eating out or ordering in, accompanied by a side of guilt for the money that could be saved.

Breaking Free from the Cycle

As someone who’s all too familiar with this vicious cycle, I’ve developed a few simple rules to make cooking at home more manageable, even for the dish-hating soul.

Rule 1: The Rice Cooker Revolution

Invest in a reliable rice cooker, like the Aroma model, which has become my trusted companion. Having a steady supply of cooked rice in the fridge makes meal prep a breeze. And, it’s not just limited to rice – you can cook quinoa, lentils, and more. Take it up a notch by adding flavorings like oil, butter, salt, and bouillon cubes to the cooker.

Rule 2: Prep Those Aromatics

Chop a surplus of onions, garlic, carrots, and celery, and store them in a container for future meals. You can even use a food processor to make the task faster and more efficient.

Rule 3: The Leftover Lifesaver

Cooking in bulk and storing leftovers can save you from the drudgery of daily cooking and reduce dishwashing duties. It’s also an affordable way to meal prep.

Rule 4: Lazy Produce to the Rescue

Baby spinach and kale are the ultimate lazy produce options – simply toss them into your dish without the need for chopping. They’re perfect additions to pasta, soup, and scrambled eggs.

Rule 5: The Power of Shredded Cheese

Shredded cheese is the ultimate flavor enhancer, adding magic to salads, noodles, veggies, chicken, and fish. Opt for versatile options like parmesan, pecorino, or crumbled feta and blue cheese.

Rule 6: Oven-Friendly Cooking

Your oven can be your best friend when it comes to minimizing dishes. Line a baking sheet with foil and roast meat and veggies to your heart’s content. Plus, you can wrap leftovers directly in the foil for easy storage.

Rule 7: Dishwashing Delights

While some dishes are unavoidable, investing in quality dishwashing accessories can make the experience more pleasant. Treat yourself to top-notch rubber gloves, a cute apron, and some great tunes or a podcast to make the task more enjoyable.