Easy Peas Recipes

I used to cook by jumping from cabinet to table, fridge to stovetop, cutting board to sauce pan, and all the while being confused – “What was I just doing?” I’d ask myself.
Cooking is more fun and less stressful when you have a plan, and you are prepared..

Food prep doesn’t have to be complicated. It’s simply about setting yourself up for success in the kitchen by getting your ingredients organized in advance. Here’s a quick guide to get you started:

Wash and chop produce
Washing and chopping fruits and vegetables ahead of time saves tons of time during cooking. Store them in airtight containers in the fridge for easy access.
                                                      
Consider integrating a few convenience foods
Pre-cooked grains like quinoa or brown rice can be versatile bases for quick meals throughout the week.  Other rice like jasmine and wild rice blends come in microwave quick cook pouches to speed up your meal prep.

Pre-measure and set out all your ingredients before you cook
There is a good reason why cooking show hosts set out their ingredients ahead of time. It’s because the process of cooking moves smoother, and no ingredients are forgotten. It is a satisfying feeling to see everything you need laid out neatly on your table or counter, ready to cook with. Your pots and pans, utensils and measuring equipment should also be ready to go.

Cooking prep with friends
Join a cooking class where friends meet, gather ingredients, and use recipes to prep and store meals in freezer bags, ready to thaw and cook later. You’ll leave with a number of ready-to-cook meals that you can freeze at home and have at hand.
You can also do this in your home, rather than join a class. Gather some tried-and-true recipes with your friends and divide up the cost of purchasing the ingredients. Then meet at one location. and get prepping!

Marinate meats
Marinating tenderizes meat and infuses it with flavor. Marinate meats in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or even overnight for deeper flavor.

Cook in batches 
Consider doubling or tripling recipes for a crowd or to have leftovers for lunch or another meal.  Some pre-cooked meals are easliy freezable.

By following these simple tips, you’ll spend less time fretting and more time enjoying delicious, home-cooked meals. So, take a deep breath, lay out all those beautifully prepped ingredients, and go to town!