Cooking is a joy, but when you’re juggling work, errands, and family responsibilities, time in the kitchen can feel like a luxury. Luckily, there are ways to whip up delicious meals faster without cutting corners. These practical hacks will save you precious time while keeping the flavors you love.
1. Prep Ingredients Ahead of Time
If you wait to chop your onions or blend your peppers while cooking, you’ll spend extra minutes running back and forth. Instead, try prepping your ingredients in advance.
Blend your tomatoes, peppers, and onions for stew or jollof rice and store them in airtight containers in the fridge. Wash and slice your vegetables ahead of time. You can even peel yam or potatoes and keep them submerged in water to prevent discoloration.
Meal prepping isn’t just for fancy kitchens—it’s for anyone who wants to make cooking faster and less stressful. Plus, having everything ready can make you feel like a professional chef in your own kitchen!
2. Invest in Multi-Tasking Kitchen Tools
Nigerian cooking often involves several steps, from chopping to grinding to frying. A few good kitchen tools can make a world of difference.
A food processor can chop, grind, and blend in seconds, cutting down on manual labor. Pressure cookers are perfect for tenderizing meat or beans quickly, saving you hours of boiling. If you don’t have these, even simple tools like sharp knives or hand graters can speed up your prep.
Using the right tools saves time and energy, so don’t shy away from upgrading your kitchen arsenal when you can.
3. Cook in Bulk and Store for Later
Why cook one meal at a time when you can double the recipe and save some for later? Bulk cooking is a lifesaver for busy people.
Make large batches of stew, soup, or sauces and freeze them in smaller portions. This way, all you need to do is defrost and reheat when you’re ready to eat. Dishes like beans, jollof rice, and moi-moi also freeze well.
Cooking in bulk reduces the time spent in the kitchen daily, freeing you up for other things while ensuring you always have something homemade to eat.
4. Use Boiling Water for Faster Cooking
This hack works wonders for Nigerian staples like rice, yam, and pasta. Instead of starting with cold water, boil water in an electric kettle first, then pour it into your pot.
Boiling water speeds up cooking time significantly. For example, you’ll find your rice or yam softening much faster, giving you a head start on your meal prep.
It’s a small change, but it makes a big difference, especially when you’re pressed for time.
5. Clean as You Cook
A messy kitchen can slow you down. If you’re constantly looking for clean plates or wiping down spills, cooking becomes a chore. Save time by cleaning as you cook.
Wash utensils, chopping boards, and pots immediately after using them, or at least soak them in water to prevent food from sticking. Wipe down counters and throw out waste as you go.
When you clean as you cook, you finish your meal prep with a tidy kitchen—no extra cleaning session needed after you’re done cooking.
Cooking doesn’t have to be a time-consuming task. With these simple hacks, you’ll save time, reduce stress, and still enjoy the delicious meals you love.
At Foodnify, we’re here to make your kitchen life easier and more enjoyable. Download the Foodnify app today for even more time-saving tips, quick recipes, and kitchen hacks designed with you in mind. Let’s make cooking fun, fast, and fabulous!