Minimalist Cooking

Minimalist living has become popular for many who find that all the clutter and unnecessary activities of daily life get in the way of truly enjoying it. It eliminates unnecessary household items to reduce the clutter and the upkeep. Instead of material possessions, minimalist living focuses on practicality and reduced clutter to create a peaceful surrounding. It extends to the kitchen with minimalist cooking that significantly cuts meal prep time. The ultimate goal is to have less time in the kitchen and healthier meals so there’s time left to experience all life has to offer.

There are no strict rules for living or cooking, just tips and tricks that make life easier.

Living a minimalist lifestyle is all about enjoying your surroundings and life without caring about whether you’re keeping up with the neighbors or have the latest electronic devices to impress others. In the kitchen, it means keeping only the necessary cooking utensils available without overlap. Who needs ten different spatulas or three gravy bowls, anyway? One-dish meals, Buddha bowls from leftovers, and doubling recipes to freeze half and heat later are part of the program.

Having a plan of action helps.

Meal planning may seem like a lot of work, but it also can reduce your weekly effort and time in the kitchen. Choose food you can use in several ways. A baked chicken can be chicken breast with side vegetables and salad, use leftovers for chicken salad the next day, or freeze leftovers and use them later. Make double batches of rice, quinoa, or chickpeas for several meals. Prep fresh produce when you get home and refrigerate in individual airtight containers for meals throughout the week for snacks, side dishes, salad fixings, and stir fry.

Keep it simple and use whole foods.

Whole foods aren’t necessarily fresh fruits and vegetables. You can use frozen and canned, too. Those often cut prep time. Frozen fruit and vegetables may be healthier than fresh since they’re picked at peak ripeness and immediately frozen without being affected by shipping or shelf time. Using slow cookers with one-pot meals cuts time in the kitchen by letting your appliance cook for you and reduces clean-up. significantly

• Pack and store utensils and dishes that you seldom use. Write down everything in the container and tape it on the storage bin for easy viewing. Organize your pantry so the closest use-by dates are in front.
• Keep the counter clutter at a minimum. It makes cooking easier and saves time during clean-up. Clean as you go so when meal time is over, it only takes minutes to tidy up and get out of the kitchen.
• Make your kitchen decorations practical. Store dried lentils and beans in jars as displays and create herbal vinegars for use and decoration. They’re simple to make, add beauty, and are very tasty.
• When you shop, always ask yourself whether you need the item or if it’s an impulse purchase. Focus on whole foods and keep it simple.

For more information, contact us today at Prime Fitness Studio