Healthy Food Tips and Hacks for Every Home Cook

As a passionate home cook, I’m always on the lookout for kitchen tricks that save time, reduce waste, and make cooking healthier and more enjoyable. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or just starting, these simple yet effective hacks will take your culinary skills to the next level while keeping your meals nutritious.

1. Keep Herbs Fresh for Longer

Fresh herbs can wilt quickly, but you can extend their life by storing them properly. Wrap delicate herbs like cilantro and parsley in a damp paper towel and place them in a resealable bag in the fridge. For heartier herbs like rosemary and thyme, keep them in a glass of water, just like fresh flowers. Using fresh herbs instead of dried ones enhances flavour and reduces the need for excessive salt and seasonings.

2. Peel Garlic Effortlessly

Peeling garlic can be a hassle, but there’s an easy trick: place a garlic clove under the flat side of a knife and give it a quick press. The skin will loosen instantly, making it easy to remove. Alternatively, shaking garlic cloves in a sealed jar can also do the job. Fresh garlic adds a boost of antioxidants and natural antibacterial properties to your dishes.

3. Perfectly Softened Butter in Minutes

Forgot to take butter out of the fridge? No problem! Grate cold butter with a cheese grater to soften it quickly. If you need melted butter, place a glass of hot water over a stick of butter for a few minutes—this will gently soften it without melting. For a healthier alternative, replace butter with mashed avocado or Greek yoghurt in baking recipes.

4. Avoid Overboiling Pasta Water

Tired of your pasta water boiling over? Place a wooden spoon across the top of the pot. The wood absorbs some of the heat and prevents the foam from spilling over. Opt for whole-grain pasta instead of white pasta to add more fibre and nutrients to your meals.

5. Ripen Fruits Faster

Need ripe avocados or bananas in a hurry? Please place them in a paper bag with an apple. Apples release ethylene gas, which speeds up the ripening process naturally. Instead of processed snacks, reach for these naturally ripened fruits to enjoy a healthy source of vitamins and fibre.

6. Save Over-Salted Soup

Accidentally add too much salt? Drop in a peeled potato and let it simmer for 10 minutes. The potato will absorb excess salt, saving your dish! For healthier seasoning alternatives, use herbs, citrus juice, or nutritional yeast instead of excessive salt.

7. Make Smoothies More Nutritious

Boost the nutritional value of your smoothies by adding chia seeds, flaxseeds, or spinach. These superfoods provide essential omega-3s, fibre, and vitamins without altering the taste significantly.

8. Cook with Less Oil

Instead of frying, try baking, steaming, or air-frying your food. When sautéing, use a non-stick pan and swap butter for olive oil or avocado oil, which are rich in healthy fats.

9. Prep Healthy Snacks in Advance

Cut up fresh vegetables like carrots, cucumbers, and bell peppers and store them in containers for easy snacking. Having healthy snacks readily available helps you make better food choices throughout the day.

These simple kitchen hacks can make cooking more efficient, enjoyable, and healthier. Try them out and see how they transform your experience in the kitchen. 

Happy and healthy cooking!