In Chinese culture, there is a well-known phrase called ‘clothing, food, housing and transportation,’ which refers to the fundamental necessities of human life. As a genuine foodie, I often find myself craving mouthwatering dishes. Since eating out for every meal isn’t practical, I began to learn how to cook when I left home to study abroad. Indeed, I’ve discovered that cooking is not merely only a basic need in life, but an advantageous and valuable skill.
Improve your health
Home-cooked food is much healthier than dining out or ordering takeaways. You can pick all the ingredients, even seasoning in your meal, and the quality and freshness of food are all in your control! It is an effective way to boost your health through developing a clean eating habit in this way.
A social activity
Food serves as a powerful bridge to connect family and friends. Instead of gathering at restaurants, why not consider the option of preparing and enjoying a delectable home-cooked meal together? I’ve found cooking to be a fun social activity on special occasions like Chinese New Year. It is a collaborative process that fosters a sense of accomplishment since everyone can take part in creating a table of delicious dishes.
Money-saving
It is worth mentioning that cooking has saved me a lot of money! The budget of a home-cooked meal is often below ten pounds, which is half the price of many takeaways. I’ve embraced a healthier lifestyle while saving travel funds for my dream trips. Win-win!
Cooking can be a therapeutic activity
Cooking has become a therapeutic activity in my busy life schedule. I enjoy trying a new recipe when listening to my favorite music in the kitchen. Both the process of cooking and a home-cooked meal can give me plentiful satisfaction and boost my mood.
Meanwhile, I’ve realized that it is essential to keep a few simple and quick recipes in mind since they are extremely helpful on hectic days.
I will now share three of my beloved recipes – which don’t need precise measurements and can be served within 20 mins! Although they are not authentic cuisines, these recipes can definitely satisfy your hunger. For those new to the kitchen, these are also perfect for you to embark on your cooking journey.
1. Greek Yoghurt Bowl
Ingredients: greek yoghurt, honey, any fresh or frozen fruits, and nuts you like
Step 1: Mix your greek yoghurt with some honey (If you choose sweetened yoghurt, simply skip this step).
Step 2: Top some fruits, granola and nuts on the yoghurt. Done!
2. Avocado Sandwich
Ingredients: an avocado, two slices of bread, any ingredients and seasoning you like
Step 1: Toast your bread slices or heat them with olive oil or butter in a pan.
Step 2: If you decide to go with ingredients that need to be cooked, fry them in the pan as well.
Step 3: Mesh your avocado with salt and pepper, or other seasoning like paprika.
Step 4: Spread the avocado on one piece of bread and top it with other ingredients. I normally prefer egg and cheese.
Step 5: Spread the other slice of bread with some cream cheese or mustard (not essential but recommended) and close the sandwich. It is now ready to serve!
3. Kimchi Fried Rice
Ingredients: a bowl of rice (if it is freshly cooked, cool it down before cooking), kimchi and kimchi juice, eggs, soy sauce, olive oil
Step 1: Chop kimchi into small pieces.
Step 2: Heat up your pan and add some olive oil.
Step 3: Add kimchi pieces to the pan, stir-fry for a few seconds and then stir in rice.
Step 4: Stir in kimchi juice and some soy sauce, until kimchi and rice are fully mixed together (about 3-4 minutes).
Step 5: Serve it immediately with fried eggs and some toasted seaweed, if desired.