Weekdays can be hectic, especially when you're trying to balance work, errands, and quality time with family or friends. Meal planning for the week is no easy feat either! With a little bit of creativity and guidance, however, you can make your weekday dinners flavorful and enjoyable for everyone. Here are four easy ways to upgrade your dinners without breaking a sweat!
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1) Try new ingredients
Trying new ingredients can be a great way to transform your bland weekday dinners. Adding new and interesting flavors to your meals is an easy way to spruce up any dish. When trying something new, it's important to keep in mind what types of flavors and combinations work together. Balance is key when introducing new and exotic ingredients into your cooking.
Start by exploring the different varieties of herbs, spices and oils available in stores or online. Not only do they add flavor, but many provide antioxidants, minerals and other benefits that can improve your health. For example, turmeric contains strong anti-inflammatory properties while oregano has antifungal benefits. Different types of garlic also have different medicinal properties too!
If you’re looking for an extra boost of flavor try adding a few teaspoons of miso paste or anchovy paste to soups and stews or sprinkle some smoked paprika over roasted vegetables for an earthy taste. You could also incorporate some unique grains like quinoa, freekeh or wild rice into salads or side dishes instead of choosing the same old white rice every night.
2) Use leftovers
Leftovers are the perfect way to transform your mundane dinners into something special. Instead of eating the same meal twice, use your leftovers in creative ways to create an entirely new dish. For example, if you made tacos for dinner last night, try adding some leftover beans and vegetables on top of a salad or make a breakfast burrito with scrambled eggs and cheese.
You can also use leftovers to give pre-made meals a fresh spin. If you have chicken from yesterday's dinner then add it to fried rice or stir fry vegetables with soy sauce and serve over cooked noodles. By combining different ingredients together, you can easily create delicious new dishes without having to start from scratch every night.
3) Experiment with different cooking methods
Cooking is all about experimenting, so why not try out different techniques to add some excitement and flavor to your meals? Instead of always sautéing or boiling vegetables, try roasting them instead for a smoky, charred flavor. You can also steam fish on top of aromatics like lemon slices and herbs for an added layer of flavor.
4) Incorporate global flavors
Introducing global flavors into your cooking is a great way to liven up your weekday dinners. If you’re feeling adventurous, why not try making an Indian curry or Mexican vegetable tacos? Want something a little simpler? Try making Chinese fried rice or Japanese ramen for an easy and flavorful meal.
By getting creative in the kitchen and experimenting with different flavors, you can easily add some excitement and variety to your weekday dinners! Have fun and don’t be afraid to get adventurous with your cooking - who knows what delicious new dishes you could create!
