What we’ll cover:
- Preparation and ‘mise en place’
- Mastering the basics
- Kitchen equipment essentials
Research shows that a high intake of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) is linked to poorer health outcomes. At Roczen, we encourage home cooking (as much as possible) using less processed, and whole foods. However, we know barriers - such as a lack of kitchen confidence can get in the way.
If this sounds familiar, this article shares practical tips to build your skills and help you enjoy cooking at home.
Preparation is key
Instead of chopping and measuring as you go, set up your ingredients and equipment before cooking. Professional kitchens call this 'mise en place' - a French culinary term meaning to 'put in place.' Practising this at home can make cooking much more efficient, accurate, and enjoyable.
How to practice ‘mise en place’
- Read and understand the recipe - Ensure to read through the recipe in its entirety before continuing. This prevents any surprises along the way where you’re stuck for an ingredient and/or equipment.
- Gather utensils, ingredients and equipment - Place everything out in front of you on a clean working surface.
- Measure and weigh ingredients - This means you are not trying to juggle your tasks once cooking starts. Having a couple of small ramekin type dishes at home can be helpful to organise smaller ingredients.
- Prepare your ingredients - Whether the recipe requires slicing, dicing or grating - doing this beforehand can prevent panicked multi-tasking later.
- Organise your work station - Organise your ingredients and equipment accordingly - a tidy work surface will help you to keep focus.
Mastering the basics
Online recipes often label their skill levels. Start with beginner recipes that use fewer ingredients and build up. Confidence comes from repetition, so choose a handful of reliable recipes to repeat the following week. Each success builds skills you can transfer to the next dish.
Ideas include:
- Tuna pasta bake
Made with wholewheat pasta, homemade sauce, sweetcorn and extra vegetables of your choice. - Vegetable and chickpea curry with wholegrain rice
Starting with a curry paste, you can still make an easy and delicious curry using herbs and spices as well as yoghurt or coconut milk to add creaminess. - Chicken and vegetable stir fry
Using wholewheat noodles for extra fibre, this is a great quick and easy way to practice making your own healthier stir-fry sauce.
Kitchen equipment essentials
You don’t need new high tech equipment to cook successfully. Consider utensils and equipment to make your life easier. Some of which include:
- A good quality kitchen knife
A dull knife requires more pressure to cut, increasing the risk of accidents. Instead of an expensive block, invest in one good-quality, medium-sized knife for easier preparation.
- Non-slip coloured chopping boards
Coloured chopping boards help to keep your food hygienic and prevent the risk of cross-contamination from raw to cooked foods.
- A digital thermometer
It’s natural, and common for some people to feel nervous about undercooking food. A food thermometer helps to remove any uncertainty, and they often come with handy guides to different meats, too.
Summary
Kitchen confidence starts with the basics. By practising preparation and repeating a few simple recipes, you can make home cooking more enjoyable. Next up in Part 2: healthier cooking methods and easy ways to build flavour.
The information on this page is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalised medical guidance.
