Some of us grow up watching family members cook, while others develop an interest in honing their culinary skills later in life. If the lockdown has inspired you to start cooking or you’ve had more time to fall back in love with being in the kitchen, and you’re keen to expand your repertoire, here are some tips to turn basic dishes into brilliant creations. 

Investing in tech and kitchen gadgets

You can achieve a huge amount with essential equipment, but if you’re keen to save time and spruce up your menus, it’s an excellent idea to explore innovative gadgets and to look into investing in some new kit for your kitchen. You don’t have to spend a fortune to buy good-quality items, and you won’t need everything you see on TV cooking shows. Think about the kinds of foods and drinks you like to serve and enjoy and set a budget. It’s really useful to ask friends and colleagues who enjoy cooking for recommendations and to read reviews to find blenders, mixers and the best juicer under $100. Before you buy appliances or gizmos, check the measurements and make sure you have space for your new acquisition. If you’re planning to entertain and you only need an appliance for a single dinner party or birthday feast, it’s worth looking into hire options. 

Researching recipes online

The Internet is a veritable treasure trove when it comes to finding recipes. There are thousands of recipes online, and you can find dishes and filter results based on the course you’re looking for and the ingredients you have to hand. One of the best things about learning to cook new dishes online is having access to interactive content. You can watch, pause and rewind TV shows online, follow video tutorials or ask your phone or a voice-activated gadget to read ingredients or instructions out to you while you cook along. It’s also a great idea to take inspiration from recipe books and social media feeds.

Learn as you go

One of the best ways to develop your skills and expand your repertoire is to learn as you go. If you’re making dinner, and you’re following a recipe, note down changes you want to make for next time or ingredients you want to add. Often, chefs take an idea and put their own twist on it to suit their own taste. Learn from mistakes, and don’t be afraid to experiment. You don’t always have to follow recipes to the letter, and putting your own stamp on a dish can elevate it to that next level. If you’re a beginner and you’re keen to learn quickly, or you have an interest in a particular cuisine, you could also look into taking cooking classes. 

Cooking can be incredibly enjoyable, and it’s a brilliant way of ensuring the food you eat is tasty and nutritious. If you’re keen to develop new dishes, experiment in the kitchen, hone your culinary skills and switch up your weekly menu, why not take these tips on board?