An Everlasting Meal

1. Embrace simplicity in cooking: Start with boiling water

There is a prevailing theory that we need to know much more than we do in order to feed ourselves well. It isn't true.

Simplicity is key. Start with boiling water, as it forms the foundation for many dishes. This basic technique allows you to create soups, cook pasta, and prepare vegetables with ease. By mastering this fundamental skill, you open up a world of culinary possibilities.

Versatility of boiled ingredients:

• Vegetables: Boiled vegetables can be seasoned, dressed, or incorporated into other dishes
• Pasta: Serve with various sauces or add to soups and salads
• Eggs: Boiled eggs can be eaten alone or used in numerous recipes
• Meat and poultry: Boiling creates tender, flavorful dishes and provides a base for stocks and soups

2. Elevate eggs from ordinary to extraordinary

An egg is not an egg is not an egg.

Eggs are versatile. They can be transformed into a variety of dishes, from simple soft-boiled eggs to complex soufflés. Understanding different cooking techniques and flavor combinations can elevate this humble ingredient to extraordinary heights.

Egg preparation techniques:

• Poaching: Creates delicate, creamy eggs perfect for salads or Benedict-style dishes
• Frying: Offers crispy edges and runny yolks for a satisfying meal
• Scrambling: Can be customized with various ingredients for a quick and hearty breakfast
• Omelets: Serve as a canvas for countless fillings and flavor combinations

Egg-based sauces and condiments:

• Mayonnaise: A versatile base for dressings and spreads
• Aioli: Adds richness and depth to sandwiches and vegetable dishes
• Hollandaise: Elevates brunch dishes and steamed vegetables

3. Cook vegetables in batches to maximize efficiency and creativity

Each week I buy whole bunches of the leafiest, stemmiest vegetables I can find. Then I scrub off their dirt, trim off their leaves, cut off their stems, peel what needs peeling, and cook them all at once.

Batch cooking saves time. By preparing vegetables in advance, you create a foundation for multiple meals throughout the week. This approach not only saves time but also encourages creativity in using pre-cooked ingredients in various dishes.

Benefits of batch cooking vegetables:

• Reduces daily meal preparation time
• Encourages consumption of a variety of vegetables
• Allows for easy meal planning and improvisation
• Minimizes food waste by utilizing all parts of the vegetable

Creative uses for pre-cooked vegetables:

• Salads: Toss with dressings and add proteins for quick meals
• Soups and stews: Incorporate into broths for hearty dishes
• Grain bowls: Combine with rice, quinoa, or other grains for nutritious meals
• Frittatas and omelets: Add to egg dishes for extra flavor and nutrition

4. Transform leftovers and scraps into delicious meals

When we leave our tails trailing behind us we lose what is left of the thought we put into eating well today.

Resourcefulness in cooking. Embracing the use of leftovers and scraps not only reduces waste but also leads to creative and delicious meals. This approach honors the ingredients and maximizes their potential, resulting in more sustainable and economical cooking practices.

Ways to use leftovers and scraps:

• Stocks and broths: Use vegetable trimmings and meat bones
• Pestos and sauces: Blend herb stems and vegetable tops
• Frittatas and omelets: Incorporate leftover vegetables and meats
• Soups and stews: Combine various leftovers for hearty meals
• Bread puddings and croutons: Repurpose stale bread

Benefits of using leftovers and scraps:

• Reduces food waste
• Saves money on groceries
• Encourages creativity in the kitchen
• Develops a deeper appreciation for ingredients

5. Use herbs and condiments to enhance flavors and presentation

Little flourishes, like parsley, make food seem cared for.

Herbs and condiments elevate dishes. They add depth, freshness, and visual appeal to meals. By understanding how to use these ingredients effectively, you can transform simple dishes into memorable culinary experiences.

Uses for herbs:

• Garnishes: Add freshness and color to finished dishes
• Flavor enhancers: Incorporate into sauces, dressings, and marinades
• Infusions: Use in oils, vinegars, and teas for added complexity

Condiments and their applications:

• Vinegars: Brighten salads and balance rich dishes
• Mustards: Add tang and depth to sauces and dressings
• Pickles: Provide acidity and crunch to sandwiches and charcuterie boards
• Salsas and chutneys: Offer complex flavors to complement various proteins

6. Balance your meals with bread, rice, and beans

Rice has a knack for making any small thing you top it with seem like what you're tasting the whole time.

Staples create balance. Incorporating bread, rice, and beans into meals provides a foundation for balanced and satisfying dishes. These versatile ingredients can be prepared in numerous ways and paired with various proteins and vegetables.

Benefits of staple ingredients:

• Provide essential nutrients and fiber
• Offer a cost-effective base for meals
• Allow for cultural diversity in cooking
• Create a satisfying and filling meal structure

Creative uses for staples:

• Bread: Make croutons, breadcrumbs, or use as a base for open-faced sandwiches
• Rice: Create fried rice, risotto, or use as a bed for stews and curries
• Beans: Incorporate into soups, salads, or mash for dips and spreads

7. Master the art of cooking tough cuts of meat

Cuts of meat cook either quickly or slowly. The rest is commentary.

Tough cuts yield tender results. Learning to cook tougher, less expensive cuts of meat not only saves money but also results in flavorful, tender dishes. Slow cooking methods break down connective tissues, creating rich and satisfying meals.

Techniques for cooking tough cuts:

• Braising: Slow-cook in liquid for tender, flavorful results
• Stewing: Simmer in liquid with vegetables for hearty one-pot meals
• Slow roasting: Cook at low temperatures for extended periods
• Pressure cooking: Use high pressure to tenderize meat quickly

Benefits of cooking tough cuts:

• More affordable than prime cuts
• Develop rich, complex flavors through slow cooking
• Ideal for batch cooking and meal prep
• Encourage exploration of diverse cuts and cooking methods

8. Explore underappreciated ingredients for culinary innovation

Some vegetables are persistently underestimated.

Discover hidden gems. By exploring underappreciated ingredients, you can expand your culinary repertoire and create unique, flavorful dishes. These often-overlooked items can provide new textures, flavors, and nutritional benefits to your meals.

Underappreciated ingredients to explore:

• Offal: Liver, heart, and other organ meats offer rich flavors and nutrients
• Root vegetables: Celery root, parsnips, and rutabagas add depth to dishes
• Unusual grains: Farro, millet, and amaranth provide texture and nutrition
• Forgotten herbs: Lovage, chervil, and sorrel offer unique flavor profiles

Benefits of using underappreciated ingredients:

• Expands culinary knowledge and skills
• Introduces new flavors and textures to meals
• Often more affordable than popular ingredients
• Supports sustainable eating by utilizing a wider range of foods

9. Learn to preserve food for year-round enjoyment

What you preserve is the cheeriest memento mori. It is a way to say and mean: of everything that passes, this is what I choose to keep.

Preservation extends seasons. By learning to preserve foods through pickling, canning, and fermenting, you can enjoy seasonal flavors throughout the year. This practice not only reduces waste but also allows you to create unique flavors and textures.

Preservation methods:

• Pickling: Use vinegar or brine to preserve vegetables and fruits
• Canning: Seal foods in jars to preserve for long periods
• Fermenting: Utilize beneficial bacteria to create complex flavors
• Freezing: Preserve fresh produce and prepared dishes for future use

Benefits of food preservation:

• Reduces food waste
• Allows enjoyment of seasonal produce year-round
• Creates unique flavors and textures
• Provides a sense of self-sufficiency and connection to food sources

10. Turn cooking mishaps into culinary triumphs

A thing that has failed can, if you change its place, be a thing that has come off.

Embrace mistakes. Cooking mishaps are opportunities for creativity and learning. By developing strategies to salvage overcooked, underseasoned, or otherwise imperfect dishes, you can turn potential failures into culinary successes.

Strategies for salvaging dishes:

• Overcooked vegetables: Puree into soups or dips
• Dry meat: Shred and use in tacos or sandwiches
• Oversalted dishes: Add acid or cream to balance flavors
• Burned food: Remove charred portions and repurpose remaining ingredients

Benefits of embracing cooking mistakes:

• Develops problem-solving skills in the kitchen
• Encourages creativity and improvisation
• Reduces food waste
• Builds confidence in cooking abilities

11. Practice hospitality through thoughtful meal preparation and presentation

We're anxious about serving, but the simple, blessed fact is that no one ever comes to dinner for what you're cooking.

Hospitality creates connection. The act of preparing and sharing meals with others fosters community and creates lasting memories. By focusing on thoughtful preparation and presentation, you can create a welcoming atmosphere that goes beyond just the food itself.

Elements of thoughtful meal preparation:

• Plan dishes that can be partially prepared in advance
• Consider dietary restrictions and preferences of guests
• Balance flavors, textures, and colors in the meal
• Incorporate seasonal and local ingredients when possible

Presentation tips:

• Use attractive serving dishes and utensils
• Garnish with fresh herbs or edible flowers
• Consider lighting and table settings to create ambiance
• Involve guests in final preparation steps to create a sense of shared experience

Last updated: October 1, 2024