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Jazz Up Your Weeknight Cooking in Five Easy Ways

Jazz Up Your Weeknight Cooking in Five Easy Ways

Does the thought of another bland chicken dish or mac & cheese make you want to run away? The endless hamster-wheel of weeknight cooking can get under any non-foodie’s skin, and it’s not surprising that innovation in the kitchen is often hard to muster after a long day in the office.

Chef-types will often tell you that it’s the simplest of additions or tweaks to a recipe that can really make all the difference when it comes to whipping up something delicious – but knowing what those additions or tweaks might be is where the magic lies.

Here are a couple easy tweaks and tricks to try when next you’re standing stove-side wondering what to do:

Heat your spices

Frying your spices prior to adding any other ingredient is called ‘blooming’. Heat your oil in a pan and mix the spices around for around 5 seconds to deepen and intensify their flavour in the dish. Once this is done then you can add your vegetables or meat.

Acids are your friends

Acidic ingredients like vinegars and citrus can be a real turning point for any dish. You’ll stand in wonder at how a touch of vinegar to your sauteed vegetables or your hearty Bolognese sauce can really make all the difference.

Acidic ingredients help to brighten the flavours in food and minimise the bitterness sometimes exuded by dark leafy greens. Take our word for it and roll the humble brussel sprout in a dose of balsamic vinegar before roasting!

Season and marinate your protein

Experts say that taking the time immediately after returning from the shops to prep your protein can make all the difference to the flavour.

This might entail coating your protein in dry spice before sealing or adding it to your preferred marinade or sauce. This process makes the protein more tenderful, full of flavour and overall and more delicious experience.

Look to the East for inspiration

When boredom hits in the kitchen, it’s time to take inspiration from international foodie cultures. Asian cuisine usually involves many spices and condiments, and the returns are felt in the incredible flavours at the dinner table.

Whilst Asian cooking might require more chopping and prep that you’re comfortable with, the cooking time is usually only a couple of minutes.

Added to that, the ‘side’ of choice is usually a simple plain rice or noodles which require little to no energy to prepare.  For most Asian food you’ll require staples like soy sauce and sesame oil – all easily available. Do yourself a favour and get experimenting.

Give your meal the perfect bite of flavour

When all else might have failed and you’re seated at the table with a bowl of your family’s favourite ‘once-a-week-pasta’ ahead of you, take inspiration from the likes of Banhoek Chilli Oil and enhance the natural flavour of your meal with a generous drizzle of chilli oil. Your taste buds will thank you.

About Banhoek Chilli Oil

Banhoek Chilli Oil is a premium South African product crafted from bird’s eye chillies. The company prides itself on using 100% natural ingredients, with chillies sourced locally from the Stellenbosch region.

The oil is known for its consistent heat and rich flavour, achieved through a meticulous 16-stage filtration process. The chillies are hand-crushed and infused using induction technology, ensuring a smooth and flavourful oil.

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