When cooking during the week, whether for myself or for students during a cooking class, the objective is speed, efficiency, accuracy, less waste by maximizing ingredient usage, and great taste. Here are some time saving and maximizing hacks from myself and across the web.
From Saveur Magazine: PEEL GARLIC IN 10 SECONDS
Yes it works!
WHAT YOU’LL NEED
• 2 deep bowls of equal size, made of a hard material like metal or Pyrex
• A dry (not fresh) head of garlicHOW IT WORKS
Smash the head of garlic with the heel of your hand. Sweep the cloves into one bowl, and invert the second bowl over the top of the first bowl. Hold the bowls together where the rims meet and shake the dickens out of it for 10-20 seconds, until the garlic cloves have been released from their skins.
TOAST GRAINS
WHAT YOU’LL NEED
• 2 cups of choice grain (brown rice, quinoa, etc)
• saucepan
HOW IT WORKS
Dry roast the grain over a medium flame until it has a few browned kernels. Continue to cook grain as usual. Brings out a nice nuttiness and makes it a tad drier.
STICK A FORK IN A LEMON TO SQUEEZE OUT MORE JUICE
SALAD IN A JAR
Image via Imgur
REGROW HERBS AND VEGGIES
Cilantro
Like basil, cilantro can grow roots if the stems are placed in a glass of water. Once the roots are long enough, just plant them in a pot. In a few weeks new sprigs will be starting, and in a few months you’ll have a full plant.
via Food-Hacks.
Romaine
It will regrow new leaves for a second harvest. You can do this by putting a stump in a 1/2 inch of water and check that it stays at 1/2 inch daily. The lettuce will grow guaranteed. We grew our romaine lettuce on our kitchen window sill and this is the perfect place for regrowing greens such as lettuce since it is bright and the temperature is cool all day long. Try it when you have a head of lettuce with the stem still attached. You have nothing to lose and a new head of lettuce to eat.
From RemoveandReplace.
QUICK SOAK BEANS IN ONE HOUR
I often find myself wanting to make veggie or chicken chili at the last minute and use the quick soak method.
HOW IT WORKS
Rinse your beans in a colander and remove stones.
Put beans into a pot and cover with water. Water should be about 2-3 inches above beans.
Bring beans to a boil over high heat and remove from heat after one minute.
Place lid on pot and let sit for 1 hour.
Drain and rinse beans. Cook accordingly.
Image via Sed-rah-stock
