Home cooked meal vs. Takeaways - I
am a firm believer of having at least one meal a day to be prepared at home. At least I know and I ensure my family has had that 1 portion of vegetables, meat/fish and fruits.
Where got time?? - On normal busy weekdays that meal would be dinner. I prefer to cook something less fancy that requires not more than 15 mins after a long day. Weekends of course are meant to play/experiment with time food. Since we have the luxury.
Cook?? I only know how to boil egg and make instant noodles - I definitely don't think it is difficult to cook. Anybody who knows how to cook instant noodle or boil an egg, should be 'qualified' enough to make their own or their family's meal. I will start showing u how easy it is and hopefully more people start cooking their own dinners. :)
Recipe?? - it's not something you should fear. Never ever follow a recipe from A-Z. The keyword is read. Understand. Improvise. Recipes should be guides or inspirations unless you want to learn a basic technique.
How to start?? - start simple. I'm not even chinese and I cook Chinese style very often. Here's how below. Good luck.
Chinese dinner:
1) stir fry vegetables in garlic and soy sauce
Ingredients:
- oil
- garlic; sliced or chopped
- soy sauce
- Kailan or any leafy vegetables you like
Method:
stir fry
Garnish:
fried onions
Improvisations:
Try different types of vegetables.
Try adding shiitake mushrooms.
Try using oyster sauce.
2) ABC Soup
Ingredients:
- carrot, diced
- potato, peeled and diced
- chicken/pork, sliced
- soy sauce/salt to taste
- water
Method:
boil till carrot and potato turn soft and breakable.
Garnish:
fried onions
Improvisations:
Try adding celery/ lotus shoots or any of your favourite vegetables.
3) omelette
Improvisations:
Try adding prawns
Garnish:
Spring onion
4) steamed fish (for those who have extra time)
Ingredients:
- fish whole or fillet; cleaned
- garlic; sliced
- ginger; sliced
- soy sauce/salt to taste
Method:
steam over boiling water. (Tip: I prepare this while cooking rice or while cooking soup)
Garnish:
spring onion
Improvisations:
Try with prawns.
Try adding sesame oil.
