Make Healthy Meals

If you haven’t done a lot of cooking in your life, it can seem pretty intimidating. Many recipes look really complicated. And of course we’ve all had to taste the results of cooking disasters. Why subject yourself to that?

One of the best reasons to learn to cook is that it gives you more control over what you’re eating. It’s also cheaper and generally healthier than eating out. How healthy depends on what you’re making, but at least you have the control if that’s what you want.

Fortunately some foods are very, very easy to make.

Pasta

Pasta in general is very easy to make. Fill a pot about half full of water. Put it on the stove and turn the burner on. When the water boils, add some pasta. You’ll need to guess at how much you need for the number of people eating and the size of your pot.

The pasta is done when it is tender. When I worked at an Italian restaurant, the chefs would check to see if the spaghetti was done by throwing individual pieces it at the wall. You don’t have to do that. Use a spoon or fork to retrieve a piece from the water when it starts to look about right (about 10-15 minutes in), and blow on it to cool it before tasting. If it’s not crunchy, it’s done.

You can finish this off with a jar of your favorite sauce.

Frozen Vegetables

Fresh vegetables are wonderful, but if you’re just getting started, practicing on the frozen ones can be easier. And all you really need to cook them is the microwave.

Put the vegetables in a microwave-safe container. That’s plastic or glass, in case you’re that far inexperienced, although I think most people can microwave now. Add just a touch of water and cover lightly. A plastic lid, plastic wrap or paper towel will do the job.

Cook time depends on quantity. When in doubt, remember that you can add to the cook time as needed. The water will help to steam the vegetables.

As you get comfortable with frozen veggies, you can give fresh ones a try. Chop them up first, and just add a little water for steaming. As you get more comfortable you can use olive oil or your favorite spices to make things a little more interesting. Garlic and lemon juice work well for many people.

A key thing to remember is that overcooked vegetables taste awful! Most are best if they are still just a touch crunchy. If there’s a vegetable you’ve always hated, it could well be that you’ve only ever had it overcooked. This is particularly true of vegetables such as broccoli which many people seem to overcook. It’s an entirely different taste if cooked for a shorter time.

Stir Fry

It doesn’t take long at all to master a basic stir fry. You chop up your meat and vegetables and cook until done in a frying pan with some olive oil, soy sauce and a bit of sugar to counteract the saltiness of the soy sauce. Add other spices and flavors to suit your taste. Use a spatula to keep stirring the food around until it’s all cooked.

Probably the only key thing I would add is that you will slowly learn which vegetables need to be in there the entire time, and which need much less cooking. Carrots, for example, take longer than zucchini to become tender.

Find Recipes You Want to Try

The big thing to remember about cooking is that you’re following directions. Start out just doing that with simple recipes you find, and work your way to whatever complexity you desire. As you get comfortable you can learn to play with the recipes a little and figure out what you can switch around for the flavors you prefer. Cooking can be a great way to express your creativity once you get comfortable with it.

2 Responses to “Simple Cooking for Beginners”

1. S. Says:
   August 13th, 2009 at 7:14 pm

   I think that people who are looking for help once they decide to start eating healthy need a lot more information than this. In fact, I think the advice offered here is more harmful than helpful. These folks need to know that to eat healthfully, they should always shoot for fresh, unprocessed foods, like whole vegetables that have not been canned, frozen or dehydrated. They should be encouraged to make their own sauces instead of using ones that come in cans and are loaded with sodium and generally contain ingredients that are not found in the average kitchen.

   If you really want to learn to ear healthy, get a cookbook that encourages you NOT to use your microwave. check out your local farmers markets and websites that offer recipes for foods that are local and in season. The truth is out there.

   Also, seek balance in your meals; make sure you have a vegetable, a starch and a protein. Always have a fresh side salad. Don’t count on pasta to feed your family unless it is served with a healthy sized side of veggies and protein.

   Good luck!

2. W Says:
   November 1st, 2009 at 11:04 am

   Totally agree with the above poster that people would really like to see a lot more information than this, but its a good start, keep it up!

   And frozen, canned or dried vegetables are actually all as healthy as fresh ones, just usually not so nice to eat.

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