I want to learn how to cook properly and make simple recipes and don’t spend too much time looking for what to make everyday.

So I start looking into some recipes I can make with the instant pot that we have at home.

But then I can’t find certain ingredients in the local supermarket, or the ingredients are too expensive, so I start searching for other places to buy cheaper produce. Then I also start looking at what recipes don’t take too much time to make, and read about meal prep and such, and find communities and websites. And then I look at local classes for learning how to cook, but they are way too expensive and I’m not sure whether they will be any good, etc…

And so I spend hours and hours researching all these things, but I never actually start cooking or go to the grocery store for ingredients.

I’m now feeling tired and have no energy to actually do any cooking anymore. And I just have no clue where to get started.

It seems like I’m stuck thinking of how to do something the best way possible, instead of actually trying something. But when I want to try something, I have no idea where to even start.

Anybody experience the same sometimes?

  • s12English
    7·
    10 months ago

    I HATE cooking recipes! They always seem to want to make you go above and beyond when you just want to eat.

    • Cheradenine@sh.itjust.worksEnglish
      5·
      10 months ago

      I agree, but if you do not have much experience cooking, uncomplicated recipes are a good way to start if you don’t have anyone to help teach you, or you aren’t comfortable having someone help.

      Cooking is one of the things I use to try to maintain balance. When I started it was a disaster. Basic recipes, learning the fundamentals, was great. I still fought the rigidity, but understanding how a braise actually worked helped immensely.

      I had someone ask me today what I was eating, ‘just leftovers’ what is it, smells great ‘Indian corn curry’ you know how to cook Indian food? (I thought of course I do) I said yes. What’s in it? Well you do this, then this… Then I info dumped on them and I’m pretty sure they regretted asking.

    • NationProtons@lemmy.worldOPEnglish
      4·
      10 months ago

      I would love to be able to just make anything based on whatever is in the fridge. But I don’t really have much experience yet, and especially on days when I’m tired, I feel incapable of thinking up something to prepare. I just stare at the fridge and pantry and have no clue where to start.

      • s12English
        1·
        10 months ago

        I usually start by identifying the “meat” I want to have, then preheat the oven if necessary. The meat usually takes longest to cook.

        While that’s happening, I check that I have all the other stuff I need. Once the oven’s preheated, I put the meat (and anything else to be oven cooked) in and set the timer according to the packaging instructions. Once it reaches 10-12 minutes, I usually boil some pasta/rise with some veg.

        I’m not sure if that’s the best way, but it works for me.

        • NationProtons@lemmy.worldOPEnglish
          3·
          10 months ago

          I think that’s a good idea.

          I actually like taking recipes and trying to reduce them to their most generic form. Like a curry, or a stew, or a salad. Most of the ingredients can be substituted, but the basic steps are the same.