Simple Ways To Spice Up Your Weekly Menu

Most of us have favorite dishes we return to or call upon time and time again. There’s nothing wrong with embracing the familiar, but variety is the spice of life. If you’re looking for new ideas or ways to jazz up your weekly menu, here are some simple steps to take today. 

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Add different ingredients

There’s a reason why we gravitate towards classic dishes or order the same meal every time we go out. If you love a particular dish or recipe, it’s natural to want to eat it frequently. Having a selection of favorites is great, but it’s also fun to experiment and broaden your culinary horizons. One easy way to elevate or diversify your menu is to add different ingredients. Try different forms of protein, add new vegetables to the mix, or explore how other sauces work, for example. Swap meat for fish or red meat for poultry, opt for root vegetables instead of leafy greens or replace a creamy, indulgent sauce with a zingy, refreshing tomato-based sauce. Keep track of what you’ve tried and develop your recipes. You may find that you prefer new flavor combinations or that you can adapt your favorite dishes to cater to different seasons. 

Up your seasoning game

One of the best ways to create even more delicious, sumptuous, flavorful dishes is to up your seasoning game. From chicken seasoning for a hearty Sunday family lunch to smoky rubs for barbecue season, the way you season and prepare meat, fish and vegetables can make all the difference. Explore different products and recipes and follow the instructions. In some cases, it’s best to marinade or add your seasoning well in advance of cooking to get the full impact. It’s always a good idea to taste your food before serving. An extra sprinkle of salt or twist of the pepper grinder can turn a good dish into a perfect plate. 

Search for new recipes

There has never been a better time to treat your taste buds if you’re a passionate home cook or amateur chef. No matter your skill level or level of ambition, you can access hundreds of recipes at the touch of a button. The Internet is a fabulous resource for all cooks. From basic dishes you can prep and cook in less than 15 minutes to complex dishes to dazzle guests at a dinner party, there are ideas to suit all occasions and tastes. You can filter results based on the type of meal, the ingredients you have, cooking time, dietary requirements and the occasion. Once you’ve tried recipes, note down your feedback, suggest improvements or modifications and save the ones you like. This way, you can create a cookbook or virtual library to combine old favorites with new dishes and expand your repertoire. 

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It’s easy to get stuck in a rut when you have limited time or you’re reluctant to steer away from tried-and-tested favorites, but varying your menu can be beneficial for your health and your taste buds. To spice up your weekly menu, add different ingredients, up your seasoning game and search for new recipes.