This post was most recently updated on July 25th, 2023
For some cooking is simply a necessity for our everyday lives, but for many others, it is an art form and a passion.
But as with any hobby or passion we may have, we can sometimes find ourselves stuck doing the same things over and over, leading to boredom and fatigue even though it’s something we love to do. It’s easy to settle into the rhythm of things and stick to what’s easy and comfortable, but that can quickly turn excitement into monotony.
So how do you avoid becoming bored with cooking? Well, you have to start mixing things up to keep it interesting. Cycling through the same dishes won’t stimulate your mind the same way as when you were trying them for the first time. So if you find the excitement of cooking has started to become stale, the solution can be as simple as finding some new firsts.
Uncharted (Edible) Territory
A great way to keep cooking fresh and interesting is by seeking out new ingredients to try. Even reinvigorating a classic recipe with different veggies or seasonings can do wonders. By trying new ingredients you can unlock recipes and dishes you may not have even considered before.
Something to consider is growing or gathering your own fresh ingredients. If you have a green thumb and have the space for it, try starting a vegetable or herb garden. Or plant a few berry bushes or fruit trees in your yard. If you’re an animal lover you could even get a few chickens for collecting fresh eggs.
Don’t have the room or the time to manage all of that? No problem! Foraging is also a great way to source your own ingredients. Research the edible flora in your area and learn how to identify them. You can gather all kinds of yummy foods like mulberries, apples, acorns, and baby bella mushrooms.
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If you want the freshest ingredients the best way might be growing or finding them near your own home.
Another great way to discover new ingredients is to try different markets or grocery stores. You may know where everything is at your usual shop but trying a new place might lead you to some amazing finds. Instead of going to a chain grocery store, try shopping locally to see what kinds of options are available.
You might find a market with ingredients you’ve never even heard of that you can try.
No matter where you’re finding your ingredients, pay attention to what’s in season at any particular time. Nowadays of course we can ship food from all over the world so availability isn’t too much of an issue.
But to make sure you get the freshest and best quality produce, try to stick to seasonal foods and plan accordingly. This can also add a bit of variety to your cooking by changing up what ingredients you use every few months.
Recipe For Success
To keep cooking interesting and maintain your motivation and passion for it, you should try switching things up with brand-new recipes. There are so many places you can look for new recipes as there’s no shortage of creativity in the food world. broaden your horizons and step outside your comfort zone to try things you might not have ever thought you could make.
A great source for recipe ideas is cooking tv shows. Whether it’s a professional celebrity chef explaining one of their dishes or a home cook in a fast-paced competition, the popularity of culinary television means a vast selection of inspirational material to choose from. Many celebrity chefs that appear on these shows also have their own cookbooks you can look to for ideas as well.
The internet, of course, is also a treasure trove of inspiration and ideas, especially when it comes to cooking. The ever-growing popularity of TikTok has led to food trends and cultures being spread rapidly all across the globe. Now it’s easier than ever to find a new or unconventional recipe to try out as you can find it right in the palm of your hand.
In addition to recipes, the internet provides all sorts of tips and tricks to make cooking easier and there’s a lot you can learn.
Another great way to expand your cooking repertoire is to try your hand at creating your own recipes. This may be a daunting task but with some trial and error, you might just cook up something new and delicious.
Think of what you like and what you’ve learned from your experience so far and have fun experimenting. It doesn’t have to come out perfect on the first try. Just get creative and see what you can come up with!
A Change of Atmosphere
If you’re still hesitant to change what you’re cooking, a simple alternative solution is to change how your cooking. Change up the environment you’re working in or make an occasion that’ll let you cook in a whole new context. Even if you’re using the same ingredients and recipes, a different intent or setting for your food can make it feel brand new.
Try setting up a special event you can cook for. Plan a dinner party or a family gathering. You could even volunteer to cater a work event or a friend’s party to give yourself a challenge. This will allow you to set up a menu with different dishes and get creative with everything.
Finally, add some excitement by getting creative with your plating and presentation. Cooking is an art in itself, but you can also make it look like art as well. Experiment with different colors and textures or try your hand at creating designs on the plate with sauces. There are so many ways to make your presentation unique and stunning.
Look to other chefs for inspiration or even art and design pieces.
If cooking is something you love to do, don’t let it become boring or stale. Put the excitement and passion back into it so it can continue being something you genuinely enjoy. Never be afraid to experiment and step outside your comfort zone to try new things. Cooking is an art and food can be a wonderful way of expressing yourself, so give it your all and above all else have fun.
