Step 2: Start Simple - Whatcha got?

Sometimes I'm inspired to prepare something involved, but we do an awful lot of  "whatchagot"  meals (soups, stews, rice dishes).

With very little time, planning or inspiration you can whip up easy whatchagot dinners if you keep some basics in your kitchen like: rice or couscous, bouillon, garlic, and carrots.

Brown and wild rice, carrots and red pepper

Throw these in a pot or large pan with whatever else you might have (leftover meat or fish and other vegetables [fresh or frozen]) and you have a perfectly easy, quick soup/stew or rice dish, depending on the amount of water you use. Some of our whatchagot dinners have been fantastic.  Really.  Better than some of the most complicated dishes.

Brown rice, spinach, edamame and peanuts.

Learning to pull together whatchagot meals also allows you to avoid food waste because you can use that last 1/2 onion in your fridge, the lonely carrot in your produce drawer, the last tablespoon of soy sauce in your cupboard, or the celery leftover from the chicken soup you made. Not only will you be spending less money because you'll be able cooking more often and going out less.  You will be wasting less food , stretching your food budget even further.

Don't be afraid to experiment!  All recipes were at one time experiments - by someone.  Forget what you've learned about following recipes and just try cooking food.  Keep it simple at first, avoiding spices and ingredients you are unfamiliar with.  Pick the things you like and throw them together!  You'll build your confidence and you will slowly teach yourself how to cook.  I promise.