Supermarket Shortcuts
Normally we chefs pride ourselves on being able to do most anything in the kitchen. But just because you CAN doesn’t mean you HAVE to! I mean, yes, I CAN cut up peppers and onions for fajitas but when I’m in a pinch (or just feeling lazy) I grab the colorful, already mis en place pepper package! Convenience sometimes means a little extra cash will be output but you know it and I know it – time is money! And for those occasions (and a few others noted below) I’m here to tell you, store-bought is fine!
Today our markets offer a variety of high-quality premade or pre-prepped ingredients. And if you know how to manipulate said ingredients into a dish, chances are no one is going to know you didn’t do the heavy lifting. I mean even the most talented chefs love a good kitchen hack! So why not enlist the same mindset in your home kitchen. Especially if the following realities are in play…
Cost of ingredients to make from scratch is greater than premade – Let’s face it, sometimes the cost of shopping a recipe can really add up. Take pesto for example. Four ounces of pine nuts at Jewel will cost you $6.99. Add in really good olive oil, basil, and the king of cheeses (Parmesan Reggiano of course!) and suddenly…well you get the picture. Conversely 6 oz of premade jarred pesto will put you out a mere $4.99.
Limited time (or just need a break!) – We’ve all been there. Dinner needs to be on the table ASAP. Or you’ve had a day and just need to phone it in. Hello premade/pre-prepped! These grocery gems are your key to sanity. Pre-marinated pork tenderloin offers quick to the table – and flavorful – main protein. Microwave rice is amazing in a pinch and can easily be elevated with a squeeze of lemon or pinch of fresh herbs.
Level of difficulty – No one has ever said they love breaking down a whole chicken, enjoys tackling that thick and impossible to peel butternut squash, or has unlimited time to baby the simmering homemade stock (ok, well maybe I have on the last one!). But in reality, if something is difficult it’s not going to be enjoyable to do. And if it’s not enjoyable then the process and most likely the end result is not worth the effort.
So there ya go. Permission to embrace those kitchen hacks, the supermarket shorties, the “I can but I don’t have to” tricks (not that you need my permission!). Let’s just say I’ll be making my grocery list this Sunday and I may or may not be including some of the below! (wink, wink – it’s highly likely!)
Rotisserie Chicken – seriously the BEST out there – shred and use/freeze for a quick add-in for salads, stir fry, casserole, pasta, enchiladas, I can go on and on! (save the bones for stock – if you love that kind of thing!)
Premade Pizza Dough – divide and have make your own pizza night. Better for you and bonus everyone gets their favorite topping.
Cooked Sausages – slice them up and toss into pasta dishes for protein addition, combine with microwavable dirty rice for instant jambalaya, sautéed with pierogies and suddenly you’ve got an international dish to enjoy!
Gnocchi – These little buggers can be difficult – and time consuming – to make from scratch. Boil as per package or use them for one-dish easy sheet pan dinners! (along with cooked sausage!)
Slaw Mix – Yes, great for mixing up a quick slaw (go figure!) or think out of the box and throw it in soups, sautéed with garlic for a quick weeknight side or toss it with cooked Ramen noodles for a deconstructed spring roll!
Pesto – We’ve already talked about this one!
Pasta Sauce – Nothing more to say here except ONLY RAOS brand please! It’s Amorie!
Pre-marinated proteins – A flavor boosting/time saving cheat but a word of caution – use them immediately. The longer a protein marinates the more the protein structure can break down and change texture. Buy – Cook – Eat!
Microwavable grains – Rice Rice Baby! Or quinoa or even noodles of all sorts! Can be a side, a base for a bowl or even a mix in. So versatile.
Pre-prepped veggies packages OR the in-store salad bar - Sliced peppers, diced onions, cubed zucchini, washed baby spinach leaves, broccoli florets. A bounty of prepped items, all ready to turn into a stir fry, vegetable lasagna, frittata, soup. Salad bar bonus - you can buy exactly how much of each item you want!
The frozen aisle - Frozen vegetables are of really high quality, often quite economical, cook up super quickly, and don’t have to be defrosted before using. Peas, corn, edamame - all of these are quick ways to get vegetables onto the plate or into a dish. And bonus, many are in microwavable pouches for a super quick to the table option!
SHARE YOUR FAVORITE SHORTCUTS WITH ON THE MENU!!!!