Top Things You Should Learn to Cook in 2017
#10: Fried Chicken
Though many later entries on this list will prove helpful to those looking to maintain a healthy diet, this one is a notable exception. According to Condé Nast Traveller, fried chicken is going to be huge in 2017, so now’s the time to hone your frying skills. You can make this deliciously crispy dish in a deep fryer or on the stovetop, and you only need basic ingredients, most of which can probably be found in your pantry already. Once you’ve mastered this dish (and, hopefully avoided any grease burns), it’s a versatile food that can be used in sandwiches, salads or even paired with waffles.
#9: Baked Veggie Chips
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Who knew chips could be healthy? Turning your favorite veggies into a crispy, salty snack is super easy, and a great way to make a nutritious homemade treat. All you need is a mandolin (or, alternatively, a very sharp knife), some oil, and your spices of choice. The end result is surprisingly satisfying and you won’t even realize that you’re getting a full serving of veggies with every handful. If you’re trying to slim down in 2017, this is a great recipe to bring to a party when you want to ward off the temptation of all those higher calorie snacks being offered.
#8: Sous-Vide Salmon
If you’re unfamiliar with a sous-vide, don’t worry; you’re not alone. But get ready to start hearing a lot more about it, because the sous-vide has been touted as the new slow cooker. If you watch the Food Network, you’ve likely already seen chefs struggling with this technique on more than one occasion. In this method of cooking, food is placed in sealed, airtight plastic bags, which are then submerged into temperature-controlled water. With app-assisted models, you can set up your sous vide and head off to work, returning home to a perfect, evenly cooked meal. Salmon, which can quickly become flaky and overcooked, is becoming a fast favorite cooked via this technique.
#7: Bone Broth
Meat stocks and broths have long been pantry staples, but have you ever stopped to look at the ingredient list on the box? Most store-bought broths include tons of added chemicals, preservatives and even sugars. Not only can homemade bone broth be used as a substitute for the boxed stuff in recipes, but it can even be consumed as is, for remarkably energizing results. It’s a great source of gelatin, collagen and minerals, so it’ll keep your gut well balanced, your skin looking great and your immune system firing. What are you waiting? Go buy some bones and get simmering.
#6: One-Pot Pasta
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The most annoying part of trying out new recipes is the inevitable mess you end up making in the kitchen. Who wants to spend their evenings doing dishes? One-pot pasta is the perfect weeknight solution for when you don’t have time for a full kitchen cleanup. The idea is that you can make a scrumptious multi-ingredient dish all in the same pan or pot. The great thing about learning this technique is that once you’ve tried it a couple of times, you can customize the recipes to include whatever protein, veggies or seasonings you’d like.
#5: Spaghetti Squash
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If you’re trying out a low carb diet in 2017, learning how to make spaghetti squash is an essential skill you’ll need. This low calorie and low carb alternative to pasta is so delicious that you’ll barely notice you’re not eating the real thing. You can use this super ingredient to replicate any one of your favorite pasta dishes without the usual guilt that accompanies them. It can be eaten with any type of sauce, in salads or alone as a tasty side dish. You can even cook up some spaghetti squash at the beginning of the week as a versatile addition to your workday lunches.
#4: Slow Cooker Meals
If you’ve always dreamed of coming home after a long day to a warm home-cooked meal but can’t afford a personal chef, using a slow cooker is the next best thing. Making the investment of purchasing a slow cooker can save you hours of work in the kitchen too. Though some recipes require a certain amount of prep, for many you can just toss your ingredients into the pot, set the timer, leave for the day and come home to a completed dinner. You can use the slow cooker to make anything from soups and stews to pulled pork, pasta sauces, and even desserts.
#3: Poke Bowls
Tartare is so 2016. The latest trend in the raw seafood world is poke; a Hawaiian dish that uses sushi quality fish to create simple, healthy salad bowls. Poke restaurants have been popping up all over the place lately, but luckily this dish is also really easy to recreate at home. Poke can be served as an appetizer or snack, or you can make it a complete meal by serving it over a bed of rice or lettuce. Have fun playing around with this one because there are tons of different ingredients you can add to make your poke feel new and exciting every time.
#2: Zoodles
Zoodles may not be new, but if you haven’t tried your hand at making them, you’re missing out on another great low-carb pasta alternative. Though you can make them by slicing zucchini into thin strips, it’s a lot easier if you have a spiralizer, which turns veggies into perfect spaghetti shaped noodles. There are some heavy-duty spiralizers out there but the small hand-held ones work just fine. Zoodles are a fantastic pasta replacement in soups, salads or even more traditional pasta dishes. As long as you’re careful not to overcook them, zoodles will give you the same satisfaction as a carb-heavy plate of pasta.
#1: Buddha Bowls
Buddha bowls are the perfect make-ahead lunch dish that will help you follow the food pyramid to a T. These oh so portable meals start with a base of grains (rice, quinoa, millet or buckwheat) mixed with whatever proteins and vegetables you’d like. Then you finish the dish with nuts or seeds and a hearty dressing. Once you have some practice under your belt, Buddha bowls can be visually appealing and make a great addition to your Instagram, letting your followers know you’re healthy and a whiz in the kitchen. Do you agree with our list? Is there anything else you plan on learning to cook this year? For more delicious top tens published every day, be sure to subscribe to MsMojo
