If you’re trying to save money on groceries in 2024, this trick is for you.
The hashtag#ChaosCookinghas over 1.6 million views on TikTok and thousands on Instagram.
(Yes, IG is still a place for plenty of food inspiration.)
Its even namecheckedin the Season 2 trailer of The Bear.
A TikTok video by user @MyCursedBrain is the perfect example of chaos cooking in action.
#stitchwith @cylovesfrogs Next video?
Center your dish around an ingredient youre already good at cooking.
Then, you’re free to get funky with the other ingredients.
Its those few surprise elements that bring the dish to the chaotic level, Oringer said.
Figure out your theme.
This will make the combining of ingredients much easier and it will give you a direction, he said.
Its like that situation when you are deciding where to go out to eat.
In fact, going an unexpected way is what this trend is all about.
Add a wild-card ingredient.
OK, you have your core ingredient and theme picked out.
As a recent guest on theBourbon Lens podcast, she encouraged more people to cook with bourbon.
Cook your ingredients separately.
Instead, cook your protein in one pan and your veggies in another.
For example, potatoes are thicker than carrots, so they should be boiled in different pots.
Otherwise, you risk either the carrots getting too mushy or the potatoes too firm.
5. double-check your ingredients balance each other out, flavor-wise.
Pro tip fromAnn Ziata, a chef at the Institute of Culinary Education: Balance is key.
Add spices and flavors incrementally.
Each ingredient should be there with the intention to serve the dish, Ziata said.
If its to balance flavor or texture, go for it.
Similarly, Oringer said its important not to add too much of a spice or sauce.
If youre not sure how a combo will taste, try a small amount first before going all-in.
Last, Ziata and Mejia both say to consider the texture of your meal.
Texture will make or break a dish, Ziata said.
you could really elevate a dish by balancing the texture.
With these tips in mind, youre ready to embrace the chaos.
You just might find yourself obsessed with a completely new meal.Ramen bolognese, anyone?
This post originally appeared onHuffPost.
