When it comes to getting ready to cook, a little planning can make a big difference.

Over time, I’ve learned that if you wash, peel, chop, and measure your ingredients ahead of time,

you’ll save a lot of time in the kitchen. Plus, cooking will feel smoother and more fun.

Here are some simple steps that have really helped me get ready for cooking.

1. Washing Ingredients

First, washing your ingredients is really important.

Whether you’re using fruits, veggies, or herbs, keeping everything clean is a must. Here’s how I usually do it:

• Fill a Bowl with Water: I fill a large bowl or my sink with cold water. I use a bowl for delicate herbs and the sink for tougher veggies.
• Soak and Shake: I put the items in the water and gently shake them around. This helps get rid of dirt or grit.
• Rinse: After soaking, I rinse everything under clean running water to wash away any leftover dirt.
• Dry: I use a clean kitchen towel or paper towels to pat everything dry, especially greens, so they don’t make my dishes watery.

2. Peeling Ingredients

Next is peeling. Getting this done ahead of time can save you work later. Here’s how I do it:

• Get the Right Tools: A good vegetable peeler makes peeling easier. I like the Y-shaped ones for quick peeling.
• Peel Over a Bowl: I peel over a bowl to catch the peels, so I can throw them away when I’m finished.
• Peel in Batches: If I’m cooking something big, like soup, I peel everything at once. This lets me get into a good rhythm.

3. Chopping Ingredients

Chopping can take a lot of time, but with a little prep, it’s quicker:

• Use a Sharp Knife: A sharp chef’s knife is my go-to. Dull knives can be annoying and dangerous.
• Chop in Bulk: When I need different ingredients, I chop them all together. For example, if I’m making stir-fry, I slice bell peppers, carrots, and onions at the same time and keep them in separate bowls.
• Stay Organized: I like to organize my chopped ingredients by recipe and put them in labeled containers. This keeps my workspace neat and speeds up cooking.

4. Measuring Ingredients

Getting your measurements right can make your meal taste much better. Here’s how I make measuring easier:

• Use a Kitchen Scale: For dry ingredients, I love using a kitchen scale. It’s more accurate than measuring cups, especially for baking.
• Measure and Label: If I’m prepping for a recipe, I measure out my spices and ingredients ahead of time. I put them in small bowls or containers and label them. It’s like having a mini assembly line in my kitchen!
• Keep Measuring Cups and Spoons Nearby: I always have my measuring cups and spoons right next to my prep area. This stops me from wasting time looking for them while cooking.

5. Doing it All Together

Lastly, I’ve found that having a prep routine is super helpful.

I try to set aside about an hour before cooking to wash, peel, chop, and measure everything. This "prep party" makes cooking much more enjoyable and efficient. With everything ready, I can focus on cooking techniques and flavors without rushing around for ingredients.

By following these steps, getting ingredients ready doesn’t have to feel like a chore.

Instead, it can be a fun part of cooking that helps you make delicious meals with ease. Happy cooking!