Peeling garlic cloves can often feel like a hard task, but a clever hack circulating on Instagram has brought joy to garlic lovers. Picture: Pexels/Isabella Mendes
As 2024 unfolds, the culinary world has been sparked by a wave of innovative food hacks that made cooking more accessible and sustainable for home cooks everywhere.
These creative solutions, which have gained viral popularity online, not only simplified kitchen tasks but also enhanced the overall cooking experience.
Here’s a look at four of the most fascinating food hacks that have captured the hearts (and stomachs) of cooking enthusiasts worldwide.
Cooking mushrooms to perfection
Mushrooms, a versatile yet delicate ingredient, are composed of over 90% water, making them susceptible to becoming soggy during cooking.
One viral cooking tip taught home cooks how to retain the texture and flavour of mushrooms. Begin by sautéing the mushrooms in a hot, dry pan to allow them to release excess moisture.
Once they’ve dried slightly, add oil or butter for flavour. Most importantly, hold off on salting until the very end; adding salt too soon draws out moisture, leading to mushy fungi.
This uncomplicated approach has left many budding chefs delighting in the full-bodied flavour of perfectly cooked mushrooms.
A quick way to peel garlic
Peeling garlic cloves can often feel like a hard task but a clever hack circulating on Instagram has brought joy to garlic lovers.
This method involves using a tong-like tool to streamline the process. First, remove the bottom and central portions of the garlic bulb and discard the outer layer.
Then, with the innovative tool in hand, individual cloves can be separated and peeled with ease.
Despite receiving mixed feedback, the hack garnered over 54 million views, speaking to its allure and effectiveness, inspiring many to tackle meal preparation with newfound enthusiasm.
Preserving curry leaves for months
Curry leaves are a staple in many Indian culinary traditions but can spoil quickly, leaving cooks in distress.
Instagram user @twinsbymyside has shared an ingenious method to keep these aromatic leaves fresh for an incredible six months.
The process involves detaching the leaves from their stems, rinsing them in water, and placing them in an ice cube tray.
After filling the tray and submerging the leaves in water, the cubes are then frozen and stored in a ziplock bag. This way, home chefs can easily pop a cube into their dish whenever necessary, drastically reducing food waste while improving convenience.
Mess-free flour sifting
Sifting flour can be a messy endeavour, leaving flour dust scattered across counter tops.
Fortunately, a brilliant hack has emerged that keeps kitchen spaces clean and tidy. This method suggests using a strainer or sieve held directly over a large mixing bowl – a simple yet effective solution that ensures a spill-free experience.
In a viral video showcasing this hack, a woman can be seen effortlessly holding the sieve with one hand while pouring flour from a plastic container with the other.
Turning the sieve upside down, allowing the flour to sift smoothly into the bowl below.
This technique saves both time and effort, garnering attention from readers everywhere.