We’ve all done it – put too much food in a pan, didn’t read a recipe properly, or added too much wine to a dish. Whatever the mistake, you may just find there’s a way to correct the problem before it’s too late. Don’t throw your dinner in the bin just yet. Take note of these common cooking mistake remedies below.
You Added Too Much Salt
You may be surprised at how common this mistake is. You added too much salt or salty ingredients, and now your dish is barely edible. Not to fear – there’s a way to solve this problem! Try adding an unsalted stock or water to thin out the dish.
If you’re dubious about adding too much more liquid, consider a small amount of vinegar or lemon juice. While it won’t remove the salt, it can mask its potency.
You Burned the Bottom of Your Pot
Cooking a soup or stew can require a lot of attention, especially if you’re dealing with various temperatures throughout its cooking time. If you happen to burn the bottom of the pot, the meal is not lost.
Refrain from stirring your food and then transfer it to a new pot. The longer you leave it in the burnt pot, the faster it will take on the burnt flavours. You can then clean the burnt pot with baking soda and vinegar.
Your Pasta Sticks Together
No one becomes an expert pasta preparer overnight, but you can come pretty close. Whatever recipe you’re using, you can prevent pasta from sticking by bringing your water to a rolling boil. Stir it once it’s in the pot and within the first five minutes of cooking.
If you notice that your pasta sticks together after cooking, add a drizzle of olive oil and gently break it up.
Meat Juices are Running Over Your Counter
Have you ever noticed how, when you cut into cooked chicken, steak, and pork, the juices run everywhere? Believe it or not, that doesn’t have to happen. Let your meat sit for five minutes before you cut into it. You can then cut without all that mess, and the juices stay inside the meat to keep it moist and delicious.
Your Greens Are Wilted
A considerable number of recipes call for fresh greens, but keeping them from looking sad and wilted can be quite tricky. Rather than rush to your local food market for more, make use of what you have. Submerge them in ice water for between 30 to 60 minutes.
Once out of the water, put them in a salad spinner or pat them dry with a paper towel. They’ll look fresh once more. You can also prevent wilting in the future by storing them in your fridge with a paper towel to absorb excess moisture.
Whatever food and recipe you’re working with, there will be times when things don’t run smoothly. Fortunately, many of the most common cooking mistakes have remedies. The next time your greens are wilted, or you burn your stockpot, consider these tips above. Your meals will be better for it.
