Cooking at home can be healthy, rewarding, and cost-effective. The foods you enjoy are likely the ones you eat the most often, so make the flavor a priority when preparing nutritious, satisfying meals. To maximize the flavor and nutrition of food, start with high-quality ingredients, like tender cuts of meat, fresh fruit free of bruises, and frozen vegetables free of ice chunks. It’s also essential to handle and store foods properly. Poor storage can destroy the flavor and quality of food. Overcooking can also destroy flavor and nutrients. Try gentle cooking techniques like steaming to help retain nutrients, flavor, and color.

INTENSIFY THE FLAVOURS

Intensify the flavors of meat, poultry, and fish with high-heat cooking techniques such as pan-searing, grilling, or broiling, which help to brown meat and add flavor. Just don’t overcook, burn, or char meat.

ROASTING IS THE WAY TO GO

Roast veggies in a very hot (450°F) oven or grill for a sweet, smoky flavor. Before popping them into the oven, brush or spray lightly with an oil that has a high smoke point and sprinkle with herbs.

CARAMELIZING

Caramelize sliced onions to bring out their natural sweetness by cooking them slowly over low heat in a bit of oil. Use them to make a rich, dark sauce for meat or poultry.

USE PEPPERS

Pep it up with peppers! Use red, green, and yellow peppers of all varieties — sweet, hot, and dried. Or, add a dash of hot pepper sauce.

TANGY TASTE

Add a tangy taste with citrus juice or grated citrus peel: lemon, lime or orange. Acidic ingredients help lift and balance flavor.

BOLD FLAVOURS

Use small amounts of ingredients with bold flavors such as pomegranate seeds, chipotle pepper, or cilantro.

USE CONDIMENTS

Give a flavor burst with condiments such as horseradish, flavored mustard, chutney, wasabi, bean purees, tapenade, and salsas of all kinds.