After endless lockdowns and remote working policies, many of us have fallen into mundane routines when it comes to food.

Although spending more time at home is beneficial in lots of ways, it also blurs the line between working hours and leisure time.

This means we were less likely to enjoy pleasant, thought out meals, and instead picked quick, convenient dishes that could easily be whipped up during the workday.

But food is not just about sustenance, it’s about fun, too, and it’s important that we don’t forget that.

So, if you’re struggling to look at your meals as more than a practicality, here are a few tips that will make you fall in love with cooking once again.

5 Ways to Reignite your Passion for Cooking:

1. Spice things up with a recipe kit.

The main issue about passionate cooking is that, well, who’s got time for it really?

If you don’t have the energy nor capacity to experiment with new recipes, opt for a service that does most of the work for you.

For example, what if we told you that you could forgo the jarred tomato sauce and dry spaghetti for a delivery of fresh ingredients, enabling you to make a decadent pasta dish from scratch?

We know, it sounds like a lot of work. But it can also be done quickly and efficiently. Pasta Evangelists do just that, and as they say, “there are so many different types of pasta that you could quite easily try a new one every day of the year”, so why not try to taste them all?

If you’re not into Italian food as much, although we don’t necessarily believe this kind of person exists, there are plenty of options in the recipe kit market, whether they’re focused on health, freshness, a specific cuisine, or something else.

It’s a great way to be exposed to meals you’d never think to cook before without any hassle.

2. Dust off those old cookbooks.

So many of us have heaps of recipe books lying around, whether they’re passed onto us like cherished family heirlooms, through friends’ recommendations, or just because they look good on the shelf.

However, more often than not, we find ourselves allowing these cookbooks to gather dust, or stick to one or two recipes we know and love.

So, it’s time to shake it up and browse through these books. Select a few dishes that you fancy and make a note of them.

Then, whenever you have a bit of time, instead of cooking your same old meals, use one of the new ideas you found. This will allow you to expand your repertoire without spending extra money.

And what’s more exciting than finding a new signature dish, and knowing that there are so many more to discover in your own library? If you’re low on the cookbook front, consider purchasing a fresh one.

3. Transform your space into a chef’s dream kitchen.

In order to truly enjoy cooking, you need to have the right surroundings and equipment. Start by taking a day to reshuffle your kitchen.

Are there any pots and pans that are too old or grimey? Declutter them. Any utensils you only use on special occasions like Christmas? Put them into storage.

If there are any tools you discover are missing, consider investing in new ones.

When it comes to refreshing the overall look of your kitchen, you can give your cabinets a fresh coat of paint, maybe something fun like a trendy pastel or a bold color to brighten your day.

Another idea is to pick a nice removable wallpaper to add some edge to your old backsplash. Organize. Streamline. Clean. Create your own space.

We promise that having a spotless, well equipped kitchen where you know the location of everything is going to make you want to experiment with your cooking more than ever.

4. Have your friends over.

Some prefer to cook alone. However, if that’s not your style, try to find friends or family members to get busy in the kitchen with.

You might want to host a dinner party that gives you an excuse to rustle up a few of your favorite dishes, or even invite your buddies over to actually cook and not just eat.

You know what they say, many hands make light work. We recommend asking your invitees to bring their own favorite recipes, or consider holding a pizza party, where you prepare the ingredients in advance and each person makes a pizza.

It’s a simple way to cook together, and is so much fun, not to mention, pizza. Need we say more? If you’re more introverted than that, you can put a meal together with your partner.

It’s a lovely date night activity, and with the variety of easy yet romantic dinners you can truly bond over the experience.

Whatever you choose, this transforms the act of cooking from a chore into an event that goes beyond nourishment.

5. Get out of your comfort zone.

Let’s be honest. Even the most adventurous foodie often likes to stick to what they know in the kitchen.

It’s easy to stay within your comfort zone, even if you enjoy different cuisines. But, if you’ve lost your cooking mojo, it’s time to leave your safe space and try something new.

Big fan of French food? Why not whip up a ratatouille? Never tried to make sushi? Now’s as good a time as any to start rollin’. Always curious about African cuisines? Read a little and pick a dish to prepare.

The world is your oyster, another great foodstuff to try at home, by the way, so begin to gather dishes you’ve never made before, even if they appear complicated at first.