From soaking chicken in milk to using chilled dough for cookies, 10 age-old tips that work like magic in the kitchen

Be it the regular cooking in the kitchen or a special occasion, old wives’ tales never go out of style. It’s always best to use age-old tips to speed up the cooking process. These tips literally work like magic while cooking food, and can make the dish taste more delicious. So, how about using these age-old tips the next time you set your foot in the kitchen? (Images courtesy: iStock)

Also Read: 8 ways to reduce food waste and save some money

Experts agree that when a wooden spoon is used while mixing ingredients for baking, it results in a softer mix. Another reason why it should be used is that it mixes better than any other metal or plastic spoon. It is often used for stirring curries as a wooden spoon doesn't conduct heat.

Chefs around the world agree to the fact that veggies that grow together (as in the same season or harvest) are best cooked together, as such combinations increase the taste of the dishes.

If you ask any seasoned chef about one tip to make the chicken tender, pat will come the reply to soak it in milk for 48 hours as chicken has a tendency to dry out when cooking. Not only does milk tenderise the meat but adds moisture to it.

When the pasta water is rinsed, it washes away the starches as well due to which, the sauces can not adhere well to the pasta. Experts believe that it's always best to cook the pasta with some of the reserved pasta water, as it brings finishing to the dish.

Though, it is a common tip that most people know about, but is quite important when it comes to baking cookies. Those, who like thick cookies, must chill the dough in the freezer. Thaw the dough overnight and cut the cookies using a cookie cutter. Place them in the oven and bake as usual. This makes quite thick cookies and delicious too!

This is something many people might have heard from their grandparents that one must not throw away the vegetable scraps as they all have specific uses. Most professional cooks agree that vegetable scraps can be used for making vegetable broth when simmered in water with a little salt. This broth can be further used to make more dishes.

One of the many reasons why salt is added to the pasta water is that it helps to bind the pasta with the sauce for a thicker consistency while giving it a better taste and flavour.

Always, keep your knives sharpened as it makes the chopping job easier. A dull knife can increase your time in the kitchen.

Another tip that experts believe can help in the kitchen is that one must use a mortar and pestle for crushing any spices and herbs, as it brings out their oil and juices in the right manner. This can increase the taste and flavour of the dishes.

For those looking to cook lamb or beef, it is always best to pan fry the meat as it brings out the juices and flavour in it. Once fried, then use it in the oven for cooking purposes. This expert tip will make the meat tastier as well.