Shortcuts in the kitchen Quick ways to homemade flavor

We all have busy schedules and not enough time in our days, which can make it hard to make meals completely from scratch. Just a few small additions to standard pantry items will give you a big boost in flavor and a homemade taste.

No one will ever guess you took a shortcut

It’s 5 p.m. You’ve had a long day and kicking up your feet with a glass of wine sounds perfect. But first, there’s that little matter of feeding those hungry mouths. Instead of opting for fast food, cheat a little to put a flavorful, semi-homemade meal on the table in no time. Don’t worry… we won’t tell.

Keep your pantry stocked with these 10 ingredients for a quick meal >> Spaghetti sauce

Pasta can be a lifesaver when you’re short on time. The whole meal can be on the table as quickly as you can boil water. By taking a few extra minutes with pre-made sauce, a simple spaghetti dish can turn into a gourmet affair.

Next time you pull out a jar of red pasta sauce, try this method to amp up the flavor:

Slice two strips of bacon and fry in a large pan. When crisp, remove and wipe out most of the bacon fat from the pan, leaving a small amount to cook onions in.Add a small chopped yellow onion and sauté until soft, and then add two minced garlic cloves.Add a pinch of oregano. For spice lovers, add a pinch of cayenne pepper.Add spaghetti sauce and finish as normal.Top dish with crisped bacon.Canned chili

If you’re in a pinch and don’t have time to soak beans or chop ingredients, canned chili makes a great hearty meal. But if you’re used to your chili packing a flavorful punch, the can may leave you a little disappointed.

For a quick fix, add a dash of these spices, or any combination, to taste:

Chili powderCayenne pepperPaprikaGarlic powderOnion powderCuminCorianderBlack pepperOregano Condensed tomato soup

This iconic pantry staple can actually taste pretty good with a few minor adjustments. And sometimes, nothing tastes better than tomato soup paired with a gooey grilled cheese sandwich.

Make these quick additions for a simple but tasty bowl of tomato soup: 

Sauté a few tablespoons of chopped shallots and a minced garlic clove in a small saucepan.Add soup.Instead of the usual can of water, stir in half milk, half water and heat through.Pour over a scoop of cooked rice.Mayonnaise

This basic condiment can turn into a spicy or tangy sandwich spread or dipping sauce in no time. The possibilities are endless in making flavor combinations that will wow you. Play around and mix a few ingredients together… you’ll never look at mayonnaise the same.

For tang: Add white wine vinegar, cider vinegar, lemon or lime juice or dry white wine.For spice: Add hot sauce, Sriracha sauce, dried chili powders or chopped jalapenos.For flavor: Add cumin, coriander or freshly chopped herbs like cilantro, parsley, dill or basil.Get more time-saving meal tips >>  More quick & easy meal ideas

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