12 Cooking Shortcuts That Save Time and Sanity

As someone who has spent decades immersed in the culinary world—both professionally and personally—I’ve learnt a simple but transformative truth: cooking should fit into your season of life.

Yes, I’ve ground my own spice blends, made puff pastry from scratch, and simmered stocks for hours. But I’ve also relied on boxed broths, frozen chopped veg, and ready-made marinades. And you know what? Both are valid. Both have served me, depending on the day, my energy, and what life demanded of me in that moment.

There’s a quiet shame many home cooks carry when they don’t make every component of a dish themselves. I’ve felt it. I’ve seen it weaponised in the comments on my own content—snarky remarks from nameless accounts who confuse culinary elitism with cultural purity. But let me tell you this: there is no virtue in burning yourself out in the name of “authenticity”.

Pre-packaged doesn’t mean you’re lazy. Takeaway doesn’t mean you’re failing. Using cooking shortcuts doesn’t mean you’re less of a cook—it means you’re a smart one. One who knows that your time, health, and peace matter just as much as tradition.

Sometimes, using a ready-made curry paste or frozen roti is what keeps the love of cooking alive. It’s what gets dinner on the table. It’s what lets you still show up in your kitchen when life is pulling you in a thousand directions. It’s also often the gateway to deeper culinary curiosity.

My hope? That this post helps you find confidence in your choices, compassion in your journey, and inspiration for how convenience and culture can co-exist. Because they can—and they do. Right now, my current crush is IMO’s K-Food Kitchen, and I’m not ashamed to say that their takeaway meals have sparked new ideas and flavours in my own kitchen. (You can check out my full review!)

So, if you’ve ever felt guilty for cutting corners or not doing things “the traditional way”, this one’s for you. Let’s explore how grace, practicality, and a few well-chosen cooking shortcuts can help us reclaim joy and ease in the kitchen.

Pre-Chopped & Frozen Veggies Save Time and Stress

This shortcut alone has saved me countless hours. Pre-chopped onions, garlic, and seasoning peppers? Yes, please. I love fresh produce, but on low-energy days, frozen callaloo or diced pumpkin are life-savers.

Why it works:

• Cuts prep time in half
• Minimises kitchen mess
• Reduces waste

Pro tip: Keep a mix of local and international options on hand—you’ll thank yourself on busy nights.

Store-Bought Marinades & Spice Blends Are a Flavour Boost

Making your own green seasoning or garam masala is beautiful—but it’s also time-consuming. There’s no shame in reaching for a bottle when needed.

Why it works:

• Quick and consistent flavour
• Great introduction to unfamiliar cuisines
• Allows you to experiment safely

Cooking shortcuts like these are often the stepping stones to building your own blends later on.

Parboiled & Pre-Cooked Grains Are a Midweek Lifesaver

Parboiled rice, instant couscous, microwaveable lentils. Keeping a small selection of quick-to-prepare starches and legumes in your pantry means you can always have a balanced meal without the long wait

Why it works:

• Energy-saving
• Precise portions
• Reduces overcooking mishaps

This is especially helpful if you struggle with timing or are still building kitchen confidence.

Canned Coconut Milk & Stock Cubes Keep Things Creamy and Convenient

Let’s be honest—grating coconuts or simmering homemade stock for hours just isn’t always practical.

Why it works:

• Consistent quality
• Shelf-stable
• Ready in minutes

Cooking shortcuts like these allow you to enjoy traditional dishes on a schedule that works for you.

Bakery-Bought Dough & Batters Let You Focus on the Fun Bits

Whether it’s frozen puff pastry, roti skins, or pholourie batter, these gems help you skip straight to the good part: assembling and enjoying.

Why it works:

• Reduces cleanup
• Increases likelihood of making baked goods
• Saves mental energy

Focus on the joy of creation, not perfection.

Takeout as Research & Inspiration

I see takeout not as giving up, but as a gateway to creativity. Lately, I’ve been obsessed with IMO’s K-Food Kitchen—their bold flavours and thoughtful textures have inspired my own twists on Korean dishes at home.

Why it works:

• Sparks culinary curiosity
• Introduces unfamiliar flavour profiles
• Gives your brain a break while feeding your imagination

Sometimes, sanity comes in the form of takeaway—and that’s more than okay.

Pre-Packaged International Ingredients Build Confidence

For anyone exploring new cuisines, convenience products can be incredibly helpful. Think kimchi in a jar, ready-made jerk paste, or miso soup packets.

Why it works:

• Removes intimidation
• Controls cost when trying something new
• Encourages exploration

Cooking shortcuts like these are not cheating—they’re bridging cultural gaps.

Jarred Sauces & Pastes for the Win

I keep a mini army of curry pastes, pasta sauces, and stir-fry blends on standby. They’re flavour-packed and endlessly customisable.

Why it works:

• You can still make it your own
• Great for “nothing in the fridge” nights
• Keeps weeknight meals interesting

You’ll often find that once you get familiar with the shortcut version, you’ll eventually want to make your own from scratch—when the time is right.

One-Pot & Sheet Pan Meals Are the Queens of Simplicity

Minimal fuss, minimal cleanup, maximum flavour. These meals are the heart of my weeknight routine.

Why they work:

• Easy to scale up or down
• Great for batch cooking
• Encourages balance and variety

Don’t underestimate the power of the humble sheet pan.

Rotisserie Chicken Magic

Rotisserie chicken can become anything—stew, curry, sandwiches, salads. It’s the MVP of cooking shortcuts.

Why it works:

• Cuts cooking time drastically
• Delicious even cold
• Great base for multiple meals

Buy one on Sunday and transform it all week long.

Pre-Portioned Meal Kits Keep You Focused and Motivated

Whether it’s a local meal kit service or a subscription box, these take the guesswork out of planning.

Why it works:

• Encourages trying new dishes
• Teaches portioning and prep
• Reduces overwhelm

Perfect for anyone still building their confidence or juggling a tight schedule.

Batch Cooking & Freezer Prep Are a Gift to Future You

I make extra pelau, soups, and stews when I can. Freezing portions means I always have a “home-cooked” option on hand—even when I can’t bear to cook.

Why it works:

• Saves future energy
• Great use of leftovers
• Reduces decision fatigue

Cooking shortcuts aren’t just about saving time today—they’re about preserving your joy for tomorrow.

Conclusion

Cooking from scratch can be a beautiful, nourishing act—but it’s not the only path to culinary joy or cultural connection. Life brings seasons of change, stress, and unpredictability. The pressure to constantly prepare “perfect” meals from scratch doesn’t serve your wellbeing—and it certainly doesn’t define your worth in the kitchen.

Throughout this post, I’ve shared 12 powerful cooking shortcuts that have supported me (and countless others) in maintaining a connection to food and heritage without overwhelm. From frozen chopped veg to takeaway inspiration, every shortcut is a tool—not a compromise.

Let go of the guilt. Embrace the grace. Use what serves you. The real magic of cooking lies in showing up with intention and love, however that looks for you right now.

Ready to Make Your Life Sweeter?

If you’re looking for more ways to simplify your kitchen while still staying connected to Caribbean comfort, I’ve got a sweet gift for you!

Download my free eBook: 7 Sweet Trini Treats

These recipes are packed with nostalgic flavour, easy-to-follow steps, and tips for creating joy in the kitchen—no stress required. Perfect for anyone ready to embrace ease and elegance, one sweet bite at a time.

Let these treats be your next beautiful shortcut.