# Modern Simple Cooking

## Key Principles

1. **Accessible Ingredients**: Focus on staples readily available at major US retailers like Walmart and Costco.
2. **Health-Conscious**: Incorporating modern nutritional knowledge without sacrificing flavor.
3. **Basic Ingredients**: Emphasis on using basic proteins, common vegetables, fruits, nuts etc.
4. **Simplicity**: Utilizing straightforward cooking techniques suitable for home cooks.
5. **Culturally Inspired**: Drawing inspiration from global cuisines while using accessible ingredients.
6. **Time-Efficient**: Balancing flavorful meals with practicality for everyday cooking.

## Common Ingredients

### Proteins
- Chicken (whole, breasts, thighs)
- Ground beef
- Pork (chops, tenderloin)
- Salmon and tilapia
- Eggs
- Canned tuna and salmon
- Tofu
- Beans (canned and dried)

### Vegetables
- Broccoli and cauliflower
- Carrots
- Onions and garlic
- Bell peppers
- Spinach and mixed greens
- Potatoes (regular and sweet)
- Tomatoes (fresh and canned)

### Fruits
- Apples and oranges
- Bananas
- Berries (fresh and frozen)
- Lemons and limes

### Grains and Starches
- Rice (white and brown)
- Pasta
- Quinoa
- Bread (whole grain and white)

### Dairy and Alternatives
- Milk (dairy and plant-based)
- Yogurt
- Cheese (cheddar, mozzarella)

### Nuts and Seeds
- Almonds and walnuts
- Sunflower and pumpkin seeds

### Pantry Staples
- Olive oil and vegetable oil
- Vinegars (balsamic, apple cider)
- Soy sauce
- Spices (salt, pepper, paprika, cumin, etc.)
- Flour
- Sugar

## Cooking Techniques

- **One-Pot Meals**: Minimizing cleanup while maximizing flavor.
- **Sheet Pan Dinners**: Easy, hands-off cooking method for complete meals.
- **Slow Cooker / Instant Pot**: Utilizing convenient appliances for effortless cooking.
- **Batch Cooking**: Preparing larger quantities for meal prep and leftovers.
- **Simple Sautéing and Roasting**: Basic techniques for enhancing flavors.

## Meal Planning

- **Flexible Recipes**: Creating base recipes that can be easily modified with available ingredients.
- **Seasonal Adaptations**: Adjusting meals based on what's currently abundant and affordable.
- **Balanced Plate Approach**: Ensuring a mix of proteins, vegetables, and whole grains in each meal.

## Sustainability Practices

- **Minimal Waste**: Utilizing ingredients fully and repurposing leftovers.
- **Bulk Buying**: Taking advantage of Costco's large formats to reduce packaging and trips.
- **Freezer-Friendly**: Properly storing bulk ingredients and prepared meals.