Year Ender 2023: Top 10 Kitchen DIY Hacks You Must Know To Turn Culinary Chaos Into Organized Oasis

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You walk into your kitchen and instead of being greeted by the chaos of masalas mixing with the mayhem of mismatched utensils. For many of us, the kitchen is less of a Zen garden and more of a tropical storm.

However, fear not! With a dash of planning, quick fixes and clever solutions, we're here to transform your culinary chaos into an organized oasis. Check out these top 10 hacks to turn your kitchen, the heart of home.

1. DIY Knife Sharpener
A sharp knife is an essential tool in the kitchen, but keeping those blades razor-sharp can be a challenge. Enter the DIY knife sharpener using a ceramic mug. When your knives start to dull, simply turn a ceramic mug upside down and use the unglazed bottom edge as a makeshift sharpener. Hold the blade at a 20-degree angle and run it along the mug's edge. This quick hack can revive your knives and make chopping and slicing a breeze.

2. Easy Citrus Zesting
Citrus zest adds a burst of flavor to many dishes, but zesting can be a tricky task. Instead of investing in a specialized zester, grab a microplane or the fine side of a box grater. Hold the grater at a slight angle and gently scrape the outer layer of your citrus fruit. This hack ensures you collect the flavorful zest without incorporating the bitter white pith. It's a simple yet effective way to enhance the taste of your favorite recipes.

3. DIY Buttermilk Substitute
Discovering a recipe that requires buttermilk when you don't have any on hand can be frustrating, but fear not - a DIY buttermilk substitute is just a few minutes away. Mix one cup of milk with one tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice, stir, and let it sit for about 5 minutes. The acid in the vinegar or lemon juice will sour the milk, creating a suitable buttermilk alternative for your baking or cooking needs. It's a handy solution that can save you a trip to the grocery store.

4. DIY Ice Pack for Wine
Picture this: you're ready to unwind with a glass of wine, but it's not chilled. Avoid diluting your drink with regular ice cubes by using a clever DIY ice pack made from frozen grapes. Simply freeze a bunch of grapes and drop them into your wine glass instead of traditional ice. Not only do they keep your wine cool without watering it down, but they also serve as a tasty treat once you've finished your drink. It's a win-win solution for wine lovers who appreciate a perfectly chilled glass.

5. Spice Storage Solutions
In Indian cooking, a variety of spices is essential, but keeping them organized can be challenging. Consider creating a custom spice rack using magnetic strips and small containers. Attach the magnetic strips to the inside of your cabinet doors and affix the spice containers for easy access. This not only saves counter space but also ensures that your spices are within arm's reach while you're cooking.

6. Broth from Veggie Scraps
Instead of discarding vegetable peels and scraps, collect them in a container in your freezer. Once you have a sufficient amount, simmer the scraps in water to create a flavorful homemade vegetable broth. This DIY broth can be used as a base for soups, stews, and gravies, adding depth to your dishes while minimizing food waste.

7. DIY Tandoor
Love the smoky flavor of tandoori dishes but don't have a tandoor at home? Create a makeshift tandoor using a charcoal grill. Skewer marinated meats or vegetables and grill them over charcoal for that authentic tandoori taste. This hack brings the essence of traditional Indian cooking to your backyard. Also, you can simply place marinated food items over barbeque net/jali and then once the skin becomes crisp, put them in a box and add a hot charcoal and ghee on top for it. Close the lid for 5 mins and your delicious kebabs/tandooris are ready.

8. Roti Basket Dehumidifier
To keep rotis or chapatis warm and fresh, repurpose a traditional cane basket as a dehumidifier. Line the basket with a cloth and place a hot pot or pan inside. The warmth from the pot will create a dry environment, preventing the rotis from becoming soggy and ensuring they remain soft and delicious.

9. Masala Tea Bags
Simplify the process of making masala tea by creating your own tea bags. Fill empty, sealable tea bags with a mixture of your favorite tea leaves and aromatic spices like cardamom, cloves, and cinnamon. This allows you to enjoy the convenience of tea bags while savoring the authentic flavors of homemade masala chai.

10. Quick Ripening of Avocados
Craving that creamy avocado goodness, but your avocados are still rock-hard? Speed up the ripening process with a DIY hack using a brown paper bag and a banana or apple. Place the unripe avocados in the bag along with the banana or apple, which releases ethylene gas, a natural ripening agent. Seal the bag and let it sit for about 24 hours. When you check back, your avocados should be perfectly ripe and ready to enjoy.