How to Start Cooking from Scratch: Tips for Beginners

Cooking from scratch is a cornerstone of simple living, offering immense benefits for your health, wallet, and the food culture in your home. While it can seem daunting, especially if you’re new to whole foods or cooking, the rewards are well worth the effort. The key is to start in the right places and build up your skills gradually.
Cooking from scratch means preparing your meals using real food and whole, unprocessed ingredients. This approach dramatically changes the way you shop, shifting from buying convenience foods to selecting fresh ingredients and learning how to create your basics at home.
With rising food costs and mounting living expenses, the temptation to opt for cheaper, less healthy convenience foods is strong. However, you don’t need to buy exclusively organic or shop at health food stores to have a nutritious diet. Instead, focus on fresh, local ingredients and learn to be thrifty and creative with basics like onions, potatoes, carrots, celery, and a well-made chicken broth.
I would love to share a few basics and simple strategies for cooking from scratch that I’ve learned along the way, showing you how it can be easy, time-efficient, and rewarding. This post will guide you through building a well-stocked pantry, setting up your kitchen with essential tools, and some beginner recipes to make cooking from scratch more manageable.
Essential Ingredients for Cooking from Scratch
As a mother and a naturopath, my choice to cook this way is deeply informed by the health benefits it offers. Influenced by Sally Fallon’s work, “Nourishing Traditions,” I focus on a balanced omnivore diet, including lots of fresh fruits and veggies, nose-to-tail eating, bone broths, fermented foods, and properly prepared grains and legumes. This sensible way of eating transcends health trends and is reminiscent of how our grandmothers cooked.
When grocery shopping, the key is to buy ingredients, not products. Opt for fresh produce that’s in season. Seasonal produce is not only more flavorful and nutritious but also more affordable. Building your meals around these seasonal ingredients ensures variety and helps keep extra costs down.

Techniques for Cooking from Scratch
One of the biggest reasons to cook from scratch is to enjoy homemade meals made with real ingredients. Unlike pre-prepared meals that rely heavily on sugar, salt, and flavour enhancers, cooking from scratch allows you to use whole ingredients and develop your own techniques to make your food tasty and interesting.
Flavours and Seasonings
A well-stocked herb and spice cabinet is essential. If you’re new to this, start with a set of 10 to 12 small glass spice jars with well-fitted lids. Visit a bulk food store or a grocery store that sells herbs and spices in small packets. Avoid buying large quantities as they can lose their potency and freshness over time.
Start with basic herbs and spices like turmeric, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, paprika (sweet and/or smoked), thyme, oregano, mixed Italian herbs, and bay leaves. This set provides a great foundation for creating various flavour combinations. For example:
- Toss cumin seeds with honey and olive oil over carrots and roast them for a delicious side dish.
- Add caraway seeds to your sauerkraut.
- A pinch of coriander and cumin can enhance roasted veggies.
- A touch of cinnamon, along with thyme and mixed Italian herbs, adds depth to Bolognese sauce.
- Cumin, coriander, paprika, and oregano make a great taco seasoning.
Invest in good-quality salt, such as flaked river salt, Celtic sea salt, or Himalayan pink salt. These salts contain a spectrum of electrolytes and can season your food more effectively than regular table salt.

Homemade Broths
There’s nothing quite like a rich, homemade broth filled with the sweetness of carrots, the light pungency of onions, and the umami notes of shiitake mushrooms. Homemade broths are incredibly nourishing and can be incorporated into a variety of dishes such as Bolognese, casseroles, and soups, adding a lovely depth of flavour.
Save bones and vegetable scraps (excluding brassicas) in a ziploc bag kept in your freezer to make nutritious broths. Chicken bones, beef bones, or fish heads can be simmered with a generous slosh of apple cider vingear, onions, carrots, celery, and herbs to create a flavorful base for soups, stews, and sauces. I will often add medicinal herbs, such as jujube dates, astragalus root, reishi mushroom, Siberian ginseng or condonopsis root for an extra “food as medicine” dimension.
Essential Kitchen Equipment for Cooking from Scratch
To make cooking from scratch more manageable, it’s essential to have the right equipment. Here’s a checklist of basic cooking equipment:
Essentials
- Stainless Steel Pots and Pans: Heavy-bottomed pots in various sizes, Cast iron skillets (small and large), Dutch oven (for baking sourdough, cooking stews and casseroles).
- Knives: A good chef’s knife and paring knife, Knife sharpening tools (whetstone).
- Utensils: Wooden spoon, Metal spatula (great for cast iron cooking), Wooden chopping boards.
- Small Appliances: Instant Pot (for bone broths, homemade yogurt, quick cooking of meats, etc.), Rice cooker (for perfect grains), Slow cooker or crock pot.
- Baking Equipment: Bread tin (for making sandwich loaves).
Optional Upgrades
- Food processor: For grinding grains, making pastes, and ingredient prep.
- Storage and Fermentation: Mason jars and canning jars for storing dried herbs, making tinctures, and fermenting.
- Specialty Tools: Fermentation lids and weights for making sauerkraut and kimchi.
You can often find this equipment at thrift stores or wait for sales for more expensive items like an Instant Pot or cast iron skillets. Starting with simple equipment is perfectly fine.

Slow Cooking and Batch Cooking
The two best techniques for making cooking from scratch sustainable are using a slow cooker and batch cooking.
Slow Cooking
A slow cooker is a godsend for busy days. You can prep a meal in the morning or the night before, set it to cook slowly throughout the day, and dinner will be ready with very little effort on your part. It almost feels like magic.
I used to use the slow cooker a lot when I ran my naturopathic practice. It was such an amazing thing to come home to a house filled with the aromas of a Moroccan tagine, a hearty lamb stew or a rich oxtail soup. These days, being home with my children, the slow cooker is just as valuable. On days when we have lots of activities or need to be out of the house, it really takes the pressure off when it comes to dinner time.
Meals that are great for slow cooking include any kind of casserole, whole chicken, osso buco, lamb shanks, dal, and Moroccan tagines. The flavours meld beautifully over the long, slow cooking process, resulting in dishes that are deeply satisfying and rich in flavour.
Using a slow cooker not only saves time but also ensures that you have a healthy, home-cooked meal waiting for you at the end of a busy day. It’s one of those simple tools that make cooking from scratch manageable and enjoyable, even on the busiest of days.

Batch Cooking
Batch cooking involves preparing large quantities of food at once and freezing portions for future meals. You can double or triple a recipe and freeze the extras, or spend a few hours on the weekend preparing multiple meals. For instance, you could make chilli con carne in the Instant Pot, minestrone soup on the stove, osso buco in the slow cooker, and roast chicken in the oven. This strategy ensures you have ready-to-eat meals on hand for busy nights.
Another approach to batch cooking is to prep ingredients in advance. Pre-chop vegetables, wash salad greens and herbs marinate meat, cook grains, boil eggs, make hummus, bake bread, and prepare yogurt or sauerkraut. Spending some leisurely time in the kitchen on a weekend can make dinner prep much simpler throughout the week.
A Well-Stocked Pantry for Cooking from Scratch
From-scratch cooking means you can create delicious and nutritious meals from the ingredients you have on hand. A well-stocked pantry is essential for this and offers numerous benefits: it saves a lot of money by allowing bulk purchases and reduces the need for frequent grocery shopping. Here’s my go-to list for pantry staples:
Grains and Flours
- Whole wheat flour
- All-purpose flour
- Rye flour
- Rice: Basmati and Brown
- Quinoa
- Oats
Legumes and Beans
- Lentils (green, red, brown)
- Chickpeas
- Black beans
- Kidney beans
- Borlotti beans
- Split peas
Nuts and Seeds
- Almonds
- Walnuts
- Sunflower seeds
- Pumpkin seeds
- Flaxseeds
- Chia seeds
- Sesame seeds
Oils and Fats
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Coconut oil
- Butter
- Avocado oil
Vinegars and Condiments
- Apple cider vinegar
- Balsamic vinegar
- Tamari or soy sauce
- Fish sauce
- Mustard
- Raw honey
- Maple syrup
Spices and Herbs
- Sea salt or Himalayan pink salt
- Black peppercorns
- Turmeric
- Cumin
- Coriander
- Cinnamon
- Paprika
- Thyme
- Oregano
- Italian seasoning
- Bay leaves
Baking Essentials
- Baking powder
- Baking soda
- Yeast
- Arrowroot powder or cornstarch
- Raw cane sugar
- Unsweetened cocoa powder
Other Staples
- Canned tomatoes
- Tomato paste
- Unsweetened shredded coconut
- Dried fruit (raisins, dates, apricots)
- Nut butters (almond, peanut, cashew)
With these staples, I can create a variety of meals from different cuisines. It’s all about having versatile ingredients that can be used in multiple ways.

Cooking from Scratch Beginner Recipes
Once you’ve streamlined your kitchen, stocked your pantry with fresh produce and quality meat, and have a solid plan for meal prep, it’s time to master a few basic recipes. If you’re a beginner cook, start with easy recipes that build your confidence and skills in cooking from scratch. Focus on the easiest ways to create simple meals that your family will love. Mastering one cooking skill at a time will help you become a more confident cook, and as you grow more proficient, you can expand your repertoire and explore even more delicious recipes.
Homemade Broth
Homemade broth is a great place to begin because it’s virtually foolproof. Simply add bones and vegetable scraps to a pot, cover it with water, add a bit of vinegar, and let it simmer. This can serve as a base for soups, stews, and casseroles, providing a huge nutritional boost and a beautiful depth of flavour. Using an Instant Pot can cut down the cooking time and contain the smell, making the process even more convenient.

Yogurt Making
Making yogurt at home can be done in several ways, but using an Instant Pot is my favourite method and I follow this recipe. It simplifies the process by lightly pasteurizing the milk and maintaining a constant fermenting temperature. The result is rich, thick, creamy yogurt that’s much more affordable than store-bought versions. My kids love it with honey and fresh fruit, and it makes a great base for smoothies in the summer.
Pumpkin Soup
If you’re new to cooking, starting with a simple pumpkin soup is a gentle introduction. This is my favourite recipe includes tomatoes and a hint of chilli, making it creamy and flavorful. It’s easy to prepare and a comforting meal during the colder months.
Ingredients:
- 1 kg pumpkin, peeled and cut into chunks (I use jap, Queensland blue or kent)
- 3 tomatoes, peeled and chopped
- 1 large brown onion, sliced
- 1 teaspoon raw sugar
- 3 cups chicken broth
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Pinch of chili powder (optional, omit for kids)
- 150 ml cream
Instructions:
- Prep the Veggies: Start by peeling and chopping your pumpkin into chunks. Place the pumpkin chunks, sliced onion, and chopped tomatoes into a large pot.
- Add Seasoning: Sprinkle in the raw sugar, a good pinch of salt, and some freshly ground black pepper.
- Cook the Soup: Pour in the chicken broth, but be cautious not to add too much. You want enough to just cover the vegetables. Overfilling will make the soup too watery. Cover the pot and let it simmer until the pumpkin is very tender about 15 minutes.
- Blend Until Smooth: Once the pumpkin is soft, use a ladle to transfer the vegetables and broth to a blender. Blend until you have a smooth, creamy consistency. If there’s too much liquid left in the pot, feel free to leave some out to keep your soup thick and luscious.
- Finish with Cream and Spice: Return the blended soup to the pot and stir in the chili powder (if using) and the cream. Heat gently, but be careful not to let it boil.
- Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the soup into bowls, serve warm, and enjoy!
Sauerkraut
I’ve been making sauerkraut for over 12 years and find fermenting in mason jars the simplest method. With just a few fermentation lids, salt, and some muscle power to chop and pound the cabbage, you can make this probiotic-rich side dish. It’s great with sausages, steaks, or as an affordable vegetable option throughout winter. Sauerkraut is a fantastic way to include fermented foods in your diet. I follow the recipe in the book “Nourishing Traditions” by Sally Fallon.
Simple Salad Dressings
Homemade salad dressing is easy to make and much healthier than store-bought versions, which often contain emulsifiers, mineral salts, and cheap seed oils. My favourite dressing combines 1 tbls balsamic vinegar, 2 tbls extra virgin olive oil, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, 1 tsp honey, 1/2 tsp sea salt, and 1/4 tsp pepper. It’s delicious and can be made in a jar to use throughout the week.

Starting with Breakfast
If you’re used to purchasing many pre-packaged or convenience foods, changing your habits for lunches and dinners might feel overwhelming. A really handy place to begin cooking from scratch is with your breakfasts.
Ditching breakfast cereals is a great first step. Instead, try simple scrambled eggs on toast. Learning to make a basic wholemeal yeasted bread is incredibly useful because it can be used for sandwiches and toast in the morning (I love this recipe). Pair your toast with a nice berry smoothie made with whole yogurt and milk, or opt for old-fashioned rolled oats porridge.
You could also learn to make your own yogurt and get into a weekly rhythm of preparing it. This adds a nutritious, homemade touch to your breakfasts and can be used in smoothies, with granola, or just eaten plain.
For a weekend treat, learn how to make pancakes from scratch. Enjoy them with homemade strawberry jam, maple syrup, yogurt, and a nice pot of coffee. This has become one of our favourite traditions on Saturday mornings.

From Little Things Big Things Grow
Starting with these basic recipes and techniques will help you build your confidence in cooking from scratch. As you become more comfortable, you can expand your recipe collection and explore new flavours and techniques. Using real ingredients and whole ingredients in your home-cooked food not only nurtures your family with nutritious meals but also brings a sense of accomplishment and joy to your kitchen.
In the long run, making your own meals and your own bread can save you money and ensure you’re eating healthier. It’s a great thing that a lot of folks don’t realise until they try it. With just a little bit of prep time, you’ll become a better cook and find easy ways to make delicious, wholesome meals from scratch. Enjoy the journey, and remember, every great cook started with the basics.
FAQs
What does cooking from scratch mean?
Cooking from scratch means preparing meals using real food and whole, unprocessed ingredients instead of relying on pre-packaged or convenience foods.
Why is cooking from scratch beneficial?
Cooking from scratch offers numerous benefits, including improved health, cost savings, and a greater appreciation for the food you eat. It also allows for more control over ingredients and flavors.
How can I start cooking from scratch?
Start with simple recipes and gradually build your skills. Focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients and essential kitchen tools. Learning basic techniques like making broths, bread, and yogurt can provide a strong foundation.
What equipment do I need for cooking from scratch?
Essential equipment includes stainless steel pots and pans, good knives, wooden spoons, and small appliances like an Instant Pot and slow cooker. Optional upgrades include a food processor and fermentation tools.
How can I make cooking from scratch easier?
Using a slow cooker and batch cooking are great ways to make cooking from scratch more manageable. Prepping ingredients in advance and having a well-stocked pantry can also save time and effort.
Is cooking from scratch more expensive?
While some ingredients might seem pricier upfront, cooking from scratch can save money in the long run by reducing the need for convenience foods and allowing for bulk purchases of staple items.
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