Who says we should be able to cook more than nine meals? That’s enough for me

http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2015/mar/02/nine-meals-thats-enough-for-me

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A survey commissioned by Ocado has revealed that, despite owning, on average, six recipe books, Britons are stuck in a nine-meal rut. That is to say that we (or, at least, the 2,000 adults they asked) cook the same nine dishes on rotation, rarely introducing new, exciting concoctions to our repertoires.

This sounds like less of a rut to me, but rather an ideal amount of staple meals: seven dinners a week, plus lunches on the weekend. Job done. There’s no shame in following a routine – we’re creatures of habit, after all. And life is hectic enough.

Surely it makes sense to return to our favourite meals, time after time, if they tick all our boxes – because we like them and their familiarity is comforting. It’s well known that flavour preferences are learned and embedded over time (other than a hatred of certain aromas like fresh coriander, which is genetic), and so familiar foods tend to taste best.

There are some meals I could happily eat every night. (I’m pretty much always up for pasta with broccoli, chili, garlic, anchovies and parmesan.) Except on a Wednesday, obviously, because I make pizza on Wednesdays. I went off piste on a Wednesday once and made a massive batch of ratatouille to shake things up a bit, only to be met with a wall of bewilderment, anger and desolation from my family. When food expectations are not met, emotions run high.

Some of us even require the consistency of assigning meals to every day of the week, or having the same thing for lunch each day. A little regularity – in the form of a daily baked potato or samosa – goes a long way in an uncertain world. The Guardian canteen provides a similar sense of stability with its weekly regulars. Many a slow news morning has been perked up upon remembering it’s Wednesday (roast dinner), Thursday (curry) or Friday (fish, chips and peas).

And of course, often, one staple feeds into the next. Roast lamb on a Sunday becomes shepherd’s pie on a Monday, with fresh lamb stock in the freezer for next time. It can be a pleasing cycle.

There are also the questions of time and energy. Even if you enjoy cooking, reading cookbooks and watching chefs on telly, there often isn’t enough time or head space left (after working, running households, parenting, just about keeping up with friends and very occasionally – whisper it – resting) to faff about with shopping and cooking that you can’t do on autopilot. Plus, when you’re busy, there is no margin for error. You need a dead cert, quick dinner if you’re to start the new season of House of Cards before bedtime.

Cohabiting can also stifle the urge to experiment on a whim and limit your household’s regular meal options. If you’re in a couple, any meals that only one of you loves will bite the dust. And children can add the further complication of food neophobia. “I don’t like that.” But you’ve never tried it. “I know I won’t like it.” Sigh. This is why, for adults and children alike, food exploration is often best reserved for holidays, dining out or entertaining guests, when there’s a sense of adventure and occasion. And more time.

Long live staple meals. They’re beloved and necessary.