It’s often said that couples who do things together, stay together. But what about couples who cook together? Turns out, there’s some truth to this statement. Cooking can be a great way to spend quality time with your partner while building a stronger relationship.
There is no definitive percentage or statistic that says couples who cook together stay together. Several studies, however, have found a link between cooking together and relationship satisfaction.
For example, a survey carried out by Wren Kitchens found that 86% of Brits agree cooking with their partner benefits their relationship, with couples also pointing out that it gives them a chance to spend some much-needed quality time together after the workday is over.
Couples can strengthen their bond, communicate effectively, and work towards a common goal by spending time together in the kitchen. Cooking together can be a fun and rewarding activity for couples of all ages and backgrounds, whether it’s preparing a romantic dinner or just whipping up a quick weekday meal.
The benefits of cooking together
Cooking together allows couples to strengthen their relationship while enjoying delicious food in a fun and interactive way. It encourages teamwork, communication, and healthy habits while also creating memories that will last a lifetime. Here are a few reasons why couples can benefit from cooking together:
Communication
There are numerous opportunities for couples to practise effective communication skills, from discussing recipe ideas to deciding who chops the onions and who stirs the sauce. Couples can learn to communicate more effectively in other areas of their relationship by communicating effectively in the kitchen.
Teamwork
Cooking is a team effort, and when couples cook together, they learn to rely on each other’s strengths. Teamwork in the kitchen can strengthen a couple’s bond and help them work more effectively as a team, whether it’s one person prepping the ingredients while the other cooks or taking turns stirring the pot.
Exploring new foods and flavours
Cooking together can also be an enjoyable way for couples to experiment with new foods and flavours. Experimenting with new recipes and ingredients can be an exciting adventure, and it’s a great way for couples to bond over a shared love of food.
Reducing stress
Cooking can be a relaxing and therapeutic activity. When couples cook together, they can take a break from the stresses of daily life and focus on the task at hand. This can help reduce stress and promote a sense of calm and relaxation in the relationship.
Encouraging healthy habits
Couples who cook together have greater control over the ingredients they use and the types of meals they prepare. This can support overall wellness, introduce healthier foods and benefit gut health and nutrition.
Creating memories
Cooking together can also create lasting memories that couples can cherish for years to come. From mastering a new recipe to burning a dish and laughing about it later, cooking together can be a fun and memorable experience that couples can look back on with fondness.
Tips for cooking together
Cooking together can be a fun and interactive way for couples to strengthen their bond while also enjoying delicious food. To begin with, cooking together can be a bonding experience that strengthens a couple’s relationship. It promotes collaboration, communication, and mutual support. Working together to prepare a meal teaches couples to rely on and trust one another, which can be transferred to other areas of the relationship.
Of course, there are a few things couples should keep in mind when cooking together. Here are a few tips for making the most of your time in the kitchen:
Communicate clearly
When cooking with others, effective communication is essential. When it comes to recipe ideas, ingredient lists, and kitchen tasks, make sure you’re both on the same page.
Be patient
Cooking can be a learning experience, so be patient with one another as you work together in the kitchen. Remember that the point is to spend time together and have fun, not to be perfect.
Embrace mistakes
It’s normal to make mistakes in the kitchen. Don’t be worried when something doesn’t go as planned. Instead, embrace the mistake and use it as a learning experience for the next time.
Share responsibilities
It is essential to share responsibilities and work as a team when cooking together. Make sure you’re both doing something to help with the meal, whether it’s prepping ingredients, cooking, or cleaning up.
Have fun
Above all, remember to enjoy yourself! Don’t take cooking together too seriously; it should be a fun and enjoyable experience. Put on some music, pour a glass of wine, and spend time together cooking a delicious meal.
Cooking together for special occasions
Cooking together can be a fun way for couples to celebrate special occasions and make lasting memories. Here are some reasons why couples should cook together on special occasions:
Valentine’s Day: Couples can cook together on Valentine’s Day. Cooking can be a great way for couples to bond and spend quality time together, whether they are preparing a romantic dinner at home or trying out a new recipe. Furthermore, by cooking together, couples can create a unique and intimate atmosphere that is ideal for this romantic holiday.
Anniversaries: Anniversaries are occasions to celebrate two people’s love and commitment to one another. Cooking together allows couples to reminisce about their past experiences while also creating new memories. Cooking can be a fun and meaningful way to mark this special occasion, whether they are preparing a meal from their first date or trying out a new recipe together.
Birthdays: Birthdays are occasions to enjoy and indulge in tasty treats. Couples can prepare a special birthday meal or dessert that incorporates their favourite dishes and flavours by cooking together. Collaborating in the kitchen, couples can create a fun and festive atmosphere that is ideal for this joyous occasion.
Holidays: Holidays are a time for families to get together and share food. Couples can prepare traditional holiday dishes or try out new recipes together by cooking together. Couples can also create a warm and welcoming atmosphere in the kitchen by working together, which is ideal for entertaining family and friends.
Date Nights: Date nights allow couples to disconnect from the stresses of everyday life and focus on each other. Couples can create a romantic and intimate atmosphere for a special date night by cooking together. Couples can also create a shared experience that strengthens their bond and creates lasting memories by preparing a meal together.
Why would couples cook together?
Couples may choose to cook together for a variety of reasons, including:
- Quality time: Cooking together gives couples the opportunity to spend quality time together. It enables them to collaborate on a common goal, share experiences, and create memories together.
- Shared interest: Cooking can be a fun activity for couples to do together. They can share their passion for food, try new recipes, and experiment with different ingredients by cooking together.
- Bonding: Cooking together can be a great way for couples to bond. It necessitates communication, collaboration, and trust, all of which can contribute to the strengthening of their relationship.
- Cost-effective: Cooking at home, rather than going out to eat, can be a more cost-effective way for couples to enjoy a delicious meal together.
- Health benefits: Cooking at home gives couples control over the ingredients and portion sizes of their meals, which can lead to health benefits such as a lower risk of obesity, heart disease, and diabetes.
- Creativity: Cooking together can provide couples with a creative outlet. They can experiment with new flavours and techniques, as well as express themselves through food.
- Stress-relief: Cooking together can be a relaxing activity for couples. It allows you to relax after a long day and focus on the task at hand rather than other distractions.
Read more: 5 ways to always get your 5-a-day
Dishes to cook together
There are so many delicious options to choose from in different cultures around the world that it’s difficult to narrow down the top five foods that couples can cook together. Here are five popular dishes from various cultures that couples can make together:
Margherita pizza
Pizza is a classic Italian dish that is easy to make at home with your partner, and can easily be personalised with your favourite toppings. Here’s a simple recipe for a Margherita pizza:
Ingredients:
- 1 pizza dough ball
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
- Salt and pepper
- Olive oil
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 200℃ (fan).
- Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface to your desired thickness.
- Place the dough on a lightly oiled pizza pan.
- Spread the tomato sauce over the dough, leaving a 1/2 inch border around the edges.
- Arrange the mozzarella slices on top of the sauce.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Drizzle a little olive oil over the top.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Sprinkle the fresh basil leaves over the top before serving.
Chicken curry
Indian food is known for its complex spices and flavours, making it a fun and challenging cuisine to cook with your partner. Here’s a recipe for a simple chicken curry:
Ingredients:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons curry powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 cup canned diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup coconut milk
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the onion and garlic and sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the chicken and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the curry powder, cumin, coriander, turmeric, paprika, salt, and cayenne pepper, and stir to coat the chicken.
- Pour in the diced tomatoes and coconut milk, and stir to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until the chicken is cooked through for about 15-20 minutes.
- Serve the curry over rice or with naan bread, and garnish with fresh cilantro, if desired.
Sushi
Sushi is a fun and creative dish to make with your partner. Here’s a simple recipe for California rolls:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup sushi rice
- 1 1/4 cups water
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 4 sheets of sushi nori
- 1 avocado, peeled and sliced
- 1/2 cucumber, peeled and sliced into matchsticks
- 1/2 lb imitation crab meat, shredded
- Soy sauce and wasabi, for serving
Instructions:
- Rinse the sushi rice in cold water until the water runs clear. Drain the rice and transfer it to a medium saucepan.
- Add the water to the saucepan and bring it to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and simmer for 20 minutes.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and let it sit, covered, for 10 minutes.
- In a small saucepan, combine the rice vinegar, sugar, and salt. Heat the mixture over low heat until the sugar dissolves.
- Transfer the cooked rice to a large bowl and pour the vinegar mixture over it. Use a wooden spoon to gently stir the rice until it’s evenly coated.
- Lay a sheet of nori on a bamboo sushi mat or a sheet of plastic wrap.
- Spoon a quarter of the rice onto the nori, using wet hands to spread it out evenly and leaving a 1-inch border at the top.
- Arrange a quarter of the avocado, cucumber, and crab meat in a line across the centre of the rice.
- Spread a little mayonnaise on the filling ingredients.
- Use the bamboo sushi mat or plastic wrap to tightly roll the sushi. Use a little water on the edge of the nori to seal it closed.
- Repeat with the remaining ingredients to make 4 rolls.
- Use a sharp knife to slice each roll into 6-8 pieces.
- Serve the sushi with soy sauce, wasabi, and pickled ginger on the side. Enjoy!
Tacos
Tacos are a popular Mexican dish that can be customised with a variety of fillings. Here’s a recipe for classic beef tacos:
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon chilli powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 8 corn tortillas
- Toppings (such as shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, salsa, and sour cream)
Instructions:
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the onion and garlic and sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.
- Add the chilli powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and cayenne pepper, and stir to coat the beef.
- Warm the tortillas in the microwave or on a dry skillet.
- Assemble the tacos by spooning the beef mixture onto the tortillas and adding your desired toppings.
Greek moussaka
Moussaka is a Greek casserole dish made with layers of aubergine, beef or lamb mince, and a creamy bechamel sauce. Here’s a recipe for a traditional moussaka:
Ingredients:
- 2 medium aubergines, sliced into 1/2 inch rounds
- Salt
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 lb ground beef or lamb
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1/2 cup red wine
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- Salt and pepper
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1/4 teaspoon grated nutmeg
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 170℃ (fan).
- Place the aubergine slices in a colander and sprinkle with salt. Let sit for 30 minutes to draw out excess moisture, then rinse and pat dry.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the ground beef or lamb, onion, and garlic, and cook until the meat is browned and the onion is softened.
- Add the tomato paste, red wine, diced tomatoes, oregano, cinnamon, and salt and pepper to taste. Stir to combine.
- Simmer for 10-15 minutes until the sauce has thickened.
- Meanwhile, make the bechamel sauce by melting the butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until golden brown.
- Gradually whisk in the milk and nutmeg and continue whisking until the sauce has thickened.
- Remove from the heat and whisk in the beaten eggs and Parmesan cheese.
- To assemble the moussaka, layer the aubergine slices in the bottom of a large baking dish.
- Spoon the meat mixture on top of the aubergine.
- Pour the bechamel sauce over the meat.
- Bake the moussaka for 45-50 minutes until golden brown and bubbly.
Cooking together can be a great way for couples to connect, make new memories, and have fun in the kitchen. Cooking together can be a great way to connect with your partner, whether you’re making traditional dishes from your own culture or exploring new cuisines from around the world.
Couples can learn new skills, experiment with new ingredients and flavour combinations, and create meals that reflect their distinct tastes and personalities by cooking together. Furthermore, cooking together can be a wonderful way to unwind and relax after a long day while also enjoying a delicious home-cooked meal. Couples can create a meaningful and enjoyable experience in the kitchen by focusing on the joys of cooking and the pleasure of sharing a meal together.
So, if you want to do something fun and engaging with your partner, why not try cooking together? Cooking together can be a great way to strengthen your relationship and create lasting memories, whether you’re making a classic beef taco, rolling sushi, or attempting a new recipe from a different culture.