Moving out is the dream of many. There’s nothing like having your own space and enjoying your freedom, but before you start thinking about throwing parties and inviting all your friends, it's a good idea to plan what you will eat.

We know, fast food is delicious, but for your well-being and your wallet, learning to cook for yourself is by far the best option. At kiwilimón, we share with you the cooking basics you should master before starting the adventure of living alone.

The perfect hard-boiled egg
Knowing how to boil an egg is a basic skill, as this ingredient can be used for countless recipes perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

First, heat water in a pot. When you can feel the heat by placing your hand over the water, gently lower the egg with a spoon to avoid cracking it. The secret to a perfect hard-boiled egg lies in the cooking time: 6 minutes if you want the yolk a little runny, 10 minutes for a soft-boiled egg, and 14 minutes for a hard-boiled egg. Stop the cooking by immersing the egg in a bowl with water and ice. To crack the egg, simply roll it with the palm of your hand on a flat surface and remove the shell pieces. Season to your liking and enjoy!



Perfectly cooked vegetables
When you move out, you will confirm that, no matter how delicious it is, you can’t live on fast food alone. Give your body a break and eat vegetables, just as your mom always told you. We assure you that, with our guide, they will turn out tastier than ever.

To cook zucchini, simply boil water with salt and add the zucchini previously cut into medium cubes. Cook for 8 minutes and immerse them in a bowl with ice to stop the cooking and keep their color intact. To cook broccoli, boil water with salt, add the broccoli, and cook for 10 minutes. The secret to keeping it green and bright is to add a teaspoon of baking soda. Finally, stop the cooking in a bowl with ice. To cook potatoes, boil water, add a pinch of salt, and add the potatoes cut into cubes. If you want them for mashed potatoes, cook for 15 to 18 minutes. The potato will be cooked when you can easily insert a knife into it. No more excuses not to eat vegetables!

Cleaning chiles
Cleaning chiles properly is a skill that every Mexican should master. Learn to clean dried chiles, jalapeño chiles, and poblano chiles with kiwilimón. It will be very useful when you live alone!

To clean dried chiles, first, remove any trace of dirt on the chile with a damp cloth. Cut the stem and slice the chile lengthwise, remove all the seeds, and hydrate it. To clean jalapeño chiles, make a cut at the top and another lengthwise to form a T. Open the chile and remove the veins and seeds. Boil it in water with piloncillo, and you're done. For cleaning poblano chiles, first, roast and peel them. Make a cut at the top and another lengthwise to form a T. Open the chile and remove the veins and seeds. Now you’re ready to prepare all kinds of salsas and stuffed chile recipes!

You can also read: 10 kitchen cleaning tips for beginners

Pasta that doesn't stick
Easy and delicious, pasta is a kitchen staple that will get you out of trouble with its versatility, so pay attention to learn how to prepare it perfectly with our tips.

To start, fill ¾ of a large pot with water and bring it to a boil. When it bubbles, add salt and the pasta. Never break it in half, no matter how long it is! Cook for 1 to 2 minutes and gently submerge the pasta without moving it too much. Cook uncovered for a total of 8 to 10 minutes. To know if your pasta is al dente, cut a piece; if it is firm and has a lighter spot in the center, it’s ready. Drain it, serve it on a plate, and add olive oil, your preferred sauce, or cheese, and enjoy. Remember that at kiwilimón you can find hundreds of simple and delicious pasta recipes that you will love.

Green sauce for enchiladas and chilaquiles
Preparing green sauce for different types of dishes is a kitchen basic that will be very useful. With the tips we share at kiwilimón, you can prepare a spicy and acidity-free sauce that will be perfect for your recipes.

Remove the skin from the tomatillos, wash them thoroughly, and cut them in half. In a pot with hot oil, add ¼ of an onion, 2 cloves of garlic, and the tomatillos. Sauté and add a little chicken broth and cilantro. Blend all the ingredients perfectly and pour the green sauce into a pot, season, add epazote, and cook for a few minutes until it changes color. Now you are ready to prepare delicious chilaquiles or enchiladas!



Comforting chicken soup
Moving out means you will take care of yourself even when you are sick, and nothing is better for those days than a chicken soup just like your mom or grandma makes. You’ll feel better in no time!

Clean the chicken by removing skin and fat with a knife and rinse. In a pot with boiling water, add the chicken, ¼ of an onion, a head of garlic, a piece of celery, cilantro, and vegetables. If you want to use the broth as a base for another dish, add salt at the end; if not, add it before the vegetables. Cook over medium heat and remove the foam that forms on the surface. Enjoy your delicious and warm chicken soup!

Gelatin for dessert
Making gelatin is very simple and economical, making it ideal to prepare when you just moved out. It’s an easy and tasty way to add a sweet touch to your meals! Remember that at kiwilimón we have the best gelatin recipes for you to get started.

To make water gelatin, first boil 2 cups of water. Add the gelatin powder and mix slowly until dissolved. Pour the mixture into a bowl and add 2 cups of cold water to set faster. Mix slowly to avoid bubbles. If bubbles form, strain the gelatin when pouring it into the mold. Refrigerate for 2 to 3 hours and enjoy. To make fruit gelatin, heat the hydrated gelatin for 10 seconds in the microwave. In a blender, add two cups of milk, 1 cup of sweetened condensed milk, 1 cup of evaporated milk, and 3 pieces of mango previously cut, and blend a little. While blending, gradually add the hydrated gelatin. Pour the mixture into a mold and refrigerate for 2 to 3 hours. Who wants dessert?

You can also read: Why is it important to preheat the oven before baking?

Whether you are planning to move out or have already done so, at kiwilimón, we have thousands of easy and quick recipes that are ideal for anyone wanting to start cooking and enjoy tasty dishes. You will love them!