Recipes,  Soups & Stews

Inspiration and Ideas for Finding New Recipes

Disclaimer Box

Since you are visiting my blog, you are someone who is passionate about food and cooking.

And the chances are that you’re constantly on the lookout for new recipes.

However, it’s not always easy to keep your food game fresh, is it?

It’s far too easy to get into a rut when it comes to what you’re cooking and what you’re eating.

Far too many of us end up buying the same groceries each week, then going on to cook the same meals time and time again, which becomes extremely boring. 

Has the time come to overhaul your cooking?

If you’re someone who is passionate about food and cooking but feel like you’ve lost your way, then you might find the below tips and ideas for sourcing new recipes useful!

wok on a stove top cooking food

Test out recipe boxes 

A great way to source new recipes is to find and test out recipe boxes.

Recipe boxes like Hello Fresh and Gousto for instance, are ideal for anyone with a passion for cooking who is looking to discover some new recipes.

You can sign up to however many meals a week you would like to get, and you will get sent a recipe box to your door complete with all of the ingredients that you need to make each dish, plus a recipe card.

You can store these recipe cards and make each meal again, allowing you to add an array of new dishes to your collection. 

Get ready to grill promo from butcherbox

Follow food blogs

Another great way to source ideas and inspiration for your recipe collection is to follow food bloggers, LIKE ME savoring food emoji and foodie influencers on social media.

free classic sandwich bread recipe promo

You can find all kinds of different recipes on different food blogs, from quirky takes on traditional pasta dishes to a buffalo shrimp recipe. 

The more food blogs you follow and read, the more recipes you will find that you want to try. 

In 2015, for the entire year, I never repeated a recipe. We were relocating and I was cooking at home almost every night. But we did not have the same meal twice for 365 days.

Utilize cooking apps 

In addition to food blogs, there are also lots of cooking apps that you can opt to download.

Food apps like Jamie Oliver’s app, Deliciously Ella’s app, and Joe Wickes app, are all packed full of unique, easy, healthy recipes to try.

If you fancy finding some new recipes, consider downloading a selection of these foodie apps. 

free introduction to cooking with wine

Follow recipe accounts on social media 

There are also plenty of social media food and recipe accounts if you’re in need of finding some new recipes to try out.

Whether you opt to source accounts on Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest, you’re guaranteed to find some incredible dishes to test out.

You will also find that lots of social media recipe accounts share recipe ideas for new twists on old dishes.

Testing out new twists on more traditional dishes can be a fun way to spice up your go-to collection of meals. 

Just Experiment

If you are getting bored with your cooking repertoire, why not experiment a little.

When I decided to plant Pretty & Sweet Peppers from Botanical Interest, I had no idea what I was going to use them in.

botanical interest banner promo

Now, I know they are kinda like bell pepper but have a sweetness to them.

I have put them in meatloaf, pasta dishes, and burritos.

They are as versatile as a Vidalia onion.

But I never would have known without “playing with my ingredients.”


When looking for new, inspiring recipes, be willing to try new flavors and different ingredients than you typically buy.

I did not appreciate leeks until I was an adult, so it was a “new ingredient” to me.

Luscious Leek Potato Soup

This soup has a silky, warm, comforting texture and can be made in under an hour.
Course Soup
Cuisine American
Keyword leeks, potatoes, soup
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings 4 people
Author JoAnn

Ingredients

  • 6 Tablespoons 3/4 stick unsalted butter
  • 4-5 Pounds leeks white and light green parts only, halved lengthwise, sliced crosswise to 1" thick (11 cups)
  • After leeks are cut; place in a colander and rinse thoroughly; allow to dry slightly
  • I used 2 large leeks.
  • 1 Tablespoon unbleached all-purpose flour - I added 2 Tablespoons
  • 5-1/2 Cups low-sodium chicken broth - I added only 5 cups
  • 1- ¾ Pounds red potatoes about 5 medium, peeled and cut into 3/4" chunks.
  • 1 Bay leaf - I used 2 large leaves
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  • Melt the butter in a large Dutch oven over medium-low heat.
  • Add the leeks, increase the heat to medium, cover, and cook, stirring occasionally, until the leeks are tender but not mushy, 15-20 minutes.
  • Do NOT brown them.
  • Add the flour and cook, stirring constantly, until thoroughly combined, about 2 minutes.
  • Increase the heat to high; whisking constantly, gradually add the broth.
  • Add the potatoes and bay leaf, cover.
  • Bring to a boil.
  • When soup reaches a boil; reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer, COVERED, until the potatoes are ALMOST tender, 5-7 minutes.
  • You can try to push a fork into the potatoes to test their doneness.
  • You should feel some resistance, but the fork should slide in easily.
  • Remove the pot from the heat and let stand, COVERED until the potatoes are tender, 10-15 minutes.
  • Discard the bay leaf, season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Serve.
  • I cut fresh chives from the garden and shredded 2 Tablespoons of sharp cheddar cheese to garnish.

Give me your thoughts...