The Daily Question Every Mom Knows Too Well
If there’s one question that seems to follow me every single day, it’s this: “Anong ulam?“
Honestly, I feel like I just finished cooking lunch and suddenly it’s time to think about dinner again. Some days, inspiration comes easily. I know exactly what’s in the fridge, what ingredients need to be used, and what everyone feels like eating.
But on other days? My brain is completely blank. I stare at the refrigerator hoping a meal idea magically appears. Unfortunately, that has never happened. š If you’re a mom, I’m pretty sure you’ve had those days too.
Why Meal Planning Feels Exhausting Sometimes
I think one thing people don’t realize is that deciding what to cook isn’t just about cooking. It’s also thinking about:
- what’s left in the refrigerator
- what fits the budget
- what the kids will actually eat
- what ingredients need to be used before they spoil
- what you have enough energy to prepare
And after doing that every day for years, decision fatigue is real. Sometimes the hardest part isn’t cooking. It’s deciding.
When in Doubt, Cook Adobo
I honestly think adobo survives many Filipino households because it’s reliable. You probably already have most of the ingredients at home. It’s easy to prepare, tastes even better the next day, and works well for busy weekdays.
Whenever I’m completely out of ideas, adobo usually saves the day. Plus, leftovers make excellent baon the next day.
Check out my Chicken Adobo recipe here.
Tinola Always Feels Like a Good Idea
There’s something comforting about a warm bowl of tinola. Maybe it’s because it’s simple. Maybe it’s because it’s one of those meals that feels nourishing without being complicated.
Whenever I want something light, filling, and family-friendly, tinola is usually high on my list. And adding extra vegetables helps stretch the meal too.
Eggs Have Saved Me More Times Than I’d Like to Admit
Can we talk about how underrated eggs are? Whenever I don’t know what to cook, eggs almost always become part of the solution.
Tortang talong, scrambled eggs with tomatoes, omelets loaded with vegetables, or even simple sunny-side-up eggs can turn a stressful mealtime into an easy one. Sometimes the simplest meals are exactly what everyone wants.
Monggo is the Definition of Budget-Friendly Comfort Food
Whenever I need something affordable, filling, and nutritious, monggo always comes to mind. It’s one of those dishes that feels hearty without costing a lot.
Add some malunggay, a little tinapa, or whatever vegetables you have available, and suddenly you have a meal that feels complete. It’s simple but never disappointing.
Fried Rice Can Become a Complete Meal
One thing I’ve learned over the years is that fried rice can solve many dinner problems. Got leftover rice? Add eggs, vegetables, bits of chicken, luncheon meat, or whatever leftovers are in the refrigerator. Suddenly, you have a meal instead of food waste. And the kids usually love it.
Sometimes Simple is Best
Social media can sometimes make cooking feel complicated. There are beautiful recipes, fancy ingredients, and elaborate meals everywhere. But real life usually looks different.
Most days, we’re simply trying to put a satisfying meal on the table while balancing work, family, errands, and everything else life throws at us. And that’s okay. Not every meal needs to be extraordinary.
I’ve learned that some of our family’s favorite meals aren’t the fancy ones. They’re the meals we eat on ordinary days. The meals we cook when we’re tired. The meals we throw together using whatever ingredients are available. Those simple dinners often become part of our family’s everyday memories. And there’s something beautiful about that.
When you don’t know what to cook, don’t overthink it. Sometimes the best ulam ideas are the simplest ones.
A comforting adobo, a warm bowl of tinola, a plate of monggo, or even eggs and rice can turn an ordinary day into a satisfying family meal. Because at the end of the day, it’s not always about cooking something impressive. It’s about feeding the people you love. š
