Match-Day Rush? Here’s How to Cook Faster & Smarter with Limited Time

In India cricket is more than just a sport, it is an emotion, a festival and a one the reasons that bring families and friends together.

Whether it’s world cup, ODI matches or women premier league, cricket watch parties are a grand affair, filled with cheers, banter, and, of course, delicious food.

Our favourite thing has to be gathering around screens, passionately discussing every ball and boundary while munching on a spread of snacks and homemade food. 

However, for the person responsible for the food, match day can feel like a race against time. Between prepping, cooking, and making sure everything is ready before the first ball is bowled, the kitchen can become a battlefield.

To avoid any hassle, you can use modern kitchen appliances like an Air Fryer or OTG, along with smart cooking techniques and easy food recipes that we have curated in this article. These tips will help you save time and cook efficiently while enjoying the match.

1. Plan & Prep Ahead for a Stress-Free Game Day

Credits: Glen India

Create a Game Plan for Cooking

Just like a sports team prepares a strategy before hitting the field, you need a solid plan for match-day cooking. This involves selecting recipes, prepping ingredients, and ensuring your cooking workflow is smooth.

• Choose quick and easy recipes: Focus on dishes that require minimal effort and cooking time, such as one-pan meals, slow-cooker dishes, or appetizers that come together in minutes.
• Make a cooking schedule: Determine which dishes need to be cooked first and which can be prepared in advance. Organizing your timeline will help you stay on track.
• Use your kitchen efficiently: Identify which appliances you’ll use for different dishes, so you’re not waiting for the oven while another dish is cooking.

Prepping Ingredients in Advance

A little prep work can save you a ton of time on match day.

• Pre-chop vegetables and store them in airtight containers in the fridge to avoid last-minute slicing.
• Marinate meats the night before to enhance flavor and reduce cooking time.
• Portion out spices and seasonings ahead of time so you can quickly add them to your dishes.
• Use pre-washed greens and pre-cut frozen veggies to cut down on washing and chopping time.

2. Smart Cooking Techniques to Save Time

Credits: Glen India

High-Heat Cooking Methods

Using high-heat cooking techniques ensures your food cooks quickly while still retaining flavor.

• Stir-frying: This method uses high heat and constant stirring to cook food rapidly. Great for making quick veggie sides or protein-packed dishes.
• Grilling: Whether indoor or outdoor, grilling provides a fast way to cook meats, veggies, and even flatbreads.
• Broiling: The oven broiler cooks food quickly by exposing it to high heat from above, perfect for finishing off nachos, sliders, or even melting cheese on dips.

Time-Saving Kitchen Appliances

• Pressure Cooker (Instant Pot): Cuts cooking time significantly for dishes like chili, stews, and rice-based meals.
• Air Fryer: Perfect for making crispy snacks, chicken wings, fries, or even warming up pre-made appetizers in a fraction of the time it takes in an oven.
• OTG Shortcuts: Use your OTG to steam veggies, par-cook potatoes, grilling chicken, toast your garlic bread, or melt cheese quickly.

3. Quick & Easy Match-Day Recipes

Credits: Glen India

Here are some crowd-pleasing recipes that you can make in a flash while enjoying every match that Indian cricket  team is in.

15-Minute Loaded Nachos

• Spread tortilla chips on a baking sheet, layer with shredded cheese, beans, and jalapenos.
• Bake at 400°F for 10 minutes until the cheese melts.
• Top with sour cream, salsa, and guacamole.

Speedy Sliders

• Use pre-cooked or frozen burger patties.
• Toast mini buns while the patties cook.
• Assemble with cheese, lettuce, and condiments for a fast and delicious snack.

Indian Snacks

• Paneer Tikka: Marinate paneer cubes in yogurt and spices, then grill or bake them for a smoky, flavorful snack.
• Samosas: Use store-bought frozen samosas and air-fry them for a crispy, quick treat.
• Chaat Platter: Arrange papdi, sev, boiled potatoes, and chickpeas with chutneys for an easy-to-assemble street-style snack.
• Masala Corn: Mix boiled corn with butter, chaat masala, and lemon juice for a tangy, spicy treat.
• Aloo Tikki: Shallow-fry or air-fry spiced potato patties and serve them with chutneys.
• Dahi Puri: Hollow puris filled with yogurt, chutneys, and spices for a refreshing snack.
• Makhana (Fox Nuts) Snack: Roast fox nuts with ghee and masalas for a crunchy, healthy munchie.
• Moong Dal Chilla: Quick savory lentil pancakes packed with protein and flavor.
• Kachori: Serve crispy stuffed kachoris with spicy tamarind chutney.
• Vegetable Pakoras: Deep-fried mixed vegetable fritters, perfect for a crunchy snack.

4. Keep It Fun & Stress-Free

Credits: Glen India

Set Up a Snack & Drink Station

• Arrange bowls of chips, nuts, and popcorn for guests to snack on while waiting for the main meal.
• Have a variety of dips like salsa, hummus, and cheese dip readily available.
• Keep a cooler stocked with drinks so guests can grab refreshments without needing to open the fridge repeatedly.

Create an Enjoyable Atmosphere

• Keep background music or pre-game commentary on while cooking.
• Set up your kitchen or dining area in a way that allows you to interact with guests while prepping.
• Serve food buffet-style so everyone can serve themselves and you can relax.

Conclusion

Cricket watch parties  have to be the most fun and exciting parties in India. And no one wants to miss anything throughout the match, especially the one who is responsible for food and snacks. 

This article has everything you need before throwing a cricket match watch party. Now use these tips, techniques and food recipes to enjoy the ongoing women premier league.

And to make your job even easier you can get some good quality kitchen appliances from Glen India.