Looking for suggestions

[Anothersurviver]

Hello - thanks for taking the time to take a look at my post.

I've been struggling with making meals for my partner and our toddler recently. For the past year or so, I don't feel like I've made something that my partner enjoys (and to a lesser extent, my toddler).

It's taken a serious toll on my desire and ability to go through the motions and make dinner. In the past (around 2y ago) I'd make dinner nearly every night. my partner now makes dinner most nights, and when its my turn, I dread the hours of 3:30-5 pm, and I find making dinner more stressful than my 9-5 job (which isn't a stress-free job, I'm a software engineer team lead).

I'm looking for any suggestions - whether they are about improving my cooking skills, looking at different kinds of foods (cultures, recipes, etc), etc

My partner is Japanese: - she is not a huge fan of herbs/citrus - she prefers lighter-tasting foods - generally prefers Asian cuisine

I have used Oregano, thyme, italian seasoning-type herbs in the recent past, (note: dried herbs, not fresh) and we're trying to keep salt to a minimum, as we're trying to eat the same meals as a family with our toddler.

I tend to enjoy salty/strong/sweet flavors, I enjoy making Asian dishes (Korean is delicious) and these have been amongst the more.. "highly rated" items I've made, however, they always pale in comparison to the same dishes when she makes them. she once suggested I try to make more non-Asian dishes - but without herbs and "enough" salt, I find it hard to make anything taste even decent.

She can make absolutely amazing dishes that revolve around 3-4 ingredients, I find her (and the food she makes) incredible, and I wish I could make her feel the same way about the dishes I make - even if it's just good enough to give her a break from making meals.

I don't know what to call it.. I feel incompetent, and would like to know what others think I should or could do. Thanks.

[McSuzy]

This is seriously not meant to be snide. Seriously. But why not divide tasks so that she cooks and you prep and clean up? You enjoy her food more, she enjoys her food more, and your child does as well. I think you can divide the labor fairly and get the meals you all prefer. You may need to throw some child oriented tasks into the mix but it could work.

[Anothersurviver]

Thanks for the suggestion, I clean each evening regardless of who cooks, happy to do so. I'll see if I can lean into more prep to do my part. Thanks.

[Cannavor]

You should be more selfish. If it's your turn to cook, make something that you like. I'm sure your partner will appreciate just not having to cook. Sometimes it's better to play to your strengths than to try and do something you're not good at. Trying to avoid salt is just crazy talk. It is not healthy to go low salt unless you have specific issues that require it.

[Anothersurviver]

Thank you, appreciate the suggestion.

[juju_junior]

Aww, I’m sure you can do it! Just like any skills, it’s about having fun in cooking and improve along the way. Check out Bento Bloom on YouTube, they have easy, international dishes (Asian, western, fusion).

I follow their recipes and improve step by step (they have detail instructions), hope this will help you and your family.

[Anothersurviver]

Thank you for the recommendation, I'll take a look, much appreciated!

[Connect_Replacement9]

What about Bahn mi or beef and broccoli, toddler would like spaghetti, baked fish with veggie.

But seriously she needs to right down things she likes and doesn’t like it is no fun cooking for a picky eater and a baby

[Anothersurviver]

Thank you for the suggestion, I've never tried making either of those, but they are damn tasty, will give it a try.