Tips and more tips

Tomato: To remove the skin of tomatoes, place them in warm water for 5-10 minutes. The skin can then be easily peeled off.

When tomatoes are not available or too costly, substitute with tomato puree or tomato ketchup/sauce.

Place overripe tomatoes in cold water and add some salt. Overnight they will become firm and fresh.

Vegetables: Don't discard the water in which the vegetables are soaked or cooked.
Use it in making soup or gravy.
To keep the vegetables fresh for a longer time, wrap them in newspaper before putting them in freeze.
Chop the vegetables only when you are ready to use them. Don't cut them in too advance. It would spoil their food value.