7 Basic Cooking Tips
Some people cook because they have to, while some do it because it seems therapeutic. No matter what your reason is behind cooking for the first time, it is always a big step in your overall learning. We give you some basic cooking tips.
1. Start with something simple
If you are trying your hand at cooking for the first time, try to start with something very basic like a salad, or a hard-boiled egg. Do not straight-away aim at preparing a three-course meal. Know that for a first-timer, even simple things can seem very complicated and can lead to disastrous results. So, start slow and take your time.
2. Keep what you need ready
This may sound like a no-go, but you need to keep what you require ready and at hand. This means make sure that you have all your ingredients cut, chopped and prepared, ready to be cooked. Make sure you chop your ingredients carefully without nicking your fingers. Keep your cooking ware ready so that you are not surprised when you have to follow the steps of a recipe.
3. Read the recipe carefully
When you are cooking for the first time, it is very important to refer to a good recipe. A recipe should clearly mention the quantities of every ingredient, the temperature settings of the microwave (if the cooking requires a microwave), details about the flame setting, and more. It is extremely essential to read the recipe carefully and go step by step. Even if you think a step seems unimportant, do not skip it. If you need to pre-heat an oven or have water boiling, don’t keep it for the last moment.
4. Be careful with the salt
If you are making a savory dish, be very careful with the amount of salt you put in. Remember that excess salt can truly ruin a well-cooked dish. It is advisable to restrain yourself when it comes to adding salt. You can always add more salt later if you are unhappy with the result. It is better to make a dish that requires more salt than to end up with something that is too salty to eat.