Imagine this: you are scrolling through Instagram and stumble upon a mouth-watering picture of a perfectly golden, crispy dosa. You decide to unleash the chef in you and make the same recipe at home. You find the recipe in a book, roll up your sleeves and immediately start making it. But suddenly, you are stuck – what the heck is “tadka”? Is “medium consistency batter” different from regular batter? Starting a cooking journey can seem daunting at first – especially with Indian cuisines that are diverse in flavours and ingredients. With so many delicious recipes to try out, it can make a novice’s head spin. Do you relate to this situation? If yes, worry not! We have curated a list of 5 easy steps that can help you follow and master a recipe… even if you have little or no cooking experience!
Also read: Bake like a boss: 5 great tips for first-time bakers
Photo Credit: iStock
5 simple steps to make the recipe
1. Read the entire recipe before you begin
For you, this step may be obvious but it is often overlooked by newbies. Reading the entire recipe from start to finish gives you a clear idea of what you need and what to expect. Pay attention to the ingredients list and cooking instructions. This will help you understand the steps and sequence of the recipe, as well as the time required for each part.
Pro Tips:
- Make a list of all the ingredients and check if you have them in your kitchen.
- Look up any unfamiliar cooking terminology or techniques before making a dish so you know what to do when the time comes. Understanding these will make the cooking process easier and less intimidating.
2. Keep all the ingredients ready in advance
Before you make your desired dish, make sure everything is in place. Gather all your ingredients and prepare them as directed in the recipe. This includes washing, chopping, measuring, and arranging all the ingredients in different bowls or plates.
Pro Tips:
- This step ensures that you have everything ready. This will ensure that you are not surprised with any unexpected ingredients in the middle.
- Measuring ingredients beforehand helps avoid mistakes and ensures the dish turns out as expected.
3. Understand your materials and equipment
When it comes to cooking, ingredients and their quantities can vary significantly. Freshness, stage of ripening, and even brand can affect the outcome of your dish. In fact, familiarizing yourself with the equipment — from its type to the material of your pot — can help you make necessary adjustments.
Pro tip:
When you’re trying a recipe for the first time, be as careful as possible with the ingredients and equipment used. Once you’re comfortable, you can start experimenting with substitutions and variations.
Photo Credit: iStock
4. Follow the instructions closely
As they say, cooking is both an art and a science. When you’re starting out, it’s important to follow the recipe’s instructions as closely as possible. This includes the order of steps, cooking time, and even the suggested stirring frequency.
Pro tip:
Use a timer and keep an eye on the cooking process. Cooking times may vary, so be sure to pay attention to visual and aromatic cues at the indicated times to check the recipe’s progress.
5. Taste and adjust seasoning
Seasoning is what makes your dish delicious. Although most recipe cards specify the amount of salt and spices, you can adjust them to suit your taste. Taste your dish midway through the cooking process and at different stages and make adjustments accordingly.
Pro tip:
If you’re not sure how much spice you need, start with less. It’s easier to add more salt or spices later than to fix an overly spiced dish.
Also read: No cracks on the cake! 5 best tips to make your cake perfect
Bonus Tip: Don’t be afraid to make mistakes
Every great cook has made plenty of mistakes to get there. Don’t be discouraged if your dish doesn’t turn out perfect on the first try. Making a recipe from scratch is a constant learning process, and every attempt helps you hone your skills. A simple way to work on your cooking is to keep a cooking journal. Note what worked, what didn’t, and any changes you made to the dish. This will help you remember the recipe and tweak it to your liking.
#lifechanging #tips #novice #cooks #recipe