5 Life-Changing Tips For Newbie Cooks: How To Actually Nail A Recipe

Picture this: you are scrolling through Instagram and stumble upon a mouth-watering photo of a perfectly golden, crispy dosa. You decide to channel your inner chef and recreate this exact recipe at home. You find the recipe in a book, roll up your sleeves, and dive in immediately. But suddenly, you get stuck – what exactly is “tempering?” Is “medium consistency batter” different from regular batter? Embarking on a cooking journey can seem daunting at first – especially with Indian cuisine that is diverse in taste and ingredients. With so many delicious recipes to try, it can make a beginner's head spin. Do you relate to this situation? If yes, then fret not! We have combined a list of 5 easy steps that can help you follow and ace a recipe… even if you have little to no cooking experience!

Also Read: Bake Like A Boss: 5 Genius Tips For First-Time Bakers To Excel

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5 Simple Steps To Follow A Recipe

1. Read The Entire Recipe Before Starting

To you, this step might 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 the cooking instructions. This will help you understand the steps and sequence of the recipe, along with the time required for each part. 

Pro Tips:

1. Make a list of all the ingredients and check if you have them in your kitchen.
2. Look up any unfamiliar cooking term or technique before you begin making the dish so that you know what to do when the time comes. Understanding these will make the cooking process smoother and less intimidating.

2. Prepare All Ingredients In Advance

Before you delve into cooking your desired dish, make sure everything is in its place. Gather all your ingredients and prepare them as instructed in the recipe. This includes washing, chopping, measuring, and arranging all your ingredients in separate bowls or plates. 

Pro Tips:

1. This step ensures that you have everything ready to go. This would ensure you are not caught off guard by a surprise ingredient halfway through.
2. Measuring ingredients beforehand helps avoid mistakes and ensures the dish turns out as expected.

3. Understand Your Ingredients And Equipment

When it comes to cooking, ingredients and their quantities can vary significantly. Freshness, ripeness, and even the brand can affect the outcome of your dish. In fact, familiarizing yourself with the equipment – from its type to the material of your utensil – can help you make necessary adjustments. 

Pro Tip:

When you are trying a recipe for the first time, stick to the ingredients and equipment as closely as possible. Once you are 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 are starting out, it is important to follow the recipe instructions as closely as possible. This includes the sequence of steps, the cooking times, and even the suggested stirring frequency. 

Pro Tip:

Use timers and keep an eye on the cooking process. Cooking times can vary, so make sure to pay attention to the visual and aromatic cues at the stated times to check the progress of the recipe.

5. Taste And Adjust Seasoning

Seasoning is what will make your dish taste good. Although most recipe cards state the amount of salt and spices required, you can adjust these as per your taste levels. Taste your dish midway and at various stages of the cooking process and make adjustments accordingly.

Pro Tip:

If you are unsure about the amount of seasoning, start with less. It is easier to add more salt or spice later in the stage than to fix an over-seasoned dish.

Also Read: No More Cake Cracks! 5 Genius Tips To Make Your Cakes Look Picture Perfect

Bonus Tip: Don't Be Afraid To Make Mistakes

Every great cook has made plenty of mistakes to reach the stage that they are currently. Don't be disheartened if your dish does not turn out perfect on the first try. Cooking a recipe from scratch is a constant learning process, and each attempt helps you hone your skills. A simple way to work on your cooking is by keeping a cooking journal. Note down what worked, what did not, and any modifications you made to the dish. This will help you memorize the recipe and improve it to your liking.