We all have a friend who, without reading a recipe and with only the ingredients he already has in the kitchen, improvises a delicious dish to take a whim. What we don't always realize, though, is how much effort has previously been put into mastering this talent. Whether cooking is good for you naturally or not, here are some tips to take you from amateur status to the aforementioned friend.
Steps
Step 1. Accept that you are not currently a good cook and that you need some practice and outside help
Just like a novice artist has to duplicate other masterpieces to learn the techniques, you will duplicate some recipes to enjoy, whether they come from a cookbook or a cooking website you like.
Step 2. Plan your recipe experiments so that they fall on evenings when you have no guests
If you make a mess, who will come to know? You just have to relax and have fun. And most importantly, don't be afraid!
Step 3. Improve with a good cookbook
Commit to cooking several times a week following a recipe. So you will begin to see what you are good at and learn the basics of cooking various foods and dishes.
Step 4. Buy some kitchen utensils
Get a mortar and pestle, or kitchen scissors. Discover the most advanced cookbooks and read tips for cooks. Or, start buying higher quality ingredients or fresh herbs. These elements will help you cook better and the taste of the result will increase your self-confidence.
Step 5. Play with food
Start embellishing your favorite dishes. Add a spice here and there and substitute ingredients. In general, if they smell good together, they will also be good in taste, combined. Try replicating some good dishes you've seen or eaten and challenge yourself in other ways.
