When it comes to cooking, you do not need to go to a culinary school or buy expensive equipment. Cooking is for everyone, and with a little help, it will be a satisfactory and filling experience, especially for beginners.
If you want to learn how to cook your favorite comfort food, there are some tips that will make you a better cook instantly. Here are simple cooking hacks for you:
Read and understand the recipe
It’s good to consider comfort food recipes because it will give you certain parameters to ensure that you cook amazing foods. However, sometimes, this becomes so overwhelming that you fail to read the whole thing. Reading is important because you will get a better understanding of what the dish should taste and look like.
Set up your workstation before cooking
You must know that a professional kitchen works efficiently because the chefs set up their workstation prior to cooking. This will include gathering all the ingredients for a recipe, partially preparing like chopping,measuring out and then putting them all together.
If you set up your workstation before cooking, it can help with your organization and seamless cooking experience. Ultimately, it can help you save time, and it will guarantee that you never forget to add ingredients.
Do not forget to sharpen the knives
Since you’re not a professional, you constantly fear about sharpened knives. With this fear in mind, you continue working even if it’s dull so as to not deal with the sharp knife. You have to know that a dull knife is more dangerous because it’s prone to slipping when cutting.
With this, you have to sharpen your knife regularly. If you commit to sharpening your knives, it’s only a matter of time that you learn how to properly hold it like a professional. As time goes by, you will also learn how to correctly hold the food that you’re cutting.
Season your food
Experts recommend that you season your food well and often. When it comes to seasoning, salt is the key to a flavorful taste. Most easy comfort food dinner recipes will indicate when you should add salt.
However, if you’re unsure, a good rule of thumb is to add at least a pinch or two of salt when you start cooking and at the end of the process. Your palate will be your guide, so it’s important you taste often.
Utilize the right pans
If a recipe indicates the use of a specific type of pan, you should follow it. It’s prudent to have different types of pans, so it comes in handy whenever you need it. Aside from non-stick pans, you should also secure stainless steel pans and a cast iron skillet. Remember to replace non-stick pans every few years as the coating can wear down.
Dry meat and vegetables before cooking
Bear in mind that when you try to cook something that is still wet, it will not brown properly. With this, you have to pat the meat with paper towels first before you toss it into the pan. As for the vegetables, it should be drained,then dried on a towel before they are put onto a sheet pan.