Derek Siver's book 'Anything You Want' shares important lessons about learning how to cook Indian food. I was reminded why the novice cook needs to exclude ingredients, embrace all the options and focus on being rather than having.
I related so hard when you mentioned the praise of someone complimenting your cooking, but you know all you did was follow a recipe to the letter. It happens to me often, and I always cringe because I don't think I deserve the praise. Like, I didn't develop this recipe, I just made sure to cook the ingredients in the order prescribed. As someone who relies (perhaps over-relies) on written recipes, I am trying to break free from their tyranny and let my cooking be more loose and instinctive.
Thanks Diana for your comment. I’ve come to realise that relying on recipes is more a learning journey. First you rely on it heavily then you see it a little less and then finally you learn to trust and be instinctive. It’s hard to do the latter without going through all the steps so pls give yourself grace 😊.
In my experience becoming comfortable with the ingredient or cooking helped a lot along that journey
To be fair it took a lot of experimenting before I was comfortable doing that! Also I hope I never have to feed my version of Mexican food to anyone lol. All dishes no matter what the cuisine has my coriander cumin masala 🤪
I hear you! I began the process in college and continue to this day. My confidence has increased on certain dishes/cuisines and still wavering/honing on new ones (like my recent post on the Korean Mung Bean pancake inspired veggie pancakes).
BTW - I am obsessed with coriander in all forms (herb, seed, powder). One of my favorite tofu preparation is cubed tofu sautéed in olive oil with a sprinkle of salt and lots of coriander powder and then finished with fresh coriander/cilantro herb leaves - yumm!
Yes to ALL of this. It's what I advocate to my readers all the time - experiment, adapt and be creative
I love the bridge you create here between the message of Derek Siver's and how it applies to cooking. Brilliant Perzen.
Thanks a lot. Literally as I was reading the book I could feel every lesson applying to the tenets of Indian cooking 😎
That's so cool!
I related so hard when you mentioned the praise of someone complimenting your cooking, but you know all you did was follow a recipe to the letter. It happens to me often, and I always cringe because I don't think I deserve the praise. Like, I didn't develop this recipe, I just made sure to cook the ingredients in the order prescribed. As someone who relies (perhaps over-relies) on written recipes, I am trying to break free from their tyranny and let my cooking be more loose and instinctive.
Loved the essay!
Thanks Diana for your comment. I’ve come to realise that relying on recipes is more a learning journey. First you rely on it heavily then you see it a little less and then finally you learn to trust and be instinctive. It’s hard to do the latter without going through all the steps so pls give yourself grace 😊.
In my experience becoming comfortable with the ingredient or cooking helped a lot along that journey
Music to my ears when someone embraces free style cooking.
Loving your 'loose and instinctive' approach! I do the same.
To be fair it took a lot of experimenting before I was comfortable doing that! Also I hope I never have to feed my version of Mexican food to anyone lol. All dishes no matter what the cuisine has my coriander cumin masala 🤪
I hear you! I began the process in college and continue to this day. My confidence has increased on certain dishes/cuisines and still wavering/honing on new ones (like my recent post on the Korean Mung Bean pancake inspired veggie pancakes).
BTW - I am obsessed with coriander in all forms (herb, seed, powder). One of my favorite tofu preparation is cubed tofu sautéed in olive oil with a sprinkle of salt and lots of coriander powder and then finished with fresh coriander/cilantro herb leaves - yumm!
Ooo that sounds fab! I might try it but with paneer as I detest tofu unless it’s drowning in soy sauce 🤪 will report back!