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.
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.
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!