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Cooking Basics

Essential Cooking Basics

Master the foundational cooking techniques and essential ingredients that every home chef should know to create delicious dishes with confidence.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Cooking Basics, Tutorial
Cuisine General
Servings 4 servings
Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients
  

Essential Pantry Staples

  • 1 liter Olive oil For cooking and drizzling.
  • 1 teaspoon Salt Basic seasoning.
  • 1 teaspoon Black pepper Basic seasoning.

Fresh Ingredients

  • 3 cloves Garlic For flavoring recipes.
  • 2 medium Onions Versatile base ingredient for many dishes.
  • 2 pieces Lemons For seasoning and dressings.
  • 500 grams Variety of fruits and vegetables Seasonal selection for nutrition.

Essential Kitchen Tools

  • 1 set High-quality knives (chef's knife, paring knife, serrated knife) For various cutting tasks.
  • 1 each Wooden or plastic cutting board Stable surface for chopping.
  • 1 set Set of pots and pans Different sizes for versatile cooking.
  • 1 each Non-stick skillet For easy cooking and cleaning.
  • 1 each Baking sheet For roasting and baking.
  • 1 set Utensils (spatulas, tongs, whisks) Essential for cooking success.
  • 1 set Measuring cups and spoons For accurate ingredient measurement.

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Start by stocking your pantry with essential ingredients: olive oil, salt, pepper, herbs, and spices.
  • Select fresh ingredients including garlic, onions, and a variety of seasonal fruits and vegetables to enhance your meals.
  • Equip your kitchen with high-quality tools: knives, cutting boards, pots, pans, and utensils.

Cooking Techniques

  • Practice basic methods such as sautéing, braising, grilling, and roasting to build your culinary skills.
  • Utilize proper heat control when grilling to achieve perfect cooking results.
  • Master knife skills to ensure efficiency and safety in the kitchen.
  • Learn how to season your dishes using various herbs and spices for enhanced flavor.

Meal Preparation and Planning

  • Plan your meals for the week and create a shopping list based on your menu.
  • Prep ingredients in advance, such as chopping vegetables or marinating meats, to save time during the week.
  • Stay flexible with your meal plan to adapt based on your weekly schedule.

Notes

Practice cooking simple recipes such as spaghetti aglio e olio and roasted chicken with herbs to build confidence.
Keyword Cooking Skills, Cooking Techniques, Home Cooking, Kitchen Essentials, Meal Planning