Where to start if you don't know how to cook

If you've got the will, you're halfway there.

Contestants Fi and Jeremy. Source: Dishing It Up

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There is no right way to start a cooking journey. Some people fall into cooking by default, others do by necessity and others out of curiosity.

Juan Berbeo is the owner of Berbeo Bros, a restaurant in Melbourne that specialises in traditional Colombian street food. His cooking journey is extensive; it started at six years old when he used to help his parents who owned a restaurant and catering business in Colombia. By 12 years old, he knew how to slaughter a pig on his own.

Berbeo has some simple but valuable advice. "Start by asking yourself what you like to eat and go from there. Choose the easiest thing out of those to start. Then ask yourself what your favourite ingredients are and start playing with those things."

Source: SBS Food

Be curious, but know your limits

Curiosity and practice are a powerful combination when you're learning to cook. "See how you can make things better every time. As a cook, I don't think you ever stop learning," says Berbeo.

Almay Jordaan is a chef-owner of two buzzing Melbourne venues, Old Palm Liquor and Neighbourhood Wine. She advises to "stay within a comfortable zone to start with and work with the equipment you have at home."

As a cook, I don't think you ever stop learning.

Jordaan echoes Berbeo's earlier point. "Decide what you like making the most –  breakfast, dinner, baking, more technical stuff –  and choose a simple project."

Make a dish with no more than five ingredients and cook for yourself or a non-critical friend or partner. "Also, don't ever try something you've never cooked before for a dinner party or special occasion!"

Key lessons

Berbeo says learning how to handle oil properly from the get-go is important. Not only from a safety point of view, but to ensure different oils don’t burn during the cooking process.

Meanwhile, Jordaan advises learning a basic braise of meat or vegetables early on (an easy feat), as well as a hearty soup. It also helps to know how to cook long-grain rice and good lentils properly. 

"Chef schools will tell you that if you know how to cook eggs properly, the world is your oyster," she adds.

Jordaan also emphasises the importance of recognising flavour balance. "Learn how to taste the difference and balance of savoury, sweet, and acid in something you've cooked."

Chef schools will tell you that if you know how to cook eggs properly, the world is your oyster,

She also has a tip that she thinks everyone should know: "A pinch of salt and a squeeze of lemon will pull your dish into a new dimension."

Further, the right tools can go a long way. "If you need to mince something finely, such as garlic or ginger, save your time and fingers and buy a good Microplane. A good chef's knife is a must, but if that is too much of a leap, get yourself a sharp paring knife."

And instead of cutting vegetables into batons for salads, invest in a good peeler to eat them easily.

Source: PxHere

How to keep momentum

Berbeo says food preparation can help to keep your momentum. "If you've got a really hard week or if you're really busy, then it's better to buy groceries for the whole week."

Keep a food item interesting by cooking it in different ways. "For example steamed, stir-fried and fresh."

Portioning out your food can also help with food waste, and not forgetting ingredients in the fridge during a busy week.

So how can people actually learn where to cook?

Watching food videos is fantastic inspiration and seeing someone cook helps you to learn. 

Berbeo says, "Right now, TikTok is an easy place to start. If there's someone that produces good stuff, follow them." YouTube and cooking shows are also valuable. 

"Google recipes endlessly," adds Jordaan. "But only according to your favourite ingredients and flavours. You'll be collecting more recipes than you have time to cook!"

If you like to learn in person, attend cooking classes and schools.

And of course, learning from the people closest to you works wonders. If you have a family member or friend who's willing to teach you how they cook some of their signature dishes, consider setting up a date.

Love the story? Follow the author here: Instagram @caterinahryso.