These MasterChef programs sure have woken up the cook inside every one of us. I, for one, started acting like a pro in the kitchen; trying to master cutting techniques and pretending to know the science of food. Sooner or later, I realized that I need to quit the act and actually start learning some skills. So here are some of the basics that I have learnt so far:
1. Have everything in place i.e. Mise en place
Before starting to cook, everything should be measured, peeled, chopped and within reach so you don’t have to run around looking for dried rosemary while your sauce is on the verge of burning.
2. A sharp knife is important
This is probably the basic that we underestimate, but the knives should be sharpened on a regular basis because a dull knife makes cutting very frustrating.
3. Taste as you go
I have often hear Marco Pierre White and Gordon Ramsay repeatedly screaming ‘taste the dish’ to the contestants while they are cooking. So, this is a pretty important basic that most of the cooks do not pay attention to.
4. Sear meat/poultry/fish and finish in oven
Another act that I have noticed in cooking shows is the ‘finish in the oven.’ This frees up the burners when you are cooking loads of dishes at a time and also gives a moister result.
5. When baking, only mix until all ingredients are incorporated
This is the most common mistake I used to make ending up with an unsatisfactory result. Over-mixing causes toughness by developing gluten in the flour. For light and fluffy cupcakes, only mix until the batter’s come together.
6. Clean as you go
As George Calombaris says in MasterChef that the mess on your kitchen counter indicates the chaos and confusion in your head. So, wipe your cutting board, clean up the waste, put away the used utensils and cook clean!
Let’s help each other and share some professional cooking tips in the comment box below!
Kluchit Staff
Ramsha Tofique
