Financial Feminist – How to Be a Better Cook

Intro

In this episode of the “Financial Feminist” podcast, the host shares valuable tips on how to be a better cook. From stocking your pantry with essentials to experimenting with different ingredients, this episode is packed with practical advice to elevate your cooking skills.

Main Takeaways

Stocking Your Pantry

• Having a well-stocked pantry with staples like garlic, onion, lemon, lime, spices, canned chickpeas, and more can make cooking easier and more versatile.
• Work with what you already have and use pantry staples.
• Use imperfect produce or frozen vegetables if needed.

Enhancing Flavor

• Salt, fat, acid, and heat are crucial elements in cooking, and balancing them is key to creating a delicious dish.
• Salt should be used liberally, and using a salt well instead of a shaker can give more control over the amount used.
• Adding flaky salt can elevate any dish and make it taste better.
• Fresh herbs like cilantro, parsley, dill, and mint can add a bright and fresh element to dishes while also enhancing the visual appeal.

Experimenting with Ingredients and Techniques

• Experimenting with different ingredients and techniques can lead to new and exciting dishes.
• Adding a sweet element to a dish can elevate it, such as making an apple slaw or drizzling honey on the meat.
• Always ask yourself what component am I missing in the dish.

Tips for Impressing Guests

• Chuck vegetables in a soup or stir fry and douse it in soy sauce for an easy and delicious meal.
• Recipes to impress guests: Spike chickpeas stew with coconut and turmeric, cauliflower tacos with cashew crema, spicy peanut butter ramen, kale pesto with pasta, and buttered salmon with red onion, capers, and dill.

Summary

Stocking Your Pantry

Having a well-stocked pantry is essential for efficient and versatile cooking. Staples like garlic, onion, lemon, lime, spices, and canned chickpeas can be used in a variety of dishes. By working with what you already have and using pantry staples, you can create delicious meals even with imperfect produce or frozen vegetables.

Enhancing Flavor

Salt, fat, acid, and heat are the building blocks of flavor in cooking. It’s important to balance these elements to create a delicious dish. Using salt liberally and using a salt well for better control can elevate the taste of any dish. Fresh herbs like cilantro, parsley, dill, and mint not only add flavor but also enhance the visual appeal of your dishes.

Experimenting with Ingredients and Techniques

Don’t be afraid to experiment with different ingredients and techniques in your cooking. Adding a sweet element, such as making an apple slaw or drizzling honey on the meat, can elevate the overall flavor profile. Always consider what component you may be missing in a dish and explore new combinations to create exciting and unique flavors.

Tips for Impressing Guests

If you’re looking to impress your guests, try chucking vegetables in a soup or stir fry and dousing it in soy sauce for an easy and delicious meal. The podcast also shares impressive recipes like spiked chickpea stew with coconut and turmeric, cauliflower tacos with cashew crema, spicy peanut butter ramen, kale pesto with pasta, and buttered salmon with red onion, capers, and dill.

Conclusion

By following these tips from the “Financial Feminist” podcast, you can become a better cook and elevate your culinary skills. Stock your pantry with essentials, balance the elements of flavor, and don’t be afraid to experiment with ingredients and techniques. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or impressing guests, these tips will help you create delicious and memorable dishes.