Introduction

Who hasn't been intrigued by the idea of learning how to cook? The process of transforming simple ingredients into delicious meals can be both rewarding and humbling. As someone who started at a young age, the journey of learning to cook has not only taught me essential life skills but also provided numerous opportunities for personal growth. In this article, I share my experiences, the challenges I faced, and the joy that comes from cooking.

Early Beginnings: Learning from a Budget

My memories of learning to cook date back to when I was just five years old. It all began with cans of tuna helper and other affordable options. Given my father's aversion to tuna, I was left with little choice but to rely on these easy and cheap meals. Cooking at home was essentially my only option, and I soon realized that making food from scratch was often less expensive than buying pre-cooked meals. Even my mother would occasionally share her steak with me, a rare treat that made me appreciate the value of preparing meals at home.

Development of Cooking Skills: A Self-Taught Journey

Due to irregular attendance at university, much of my early cooking education came from self-teaching and practical experience. One of my guiding principles was to eat what I prepared. This rule, although tedious, taught me valuable lessons about cooking. It helped me understand the importance of following recipes and recognizing the basic principles of cooking. While some rules can be bent, breaking fundamental principles often leads to less-than-desirable results. For instance, chicken must be well-done to ensure safety, and substitutions should be made with care.

The Power of Experimentation: Online Cooking and Beyond

Putting these lessons into practice, I started exploring more complex recipes. The internet has been my primary tool for learning and experimentation. Over the past few weeks, I've been following recipes from YouTube, trying dishes like rasam, white rice, capsicum fry, kesseri, bread chilli, various chutneys, masal dosa, gobi paratha, and many others. These meals have not only expanded my culinary repertoire but also provided a break from my daily routine.

Personal Milestones: Cooking for Others

One of my most memorable cooking experiences was preparing a roasted chicken dinner for my girlfriend when I was almost 16. Evidently, I didn't entirely know what I was doing back then, but the end result tasted okay. This simple yet meaningful meal marked a turning point in my cooking journey.

Personal Growth: Cooking for Myself

At 20, I moved into my own apartment, and as a result, cooking became a daily activity. It has not been an easy journey, but it has been a continuous learning process. While I am a long ways from becoming a professional chef, I have grown in terms of my ability to cook a wide variety of dishes from different cuisines. The prospect of hosting a dinner party for 20 guests no longer fazes me. Cooking has not only become a hobby but also a source of pride and joy.

Through my journey, I have learned valuable lessons about patience, precision, and enjoyment. Cooking has taught me not only how to prepare delicious meals but also how to appreciate the art of it. If you're considering learning to cook, start simple and enjoy the process. Who knows, you may find your inner chef!