Free Kitchen tips for New Cooks

These are a few tips that I have been compiling for some time, and have come from my own trial and error and a few of my friends' too. I thought I would share these tips with others and may come in handy for those who are starting out as cooks.. Experienced cooks, please ignore this....

Let me know whether you agree or not ..:)

• The taste of any dal preparation (lentils) is enhanced with a few drops of lemon juice. Please note that a few drops mean just that, and not spoonfuls....

• Once rice is boiled, switch off, cover with a lid and leave it for 10 minutes...most rice like basmati, raw rice etc cook with that . In case it needs more cooking, a few more minutes should do. If you leave the rice boiling for a long time, more than likely it would overcook.

• Cook pasta and rice with atleast 1/2 tsp of salt to stop it sticking...

• Soaking dried pulses overnight will reduce cooking time more than half.

• Wash brinjal, lady's finger etc before cutting so they won't turn mushy when cooked.

• When frying fish, always add a bit of lemon juice to the marinade for better taste and smell.

• Try not to empty the mixer before switching it off. (Someone I know of, did this !!!)

• When making spicy curry, add a pinch of sugar to enhance the taste.

• Brown onions while cooking meat ....instead of just turning it soft and yellow...to get the dish taste it's best.

• Add at least 1 green chilli to dishes to increase the flavour.

• When preparing mutton, add 1/2 tsp of jeera (cumin) powder for better taste.

Will post more of these depending on your opinions...