Back to basics

Hi all!!!


Today, let's go deep into the roots of making good food! Believe me! you don't have to be a trained chef to produce a great gastronomic treat.. All you need is good sense of creativity and the most important: "THE BASICS OF COOKING" Making good food is not rocket science, hence that a simple oriental salad is just made up of lettuce, tomato, cucumber, and onion, dressed with lemon juice and olive oil.. That simple!!


I always get a common reaction when i say I'm a Chef; "Wow you must be so good in cooking!!" Well, to be a good chef i have to be really good in cooking, but it does'nt mean that you can't do wonders in the kitchen..
The basic sturcture of being a good cook are simply consited of the following:


1. Must have a good PALATE. ( you need this to taste your food ).
2.Passion in food.
3.Creativity.
4.Exposure to flavours.
5.Know the basics. (the most important)


For me, every food creation counts.. Some times you will find great cooking talents hidden in the household kitchens. I honestly adore home cooking!!! To think off, in this kind of cooking, is where this industry all started.. Wellingtons in England, Osso Buccos in Italy, Coq Au Vins in France didn't started in huge fancy restaurants!!! They started in the kitchens of very talented house wifes who we (chefs) gets the inspirations on our creations...


Let's start on the easy part of cooking! The one that doesn't require perfect temperatures, cooking time, precision cuting, and complicated cooking methods. Learn the basics of SALADS! Salad comes in different forms and compositions. But they all comes to the basics no matter how simple or fancy the salad is.. So here are the guides to make a good salad...




There are very basic cooking methods that are easy to follow!! Let's start making "SALADS"!!
*use only the finest of ingredients as possible because most salads are prepared with raw things.
*greens are best served when the dressing is added at the time of service.
*leaves will stay crisp when washed in ice cold water.
*a good dressing must have atleast 3 basic elements:(acidic liquids,seasoning and oil).
*the flavour of your salad will varry on the kind of materials that you have selected.


*KINDS OF SALADS*
Light salad (consisted of greens and light vegetables).
Protien salad (made from cooked meats, cooked seafood or pulses).
Heavy salads (mostly made from cooked starches, dressed with some creamy dressing).
Main course salad (a combination of greens, protiens and starches that is complimenting each ingredients).
Sweet salad ( it may come as heavy or light, but it is always fruity).


I will post some interesting recipies of salads on my next postings!! see you then!!!