Category: Cooking techniques

Fact: Rice pilaf is a cooking method with origins in ancient Persia, not just a specific dish, that spread via the Silk Road to become a global favorite. But what does rice pilaf contain at its core, and how have regional interpretations changed its ingredients?

Boiling beef, or more accurately simmering it gently, is a foundational cooking technique used in cuisines worldwide for centuries. This method is incredibly versatile and is good for transforming inexpensive, tougher cuts of beef into fork-tender, flavorful, and nutritious meals. Instead of yielding bland, tough meat, a slow simmer creates rich stocks and perfectly cooked beef.

According to a study published on ResearchGate, the baking process alone may fail to provide the same acceptable quality attributes, like a crisp texture, as frying. This disparity in results raises a central question for home cooks: is it better to fry or bake fries for the best results?

According to the International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative (IDDSI), minced and pureed foods are distinct levels of modified texture. Understanding what's the difference between minced and pureed food is crucial for catering to specific dietary needs, from infants transitioning to solids to adults with swallowing difficulties.

While many recipes call for an overnight soak, the quick-soak method is a proven technique that can prepare dried beans for cooking in just over an hour. Forgetting to soak beans doesn't have to ruin your meal plans; there are several highly effective and safe methods to get tender, delicious beans on the table faster. So, how do you rehydrate dried beans quickly?

While some nutrient loss occurs with any cooking method, roasting is superior to boiling for retaining key compounds. But does cauliflower lose nutrients when roasted?

For centuries, cultures worldwide have used edible leaves to wrap food, a practice that serves multiple purposes from flavoring to preservation. Understanding what food is wrapped in a leaf reveals a rich tapestry of culinary traditions that still thrive today, providing an eco-friendly and flavorful cooking method.

Frozen spinach can retain more nutrients, like vitamins A, C, and K, than fresh spinach that has been sitting on a store shelf for days. As a convenient pantry staple, knowing how to quickly thaw frozen spinach is an essential skill for preparing healthy meals in minutes.

Over 50% of backyard pitmasters experience a frustrating temperature plateau known as the 'stall' when their ribs reach 150-170°F. Learning if it's okay to wrap ribs at 150 is key to overcoming this phenomenon, accelerating your cook, and achieving perfectly tender results every time.

For competition pitmasters, wrapping ribs in foil is a common technique to control the cook and guarantee moisture. But for backyard cooks, the question remains: do ribs cook better in foil for a delicious, tender result?