Some of the best cookbooks that should be in your kitchen
Fresh out of college, cookbooks have a firm place on my kitchen shelf. Since disastrous attempts to make barely edible dishes, my time as a student has exposed me to many cookbooks. Here are the top ten cookbooks that are invaluable for any aspiring Masterchef.
Ready… Set… Cook!
10. Delia’s Complete Cooking Course by Delia Smith
This mammoth cookbook makes it to number 10. Delia Smith is very much the David Beckham of the cooking world: an institution. Her Complete Cooking Course does exactly what it says on the tin. It provides aspiring chefs with a complete and comprehensive guide to creating the best dishes. With essential recipes that she must know, like apple pie and Yorkshire puddings, she proves that Delia is one of the masters. With luscious images that act as a rough guide, this book is a godsend for beginning chefs. Certainly a staple on her mom’s shelf, this book is perfect as a starting point in the basics of baking, cake baking, and roast making. A true triumph in the world of cookbooks.
9. The New Curry Bible by Pat Chapman
Chapman’s bible doesn’t follow conventional cookbook rules, but it’s a diamond in the rough for curry fans and the reason it’s on this list of the best cookbooks. The New Curry Bible doesn’t just show you the recipes, it teaches you the history of curry making. It is not a book for people who want a quick curry. If you are one of those people, I suggest you save yourself time and money and just buy a prepared meal. However, if you are interested in the exquisite nature of curry, this book will teach you all you need to know. Like any specialized cookbook, it’s a little daunting at first to find all the weird herbs and spices you know you don’t have, but the reward of knowing them is irreplaceable. Although it may take you a while to familiarize yourself with the fine art of balancing spices, you will undoubtedly become famous among friends and family for the talent you will learn from this beautiful book.
8. Rick Stein’s Taste of the Sea: 150 Fabulous Recipes for Every Occasion
As a great seafood lover, this book has literally been my magna carta. Rick Stein takes you on a trip down the coast and teaches you to really appreciate fish in all its scaly glory. From skinning methods to filleting, this book teaches you how to prepare and cook fish to perfection. Stein writes clearly and simply and it is impossible to resist his contagious passion. With a variety of dishes to suit absolutely every occasion, this book is a must-have for beginners and experienced anglers alike. The instructions aren’t patronizing or set in stone, and leave room for experimentation. A great book by a great chef and teacher.
7. Simple Chinese Cooking by Kylie Kwong
Following the theme of specialized cookbooks, Simple Chinese Cooking is an absolute must for anyone looking to start a love affair with Chinese cooking. Filled with beautiful photography, this book guides you through each dish with crisp, clear step-by-step instructions. Usually, when faced with a specific cookbook, there seems to be an endless list of ingredients that seem to exist in outer space, but this book has essentials that can be easily purchased and found at local grocery stores. This book is not only a great guide, but it is also incredibly exciting as each week you can see yourself develop and gain confidence with dishes that seemed difficult before. From steamed cod to sweet and sour pork, Kwong’s recipes will have you burning through all your Chinese takeout menus right from the start.
6. Jamie’s 30 Minute Meals by Jamie Oliver
There can be no best cookbook list without Mr. Oliver, of course. One of the things I love most about almost all of Jamie Oliver’s cookbooks is how beautifully and impeccably presented he is. Not endless pages of lines and lines of writing, but instead filled with bright, colorful, delicious images, as well as no-nonsense recipes. In his 30 Minute Meals, Jaime shows you that once and for all cooking does not have to be a stressful and laborious affair. Jamie’s 30 Minute Meals is amazing for working people for whom time is money and of course for students who want to spend the minimum amount of time cooking and the maximum amount of time… studying. Not only is it wonderfully organized with a designated section for starters, main courses, and desserts, but there are also numerous vegetarian recipes scattered throughout the interior, making this book literally for every type of chef.
5. The World’s Best Recipes by Mark Bittman
After her first cookbook How to Cook Everything became an international sensation, Bittman is back to show you that it’s easier than you thought to cook recipes from around the world. Without unnecessary embellishment, Bittman gently guides you on a culinary journey around the world that will leave your taste buds in a state of euphoria. The best aspect of Mark Bittman’s World’s Best Recipes, although you may never get to cook everything inside, the dishes you make will leave you feeling inspired to take dishes you already cook and turn them around. Although it can be overwhelming to be faced with so many recipes in one book, I urge you to add this to his collection. It is timeless and will only help increase your knowledge of food.
4. The Secrets of Gordon Ramsay by Gordon Ramsay
In this amazing and not-so-badly-priced book, Gordon Ramsay tells you a few secrets that have made him the world-renowned chef we’ve all come to love. With a huge collection of recipes, from poultry to fish and desserts to soups, this cookbook gives you insider insights that will make his friends and family think he’s a true cooking guru. The recipes are simple and effective, and Ramsay has even added his own flourishes, such as helpful presentation tips. If you are truly passionate about cooking or would love to learn more, this is the book that teaches you not only how to cook, but also how to become a chef. These tips help make cooking a truly enjoyable experience and will boost your confidence to be adventurous not only in the kitchen but also with food.
3. The complete book of sushi by Hideo Dekura
As a self-confessed sushi addict, this book is amazing – the pages are almost edible. It combines the modern with the traditional and allows you to familiarize yourself with this difficult style of Japanese cooking. While not everyone’s cup of tea, this book teaches you the secrets behind making that tricky sticky rice and how to present your sushi in wonderful ways. The most interesting thing about Dekura’s book is the way he progresses from simple to expert. This allows you to gradually move at your own pace and also sets small goals within the book. While there are other books on the market, such as Yo Sushi’s, it’s Dekura’s book that really stands out from the crowd. With magnificent photography, it inspires with a simple turn of the page and, unlike his contemporaries, it has clear and simple instructions. A must have for any Sushi fan and makes a great gift too!
2. Wahaca – Mexican food at home by Thomasina Miers
This book ranks second in the top ten cookbooks and is a must for any Wahaca repeat customer. Recently published, it plunges you right into the vibrant and tasty world of Mexican street food. One thing that surprised me was the breakfast section, and I have to admit that I have completely converted to the Mexican way of eating in the morning. Filled with beautiful images and written in an accessible and friendly way, this book does exactly what the title says and brings Mexican food right into your kitchen. Miers has clearly done the research required for such an exquisite book, and the information on Mexican chiles is invaluable. An excellent book for cooking meals for friends and a great equivalent to barbecue parties.
1.Jaime does… by Jaime Oliver
At number one is Jaime. In this book, Jaime travels through culinary hotspots like Spain, France, and Morocco to find innovative recipes. The book is beautifully presented (as are all of Jaime’s books) and has wonderful images of his travels along with amazing images of his food. Each country has an introductory paragraph that explains the culture and food he came into contact with, and then, in very simple language and always a friendly tone, Jaime guides you through a variety of dishes. From light bites like patatas bravas to more complex dishes like steak tartare, Jaime’s tone never patronizes you as an amateur chef. This book not only provides great enjoyment as a teaching tool, but is also enjoyable to flip through from time to time to contemplate location shots of his food journey. Overall, it’s a big winner on this Best Cookbooks list. Absolutely delicious!
These are by no means the only ten cookbooks I think you should own. There are plenty of other brilliant cookbooks for beginners, like Sophie Grigson’s The Student Cookbook. This is great for hobby chefs who just don’t have the time to cook elaborate meals every day and are looking for recipes for both real cooking and convenience cooking. Then, for the more adventurous chefs who are willing to get creative and scientific in the kitchen, there’s Heston Bluementhal’s brilliant The Fat Duck Cookbook, which combines vivid illustrations and wacky recipes for a truly grand culinary experience. Overall, the ten books that make up this list of the best cookbooks offer friendly, easy-to-follow guidance that allows you to not only enjoy them as books, but also enjoy them as learning tools that will one day make you the king of cooking. kitchen.
Bon appetit ladies and gentlemen.