So, I would like to start learning to cook (without going to cookery classes; that's an option but a last resort for me).
Currently, my knowledge of cooking is extremely limited. Like, I can cook frozen things in the oven, and I can use the microwave, I can make toast, fried eggs, scrambled eggs, poached eggs... and that's about it.

I want to know what the best way for me starting to learn to cook would be? We have cookery books and I've looked at cookery shows and websites, but they all teach you how to cook specific meals. I would like to build up a knowledge from the bottom-up of how to cook, starting with the easy stuff and building up. How can I do this?

Also, our family isn't well-off, and we can't afford too much food, so the cheaper options would be better.


Thank you :)

I wouldn't worry too much about learning from the "bottom up", just practicing a few simple recipes will give you enough knowledge to build from there.

Personally, I suggest learning how to make macaroni and cheese from scratch. The first step is putting equal parts flour and butter in a saucepan and whisking it over low heat. Sounds easy, right? Already you've learned how to make a roux, which is the base for countless types of sauces. Next, you slowly add milk and whisk until it's smooth. Two steps and you already know how to make a roux and a bechamel sauce. Add cheese, some spices and pasta and throw it in the oven, and you're pretty much done.

It sounds easy on paper, but getting the ratios just right without overcooking or undercooking the roux/bechamel/pasta/cheese sauce and getting it all to blend together takes a ton of practice. Same thing with making pancakes from scratch, which is another basic recipe you should start with. If you can make both of those dishes consistently every time, you'll have plenty of technical experience to apply to other recipes.

Thank you :)

I'll definitely start with those recipes then. Are there any sites or books that would be useful in teaching me some fundamentals? For instance, very basic stuff such as which meats are used with which meals; what (in general) cakes, or biscuits, are made from; Different ways to cook meats; How much, or for how long, you should cook meats--just things like that, that are sort of more broad and would give me a good sort of foothold?

Cause I mean, this is just one example of what I'm on about, but if someone were to ask me how pork is cooked right now, I'd have no clue. On shows I've seen it cooked in the oven, and in a pan, and in various types of pans in various ways. I wouldn't really know the difference between any of these.