Attempting anything for the first time can be a challenge; the end result could go any way. The risks are rarely ever so high as when we step in the kitchen for the very first time. Moms may make whipping up tasty meals look like a piece of cake but those who have faced the stove know it is anything but easy. Priyanka Gurung brings you some stories of first time cooks: the blunders, the small victories and the downright disasters.
Bhumika KC
I used to assist my mother around the kitchen so I already knew how to make simple things like coffee and noodles. After giving my SLC though, I thought it was time to try my hand at something bigger.
So it was a Saturday and I was ready to cook my very first dish – chicken gravy. My father bought the meat in the morning and there was a family get together later in the day. It was building up to be a small event. I was definitely a little nervous. It could have been a disaster but it wasn't.
With my mother's guidance, I went through all steps from the beginning – from cutting the pieces to roasting it in the end. The dish wasn't a masterpiece by any standards. I think I could have weighed the ingredients a little better, but nevertheless the results were encouraging. I learnt that I actually enjoyed being in the kitchen.
From that first self cooked gravy to today, I believe my passion for cooking has certainly increased. I have learnt more tips and tricks as well. In my experience, the most important thing while cooking is to focus. Pay attention to the produce, ingredients, proportions, and techniques. Then, of course, don't forget to sprinkle in some love.
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Saifullah Muhammad
I always thought my mom's noodles were a little too soupy and spicy so I wanted to do it my way. So at 15, noodles were the first thing I tried to cook. The result was brilliant – best noodles I had ever tasted.
I bought a Wai Wai Quick. Unlike my mother, I knew better than to put any cabbages in them. So I started dicing the onions and tomatoes. My knife skills weren't exactly impressive but it got the work done. I also didn't want too much water so I began boiling just the right amount, placed the raw noodles and the ingredients. Couple of minutes later, the kitchen filled with this amazing smell. I knew I had nailed it. Since then, I have had friends over to try my noodle recipe as well. And so far they have all loved it.
I'm not exactly that passionate about cooking but once in a while, I don't mind getting my hands dirty in the kitchen. It's perhaps because of the successful first cooking experience. Not so long after that, I even made pizza and again, it tasted great. If any of my friends feel otherwise, I don't want to know.
Aashna Sharma
I cooked for the first time because I had to. I remember my mother was away to some errands. It was just me and my younger brother at home. We had just finished observing the 13 day mourning period after my grandfather's demise. As per the custom, we had only eaten salt less, and bland food for days.
My brother was hungry and he suggested cooking chicken. I had seen my mother make chicken curry several times before and I naively thought I could do it. First lesson learnt, wash the chicken. Back then I didn't and thus it began. I put in all the ingredients I thought were required, but obviously I messed that bit up as well. The look of the chicken had me worried but I thought, perhaps it would taste better.
Over at the dining room, my brother was eagerly awaiting the chicken dish. Needless to say, that enthusiasm fizzled out fast. He was disgusted. He got pretty annoyed and started having a go at me. I didn't want to concede defeat so I pretended to 'not hate' the taste of the chicken. I may have even taken a few extra bites.
I still haven't recovered. I do cook every now and then but I haven't had the guts to try a chicken recipe yet.
UjJwal Upadhyay
The first time I cooked it was so horrible that I swore never to do it again and I haven't since.
This was back in 2012. I had already lived on my own for 13 years by then but I always had help in the kitchen. There was a young boy who did the cooking for me. But in 2012, he finished his studies and decided to try his hand in other fields. Following his departure, I ate at restaurants for a couple of days but I knew that couldn't go on forever.
So I started watching videos on YouTube, looking for simple recipes. Aloo paratha and bhatmas kosa seemed like a doable dinner. So I set about kneading the dough, mashing the potatoes and mixing in the ingredients. It was all going surprisingly well. I even got a little nostalgic making the rotis because the last time I had attempted to make one, I was a kid and I was with my mother.
Later I sat down with my very first self cooked meal. If I had to describe how it tasted, I say, horrible! Turns out, I forgot the salt. I'm sure some other things were missing as well because it didn't taste right. So it was back to the restaurants from there on. I probably tried every single eatery in Kathmandu, and then thankfully, I met my wife. She is a brilliant cook.
