People who are considered really good cooks can have varying levels of recipe knowledge and repertoire. It's not solely about the number of recipes they know, but rather their overall culinary skill set and ability to create delicious and well-executed dishes.
Here are a few points to consider:
Mastery of Techniques: Skilled cooks often focus on mastering fundamental cooking techniques rather than just memorizing specific recipes. With a solid foundation in techniques such as sautéing, roasting, braising, and baking, they can adapt and create various dishes using different ingredients.
Understanding Ingredients: Good cooks have a deep understanding of ingredients, including their flavors, textures, and how they react to different cooking methods. This knowledge allows them to improvise and create new dishes based on what they have on hand, rather than relying solely on specific recipes.
Recipe Adaptation: Experienced cooks can take a basic recipe and adapt it to suit their preferences or the ingredients they have available. They have the ability to modify flavors, adjust seasoning, substitute ingredients, and adjust cooking times and temperatures to achieve the desired results.
Creativity and Improvisation: Skilled cooks often have a creative approach to cooking. They can combine flavors, experiment with new ingredients, and create unique dishes from scratch. This ability to think outside the box and improvise is a hallmark of a good cook.
While some cooks may have an extensive collection of recipes, others may have a smaller repertoire of tried-and-true dishes they excel at. What distinguishes a good cook is their ability to apply culinary techniques, adapt recipes, and create delicious meals. It's not about the number of recipes they know, but rather their understanding of the principles and techniques behind cooking that allows them to consistently produce impressive results.