do people actually follow recipes? I think you have to learn the different skills and gradually build a repertoire.
I once tried to make curry following a recipe, and there were a lot of really flavourful ingredients - spices, sauces, fruit, jam, etc - so I thought it was going to taste great. But it tasted terrible. I don't think I had the technical expertise to properly follow the recipe, which was quite complex.
but the way I cook lentils, which always turn out great, is so imprecise. The first time I cooked them, I did follow a basic recipe. I wouldn't even call it a recipe...more like a method or technique. It's like rice...you don't call how to cook rice a recipe.
so, here's what I do ➝ add 1 cup of split red lentils to a pan / rinse three times / add 3 cups of water / pour in some soy sauce...don't worry about measuring. just pour whatever you think. you can always add more later / get about 5 or so different spices...don't worry about compatability. if they're all savoury they'll go together fine..I'm currently using smoked paprika, garlic, cumin, turmeric, chinese 5 spices....again, don't measure - just sprinkle however much you think. more of the flavours you like, and less of the stronger flavours / heat, simmer....again, don't measure time. just keep heating and simmering until the lentils soften and kind of breakdown and the mixture turns into a kind of thick soup. Add salt but only after the lentils have softened. I think putting it in earlier actually stops the lentils from softening somehow. You can also add a vegetable stock cube with the spices.
in future I might experiment and add other ingredients, like maybe some meat or some other vegetables, but I'm content with the basic one for now. could there be an easier recipe?
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