It’s no secret that the food we eat today differs from our ancestors’ meals. In modern cooking, there’s a tendency to keep things simple, with few ingredients and a limited number of cooking methods.
However, before the world became so busy and we were suddenly rushed for time, cooks had many more opportunities to express their culinary skills with unique combinations of spices and cooking techniques.
Let’s take a deeper look at methods with a rich history.
Different methods of cooking
There are many different ways to cook, each with its unique history. Some of the most popular methods are
Frying
Frying is a cooking method that involves cooking food in hot oil. It is thought to have originated in ancient Egypt, where cooks would fry foods such as onions and fish over an open fire.
The method also became popular in Europe during the Middle Ages, when cooks began to fry foods in animal fat. Today, frying is a common cooking method all over the world.
Baking
Another popular cooking method involves cooking food in an oven using dry heat. Baking was first developed by the Ancient Egyptians, who used hot ashes to bake loaves of bread and cakes.
The Greeks and Romans also baked loaves of bread and pastries in ovens. Baking became more widespread in Europe during the Middle Ages as bakeries began to open up all over cities and towns.
And today, baking is the most preferred method of cooking all sorts of foods, from pieces of bread and cakes to meats and vegetables.
Grilling
Grilling involves cooking food over an open flame. It is thought to have originated with the Native Americans, who would grill meats over fires for their meals.
The method became popular in Europe during the Renaissance when noblemen often hosted lavish outdoor parties where they would grill meat for their guests. No doubt, grilling is a common cooking method all over the world.
The history of cooking methods
The history of cooking methods is a long and varied one. Early methods were often quite simple, such as roasting meat over an open fire. As time progressed, however, new methods were developed and refined.
One of the most significant developments was the invention of the stove, which allowed for more controlled and consistent cooking. We have new recipes and cooking techniques such that we can learn how to avoid uneven cast iron pan seasoning.
Another major development was the introduction of refrigeration and freezing, which allowed food to be preserved for longer periods, meaning that it could be cooked in advance and then reheated or eaten cold.
Moreover, with technological advancement, so too have cooking methods. Today, we’ve myriad ways to cook food, from traditional baking and frying to modern techniques like sous vide and molecular gastronomy.
Regardless of your method, the goal is always the same: to create delicious dishes you can enjoy with family and friends.
History of cooking
Humans have been cooking food since the dawn of time. Early methods were likely very simple, like roasting meat over an open fire. As time progressed, we developed more sophisticated methods, like stewing, baking, and frying.
Each cooking method has its own unique history. Roasting, for example, was likely one of the first ways we cooked food. The earliest known roasting pits date back to around 300,000 BC.
Stewing also dates back thousands of years. One of the earliest known recipes is for a lamb and bean stew found in an ancient Egyptian tomb.
Baking is another ancient cooking method built in Greece around 600 BC. It was a large clay structure that required a team of people to operate.
Frying is a relatively newer method of cooking. It wasn’t until the late Middle Ages that this method became popular in Europe.
Today, there are countless different cooking methods used all over the world. Each one has its distinct flavor and history. Whether roasting a chicken or frying up some fish, take a moment to appreciate the rich history behind your meal!
Conclusion
Cooking methods have constantly been evolving since the beginning of time. The earliest methods were simple: roasting meat on a spit or baking it in hot ashes. As time passed and people became more creative, they began experimenting with different ways of cooking food.
Everyone can cook, but it doesn’t mean it will be tasty. Join me in my journey to find what would intrigue your tongue, and what would add spice to your life. Bon Appetit!
