If it goes wrong
Most cooking mistakes can be rescued. Find the problem, do the fix.
| Problem | Fix |
|---|---|
| Too salty | Add more of everything else — another tin of tomatoes, more beans, more water. Or serve it with plain rice or bread. |
| Too spicy | Stir in plain soya or oat yoghurt, or oat cream. Serve with rice or bread. |
| Too thick | Add 50ml water. Stir. Repeat until it's right. |
| Too thin / watery | Take the lid off and let it bubble for 5 more minutes. |
| Tastes flat | A pinch of salt, or a squeeze of lemon. Taste after each. More flavour ideas. |
| Burnt on the bottom | Don't scrape or stir. Tip the top part into a clean pan. Leave the burnt bit behind. |
| Onions catching | Turn the heat down. Add 1 tablespoon of water. |
| Lentils still hard | Add 100ml water and cook 5 more minutes. Bite one to check. |
| Rice is crunchy | Add 2 tablespoons of water, lid on, lowest heat, 5 more minutes. |
| Tofu is soggy | Next time, press it first: wrap it in a clean tea towel, put something heavy on it for 10 minutes. |
Ate it anyway and it was fine? That counts. Done is better than perfect.