I don’t know how to cook. Where do I start?

“I’m not cut out for cooking.”

It’s a common phrase. And almost always unfair.

Nobody is born knowing how to make an omelet or master a sofrito. You learn, just like you learned to swim, ride a bike, or use a mobile phone without an instruction manual. The difference is that with cooking, we often label ourselves as useless before even trying.

If you feel that cooking isn’t your thing, we ask you to give yourself one last chance and keep reading.

The most common excuses for not learning to cook

“I don’t have time to cook”

This is usually the number one objection.

But cooking doesn’t mean preparing a restaurant-quality meal. A simple pasta dish, some sautéed vegetables, or an omelet can be made in 15–20 minutes. The time it takes to decide what to order and wait for delivery is often longer.

If it takes you a long time to cook now, it’s simply because you don’t know where to start and haven’t mastered the techniques. The good thing about cooking is that you progress through phases and tasks that initially take a lot of time, but later you can do them with your eyes closed.

More than a lack of time, it’s usually a lack of habit.

“Why cook if I live alone?”

Because living alone doesn’t mean eating worse.

Cooking for one has its advantages: there’s no pressure, you can repeat recipes without anyone’s opinion, and you learn to adjust quantities. Plus, many preparations allow you to save a portion for the next day. The freezer will be your great ally; learn to make the most of it and you’ll never go hungry.

Cooking for yourself isn’t a waste of energy. It’s an act of self-care.

“It’s more expensive”

If you do the math, that’s rarely the case.

A simple homemade dish costs less than an average takeout order. And you get to choose the ingredients, quality, and quantities. As you learn, you optimize your shopping and reduce waste.

Learning to cook is an investment that pays off quickly.

“I make too much mess”

Mess happens when there’s no order.

Preparing ingredients before you start, using the right pan, and cleaning as something cooks significantly reduces chaos. Additionally, cookware that distributes heat well prevents unnecessary splatters and errors due to excessive temperature. Use lids when necessary—that’s what they’re for.

It’s not about making less mess. It’s about method.

“I’m afraid it will turn out badly”

Fear of making mistakes can be paralyzing.

But in cooking, mistakes are usually minor and recoverable. A broken omelet can become scrambled eggs. A sauce that’s too intense can be adjusted. Overcooked rice teaches you timing. Start experimenting with inexpensive foods; don’t even think about buying a hake if you’ve never cooked fish in your life, because the trial will be very costly.

Remember that mistakes are almost never serious, and in return, you always gain knowledge.

“I don’t know any recipes”

Seriously? Don’t you have the internet?

There are plenty of recipes out there. The important thing is to start with the right ones.

For example, in the Cooking section of the VITRINOR website, you’ll find clear, simple suggestions designed for real kitchens, with step-by-step instructions and no unnecessary complications:

👉 https://vitrinor.com/cooking/

There are recipes for all levels and tastes. The key is to choose a basic one and repeat it until you feel comfortable with it.

Real reasons to learn to cook

Once the excuses are overcome, it’s worth asking something more interesting: what do I gain if I learn?

Savings and autonomy

You control your diet and your budget. You don’t depend on external menus or improvisations.

Health and discernment

You decide how much oil, salt, or sugar you use. Cooking means always knowing exactly what you’re eating, without having to read any labels.

Fun and creativity

When fear disappears, curiosity emerges. Adjusting flavors, trying combinations, improving a basic recipe, creating your own version… Cooking has an experimental side that’s addictive.

Socialization

Inviting someone over for a meal you’ve prepared changes the atmosphere. No sophistication is needed. A simple, well-made recipe generates conversation and closeness. And it’s always a sign of affection.

Moments of calm

Chopping vegetables, gently stirring a stew, observing how the color of a sofrito changes. Cooking has a Zen quality that can become a space for concentration and mental rest.

Don’t think of cooking as an obligation, but as a small, personal daily ritual.

Where to start if you’ve never cooked

Don’t start with complicated things; choose what works.

• Basic omelet.
• Simple pasta.
• Sautéed vegetables.
• Well-made white rice.
• Salads, of course.
• First steps with a griddle.

On the VITRINOR website, you’ll find many of these recipes explained clearly and without fuss. They are specifically designed for those who want to start with confidence.

Repeat the same recipe several times. Repetition builds confidence.

What utensils do you really need to get started?

There’s no need to equip the entire kitchen; it doesn’t make sense and will only overwhelm you.

With a versatile frying pan, a medium saucepan, and a comfortable knife, you can prepare most everyday dishes.

Choosing cookware that distributes heat well and responds stably facilitates learning. Resistant materials, like vitrified steel, help prevent deformation and maintain even cooking, which is key when you’re still adjusting times and temperatures.

Fewer pieces, but ones that work well. In addition to the basics, it’s also good to know that there are cookware pieces specially designed for certain types of cuisines and techniques. For example, if you get hooked on oriental cooking, sooner or later you’ll end up with a wok. There’s a lot to choose from. Exploring the possibilities of new cookware can also be a good reason to cook.

30-day mini plan to start cooking

If you want a concrete roadmap, here’s a simple proposal:

Week 1

Learn to boil pasta correctly and sauté vegetables.

Week 2

Make Spanish omelet three times. Adjust it each time.

Week 3

Prepare a basic rice dish and experiment with a simple variation.

Week 4

Choose a recipe from the VITRINOR website and follow it step-by-step without changing anything. Then, start making variations according to your taste until you find your own version.

By the end of the month, you’ll have cooked more than you imagine. And most importantly: without feeling overwhelmed.

Frequently asked questions about starting to cook

Is it difficult to learn to cook from scratch?

No. It’s progressive. The first recipes require attention; then they become automatic. Each session will be easier than the last.

How long does it take to feel confident?

In a few weeks, you can master basic recipes. Confidence grows with repetition.

What’s most important for a beginner?

Learning to control heat and understand timing.

Do I need to invest a lot of money?

No. Better to have a few quality, well-chosen pieces.

What if I still think it’s not for me?

Give it a try: choose one simple recipe this week. Just one. Repeat it. Evaluate afterward. And if you still think it’s not worth it, well, don’t worry. Learning to cook isn’t about changing who you are. It’s about adding another skill to your life; if you don’t have this one, you surely have others. Remember that a happy table needs someone who knows how to cook and someone who knows how to enjoy and appreciate it. That’s also a gift.