Author(s): Sohla El-Waylly

Food & Drink | Food writing & reference

'The perfect companion' Yotam Ottolenghi  Foreword by Samin Nosrat, author of Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat

A practical, information-packed, and transformative guide to becoming a better cook and conquering the kitchen, this is a must-have masterclass in leveling up your cooking.

Across a dozen technique-themed chapters - from "Temperature Management 101" and "Break it Down & Get Saucy" to "Mix it Right," "Go to Brown Town," and "Getting to Know Dough" - Sohla El-Waylly explains the hows and whys of cooking, introducing the fundamental skills that you need to become a more intuitive, inventive cook.

A one-stop resource, regardless of what you're hungry for, Start Here gives equal weight to savory and sweet dishes, with more than 200 mouthwatering recipes, including- Crispy Skinned Salmon with Radishes & Nuoc Cham, Charred Lemon Risotto; Chilled Green Tahini Soba, Lemon, Pecorino & Potato Pizza; Masa & Buttermilk Tres Leches.

Packed with practical advice and scientific background, helpful tips, and an almost endless assortment of recipe variations, along with tips, guidance, and how-tos, Start Here is culinary school - without the student loans.

Review: The perfect companion to anyone starting out in the kitchen. In sharing so much experience and knowledge - not to mention so many recipes that I want to eat - Sohla has crafted a book to return to again and again and again. * Yotam Ottolenghi, author of 'Simple' and 'Flavour' *
This book has done the impossible: It's inspired me to cook. Start Here is an instant classic destined to be a kitchen staple. Sohla has revolutionized what a cookbook can be in a way that speaks so uniquely to her razor-sharp wit, generosity of spirit, and undeniable skill. * Dan Levy, Emmy Award-winning writer, actor, director, and producer of 'Schitt's Creek' *
The book I wish someone had handed me when I began my own journey as a cook . . . Sohla has improved my cooking, and I guarantee she will improve yours, too. * Samin Nosrat, author of 'Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat' *
Quite simply the modern cooking bible. A true tome that will not only teach you the foundations of cooking, but guide you towards becoming a more intuitive cook. Designed with accessibility in mind, the larger-than-average type and step-by-step photos ensure complete confidence in the kitchen. An instant classic. * Alexina Anatole, author of 'Bitter' *
Cooking through Start Here has brought more joy to my kitchen than any cookbook in memory. Spoiler alert for my friends: This is what you're getting for Christmas. * Stella Parks, author of 'BraveTart' *
I am an instant fan of any book that crams in this much knowledge and science right alongside things like Lisa Frank Cookies and not one but FOUR kinds of homemade fun dip! . . . I don't know who's more excited, my brain or my belly! * Molly Yeh, author and Food Network host *
A one-stop grand diplome in the culinary arts taught by one of the most talented and knowledgable chefs, Sohla El-Waylly . . . Start Here is an instant, must-have classic. * Rick Andrew Martinez, author of 'Mi Cocina' *
Brilliantly organized and superbly written, with photographs that teach as well as inspire. Reading Start Here is like getting a fully accredited culinary degree from a professional who sees food and cooking through a grounded but completely modern perspective. Every recipe delivers. You need this book. * Carla Lalli Music, author of 'That Sounds So Good' and 'Where Cooking Begins' *
A special and original book for anyone wanting to make better food * Delicious *
A foundational behemoth of a book (656 pages!) in the school of J. Kenji Lopez-Alt's The Food Lab and Samin Nosrat's Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat . . . Every home cook will find something to learn in Start Here. * Eater *
Clear, funny, smart, and necessary. There are more than 200 recipes ... but even more exciting is the depth of technical knowledge packed into its pages. Each chapter is set up like a culinary lesson, ensuring you don't just memorize the recipes but rather learn the tools that will allow you to create great food in your kitchen for the rest of your life. * Vogue *
Sohla breaks down cooking in a way that's elemental yet approachable. She is the patient friend, the seasoned guide, the doting mentor you want in the kitchen. This book will not only teach you the principles of good cooking but also boost your confidence, allowing you to freestyle it in the kitchen like a master. There's something for everyone in this future classic. Buy this book now! * Padma Lakshmi *
El-Waylly distills takeaways from her time in cooking school, years-long tenure at restaurants, and her experience as a Bon Appetit staffer to bring home cooks the foundations they need to be more confident in the kitchen . . . This cookbook is the mirror I wish I had as a student in culinary school . . . With each recipe, technique overview, and the stories within, El-Waylly makes the unattainable achievable in more ways than one. -- Anikah Shaokat * Epicurious *