The recipe cards in the box already explain how to do it.

In this bonus, I'm going to give you something else: how to avoid common mistakes that can ruin the result.

Often, an average recipe isn't due to a lack of talent... but to a small detail.

A bad cut, poorly managed cooking, too much water, bad timing...

Here, I share with you the most frequent pitfalls for the recipes in the box, with simple solutions.

🥕 1. Roasted Vegetables — Common Mistakes

❌ Mistake: cutting vegetables too large

If the pieces are huge:

• cooked outside
• still hard inside

✅ Do this instead:

Cut into pieces of about 2 to 3 cm.

For thick carrots or potatoes: a little smaller.

❌ Mistake: cutting everything to the same size

Not all vegetables cook the same way.

Example:

• carrot = longer
• zucchini = faster

✅ Do this instead:

• carrot: smaller
• zucchini: larger

That way, everything is ready together.

❌ Mistake: forgetting the oil

Without fat:

• it dries out
• it doesn't brown well
• less flavor

✅ Good benchmark:

For 500g of vegetables:

➡️ 2 tablespoons of olive oil

❌ Mistake: taking it out of the oven too early

The vegetables are hot... but not roasted.

✅ What you're looking for:

• slightly golden edges
• tender texture
• pleasant grilled aroma

Sometimes 5 more minutes changes everything.

🍲 2. Vegetable Soup — Common Mistakes

❌ Mistake: adding too much water from the start

Very common among beginners.

Result:

• bland soup
• too watery

✅ Do this instead:

Add water just to the level of the vegetables, then adjust after blending.

Benchmark:

For 500g vegetables = start with 600ml approximately.

❌ Mistake: not salting at all

Without seasoning, even good vegetables taste bland.

✅ Good starting point:

For 2 bowls:

➡️ 1/2 teaspoon of salt, then taste.

❌ Mistake: blending immediately after cooking

Very hot soup can splash or foam.

✅ Do this instead:

Let it rest for 2 minutes before blending.

❌ Mistake: wanting perfect texture with too little cooking

If the vegetables are still firm:

• grainy texture
• chunks

✅ Check:

A knife should easily slide into the carrot/potato.

🍳 3. Sautéed Vegetables — Common Mistakes

❌ Mistake: putting wet vegetables in the pan

If the vegetables are washed and wet:

• steam
• no browning

✅ Do this instead:

Quickly dry with a tea towel or paper towel.

❌ Mistake: salting certain vegetables from the first second

On zucchini or mushrooms, salt quickly draws out water.

✅ Tip:

Salt midway through or at the end of cooking instead.

❌ Mistake: pan is too small

500g of vegetables in a small pan = they get crowded.

✅ Do this instead:

• use a large pan
  or
• cook in 2 batches

❌ Mistake: heat too low

Result:

• soggy vegetables
• long cooking time
• little flavor

✅ Good benchmark:

Medium to medium-high heat depending on your stovetop.

You should hear a slight crackling sound.

🔪 4. On your cutting sheets — common mistakes

❌ Mistake: trying to cut too fast with the knife

Stress leads to bad cuts... or worse.

✅ Do this instead:

Slowly at first.

Speed comes naturally afterward.

❌ Mistake: slippery cutting board

Dangerous and uncomfortable.

✅ Do this instead:

Place a damp cloth under the cutting board.

❌ Mistake: poorly placed knife

Fingers stretched in front of the blade = risk.

✅ Simple guideline:

Slightly tuck your fingers inward.

🧂 5. General mistake: never tasting

This is probably the biggest one.

You cook without checking, then you discover at the table that:

• lack of salt
• overcooked
• bland

✅ Simple habit:

Taste before serving.

Always.

👨🍳 My honest advice

In cooking, small details often make more difference than complicated recipes.

The right temperature, the right cut, the right dosage... and everything changes.

Don't strive for perfection.

Just aim to correct one mistake at a time.

Thank you for being part of the adventure. 🍳