Salt Fat Acid Heat: Mastering the Elements of Good Cooking by Samin Nosrat & Wendy MacNaughton

Salt Fat Acid Heat: The Four Elements of Great Cooking

Overview

Samin Nosrat’s groundbreaking cookbook, Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat, brings food science and culinary artistry together to help you master the building blocks of exceptional cooking. By understanding these four essential elements, you’ll learn to balance flavors and create standout dishes with any ingredients you have on hand.

Now a major Netflix documentary, Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat has also been honored as a Sunday Times Food Book of the Year, a New York Times bestseller, and the winner of the Fortnum & Mason Best Debut Food Book 2018.

What You’ll Learn

1. The Power of Salt

   • Discover how to enhance natural flavors and achieve the perfect seasoning.

   • Learn techniques for brining, salting in stages, and more.

2. The Role of Fat

   • Explore the crucial role of oils, butters, and other fats in adding richness.

   • Gain insights into how different fats affect taste and texture.

3. Balancing Acidity

   • Understand how vinegar, citrus, and other acidic ingredients bring brightness to your dishes.

   • Elevate everything from dressings to roasted vegetables with the right level of tang.

4. Harnessing Heat

   • Master various cooking methods—roasting, braising, grilling—to control temperature and texture.

   • Cook meats, fish, and vegetables to succulent perfection.

Alongside these essential concepts, Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat features 100 adaptable recipes with endless variations. From show-stopping roasts to effortlessly balanced vinaigrettes, these recipes will guide you in developing a truly intuitive approach to cooking.

Praise and Recognition

• “Quite simply an essential book … a masterpiece.” – Nigella Lawson

• “A beautifully illustrated New York Times bestseller that distils decades of professional experience into just four simple elements.” – Back Cover

About the Author: Samin Nosrat

Samin Nosrat is a chef, teacher, and food writer celebrated by The New York Times and NPR for her ability to match the correct techniques with the best ingredients. She has cooked professionally since 2000, beginning at the legendary Chez Panisse restaurant, and has since become a James Beard Award-winning author. In addition to writing for The New York Times Magazine, Samin shares her passion for cooking, learning, and laughter in the Netflix series based on Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat.

About the Illustrator: Wendy MacNaughton

Wendy MacNaughton is a New York Times bestselling illustrator and graphic journalist. Her captivating artwork brings Samin’s insights to life, making culinary knowledge both visually engaging and accessible. Wendy’s illustrations have appeared in Bon Appétit, Lucky Peach, and AFAR Magazine, among many others.

Why This Cookbook Belongs in Your Kitchen

• Comprehensive & Versatile: Learn to apply fundamental cooking principles to any recipe or cuisine.

• Award-Winning & Trusted: Endorsed by culinary heavyweights and recognized by leading publications.

• Visual Learning: Vibrant illustrations simplify complex techniques and enhance your understanding.

• Empowering: Gain the confidence to cook beyond recipes—understanding the “why” behind every dish.

Unlock the secrets of culinary excellence with Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat. Whether you’re a novice cook or an experienced chef, this book will transform the way you think about food, flavor, and the joy of cooking. Join Samin Nosrat on a delicious journey that will forever change how you approach your favorite meals.