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Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat: Mastering the Elements of Good Cooking Kindle Edition

by Samin Nosrat (Author), Wendy MacNaughton (Illustrator) Format: Kindle Edition
4.8 4.8 out of 5 stars 23,098 ratings
Editors' pick Best Cookbooks, Food & Wine
See all formats and editions
*More than 1 million copies sold * New York Times bestseller * Winner of the James Beard Award and multiple IACP Cookbook Awards * Available as a Netflix series *

Transform how you prep, cook, and think about food with this visionary master class in cooking by Samin Nosrat that distills decades of professional experience into just four simple elements—from the woman declared “America’s next great cooking teacher” by Alice Waters.

Featuring more than 100 recipes from Samin and more than 150 illustrations from acclaimed illustrator Wendy MacNaughton!

In the tradition of The Joy of Cooking and How to Cook Everything comes Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat, an ambitious new approach to cooking. Chef and writer Samin Nosrat has taught everyone from professional chefs to middle school kids to author Michael Pollan to cook using her revolutionary, yet simple, philosophy. Master the use of just four elements—Salt, which enhances flavor; Fat, which delivers flavor and generates texture; Acid, which balances flavor; and Heat, which ultimately determines the texture of food—and anything you cook will be delicious. By explaining the hows and whys of good cooking, Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat will teach and inspire a new generation of cooks how to confidently make better decisions in the kitchen and cook delicious meals with any ingredients, anywhere, at any time.

Echoing Samin’s own journey from culinary novice to award-winning chef, Salt, Fat Acid, Heat immediately bridges the gap between home and professional kitchens. With charming narrative, illustrated walkthroughs, and a lighthearted approach to kitchen science, Samin demystifies the four elements of good cooking for everyone. Refer to the canon of 100 essential recipes—and dozens of variations—to put the lessons into practice and make bright, balanced vinaigrettes, perfectly caramelized roast vegetables, tender braised meats, and light, flaky pastry doughs.

Destined to be a classic, Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat just might be the last cookbook you’ll ever need.

With a foreword by Michael Pollan.

*Named one of the Best Books of the Year by: NPR, BuzzFeed, The Washington Post, Chicago Tribune, Rachel Ray Every Day, San Francisco Chronicle, Elle.com, Glamour, Eater, Newsday, The Seattle Times, Tampa Bay Times, Tasting Table, Publishers Weekly, and more!*
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  1. Print length
    227 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Sticky notes
    On Kindle Scribe
  4. Publisher
    Simon & Schuster
  5. Publication date
    April 25, 2017
  6. File size
    132041 KB
  7. Page Flip
    Enabled
  8. Word Wise
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  9. Enhanced typesetting
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  1. In order to preserve the texture of mushrooms, wait to add salt until they’ve just begun to brown in the pan.
    Highlighted by 2,960 Kindle readers
  2. The three basic decisions involving salt are: When? How much? In what form?
    Highlighted by 2,150 Kindle readers
  3. Properly seasoned cooking water encourages food to retain its nutrients.
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From the Publisher

SALT FAT ACID HEAT
SALT FAT ACID HEAT
SALT FAT ACID HEAT

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Just reading Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat will make you a better cook, adept at seasoning, balancing, understanding what it really is you’re doing and why... Make room on the bedside table—and the countertop." — Bon Appetit

“With 100 tempting recipes and vibrant illustrations by Wendy MacNaughton, this textbook offers insight, encouragement, and a new path to culinary mastery.” — Real Simple

"Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat is a refreshing break from [the] contemporary formula. Instantly recognizable as a reference book, Samin Nosrat's definitive technique-driven tome defies convention. This is partly because Nosrat's method of teaching via the book's four main pillars (salt, fat, acid, and heat) is a rarity...But what makes Nosrat's method so effective was her insistence that the book be illustrated. — Saveur.com

"A cookbook that will make you a better cook...with helpful, charming illustrations from artist Wendy MacNaughton." — Boston Globe

"An exhaustively researched treatise on the four pillars of successful cooking." — New York Times Book Review

"All you need to master the kitchen are the four elements laid out in this Joyfully illustrated book's title. Nosrat, who's been called 'America's next great cooking teacher' by Alice Waters and taught Michael Pollan how to cook, is a more than trustworthy instructor." — Tasting Table

"If there’s one cookbook that will make dad want to march into the kitchen and start cooking you amazing meals, it’s this one." — Wired.com

"NPR once called Nosrat 'the next Julia Child.' Based on her first cookbook, we can see why. The Chez Panisse alum uses a simple philosophy: balancing salt, fat, acid and heat (temperature, not spice) to create a perfect finished product. But recipes aside, the illustrations alone are worth the price." — PureWow

"If you're only going to buy one cookbook this year, let it be this so-much-more-than-a-recipe-book by Chez Panisse alum Samin Nosrat and illustrated by Wendy MacNaughton, guaranteed to turn even the most culinarily inept among us into kitchen proficient."
— Elle.com

About the Author

Samin Nosrat is a writer, teacher, and chef. Called “a go-to resource for matching the correct techniques with the best ingredients” by The New York Times, and “the next Julia Child” by NPR’s All Things Considered, she’s been cooking professionally since 2000, when she first stumbled into the kitchen at Chez Panisse restaurant. She lives, cooks, surfs, and gardens in Berkeley, California. Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat is her first book.

Wendy MacNaughton is a New York Times bestselling illustrator and graphic journalist whose books include Meanwhile in San Francisco (Chronicle), Pen & Ink (Bloomsbury). The Gutsy Girl (Bloomsbury), and The Essential Scratch and Sniff Guide to Becoming a Wine Expert (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt). Her work appears in publications like The New York Times, Lucky Peach, Bon Appétit, AFAR Magazine, and elsewhere. She is the back page columnist for The California Sunday Magazine.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B01HMXV0UQ
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Simon & Schuster (April 25, 2017)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ April 25, 2017
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 132041 KB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Sticky notes ‏ : ‎ On Kindle Scribe
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 227 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.8 4.8 out of 5 stars 23,098 ratings

About the authors

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Previous page
  1. Wendy MacNaughton

    Wendy MacNaughton

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    Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

    Wendy MacNaughton is a New York Times bestselling illustrator and graphic journalist whose books include Meanwhile in San Francisco (Chronicle) Knives & Ink (Bloomsbury). The Gutsy Girl (Bloomsbury), and Lost Cat (Bloomsbury). Her work appears in publications like The New York Times, Lucky Peach, Bon Appétit, AFAR Magazine, and elsewhere. She is the back page columnist for The California Sunday Magazine, and the co-founder of Women Who Draw.

    See more on the author's page
  2. Samin Nosrat

    Samin Nosrat

    Brief content visible, double tap to read full content.
    Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

    SAMIN NOSRAT is a chef, teacher, and author of the best-selling, James Beard award-winning Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat. She has been called "a go to resource for matching the correct techniques with the best ingredients" by The New York Times and "the next Julia Child" by NPR's "All Things Considered." Samin is an EAT columnist for The New York Times Magazine and can be found eating, cooking, and laughing in the "Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat" documentary series on Netflix.

    See more on the author's page
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Customer reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars
4.8 out of 5
23,098 global ratings
Great Illustrations and Information
5 Stars
Great Illustrations and Information
The illustrations in the book makes me feel like I’m reading a childrens book in other words it feels fun and creative and less of a chore to read. The information is great it is like reading a textbook. I am a new cooker so I know nothing about the hows and whys of cooking but given a recipe I can follow it. This book helps me understand the whys of recipes. Its perfect and worth the investment!
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Top reviews from the United States

Bartek
5.0 out of 5 stars The Ultimate Guide to Culinary Mastery: Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat
Reviewed in the United States on March 19, 2024
Verified Purchase
Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat: Mastering the Elements of Good Cooking" by Samin Nosrat is nothing short of a culinary revelation. This beautifully written and visually stunning book goes beyond traditional recipes to explore the fundamental elements that make food delicious: salt, fat, acid, and heat.

What sets this book apart is its approachable and intuitive framework for understanding cooking. Nosrat breaks down complex culinary concepts into simple, easy-to-understand principles, empowering readers to become more confident and creative in the kitchen. By mastering the interplay of salt, fat, acid, and heat, home cooks can unlock the full potential of any dish, from simple salads to elaborate feasts.

The book is not just a collection of recipes; it's a comprehensive guide to the art and science of cooking. Nosrat's infectious passion for food shines through in every page, as she shares personal anecdotes, cooking tips, and insights gleaned from years of experience working in professional kitchens.

What's more, the book is beautifully illustrated with vibrant illustrations and helpful diagrams that bring the concepts to life. Whether you're a novice cook or a seasoned pro, "Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat" is sure to inspire and inform, helping you elevate your cooking to new heights.

In conclusion, "Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat" is a must-have addition to any cook's library. With its engaging writing style, practical advice, and mouthwatering recipes, it's sure to become a beloved companion in the kitchen for years to come.
4 people found this helpful
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Mariah C.
5.0 out of 5 stars Great Illustrations and Information
Reviewed in the United States on January 11, 2024
Verified Purchase
The illustrations in the book makes me feel like I’m reading a childrens book in other words it feels fun and creative and less of a chore to read. The information is great it is like reading a textbook. I am a new cooker so I know nothing about the hows and whys of cooking but given a recipe I can follow it. This book helps me understand the whys of recipes. Its perfect and worth the investment!
Customer image
Mariah C.
5.0 out of 5 stars Great Illustrations and Information
Reviewed in the United States on January 11, 2024
The illustrations in the book makes me feel like I’m reading a childrens book in other words it feels fun and creative and less of a chore to read. The information is great it is like reading a textbook. I am a new cooker so I know nothing about the hows and whys of cooking but given a recipe I can follow it. This book helps me understand the whys of recipes. Its perfect and worth the investment!
Images in this review
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14 people found this helpful
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Jason
5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing book!
Reviewed in the United States on April 1, 2024
Verified Purchase
This will make you a better cook. You will learn fundamentals of cooking. You ever wonder why you have to do something or add an ingredient to a recipe? This book explains how and why. It’s not a collection of recipes, instead an explanation of technique. For example, I made pancakes and forgot we ran out of syrup. I had to think quick. I sliced up and (SALT)ed some bananas tossed them in a frying pan (HEAT) with melted, bubbling butter (FAT.). I deglazed the pan with some brandy (ACID) I had on hand and reduced the concoction to a thick sauce. Apparently I invented bananas foster. Never heard of it before, but this book gave me the foundational knowledge to create it.

Samin Nosrat is the Miyamoto Musashi of the chef world and this book is her book of the Five Rings. Because this book will teach you to cook broadly and see all things.
3 people found this helpful
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ShawneeMama
5.0 out of 5 stars Great book!
Reviewed in the United States on April 23, 2024
Verified Purchase
Really enjoyed reading this book, fantastic description of each cooking element and how it works to flavor your food. No specific recipes to follow but explains how to put ingredients together. Only complaint is that the book had a slight scratch on the cover from rough handling during delivery.
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Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful fascinating book
Reviewed in the United States on February 17, 2024
Verified Purchase
Fantastic info, great recipes. I learnt so much. Beautiful diagrams. Would make a nice gift for someone who loves food!
One person found this helpful
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Jon Smith
5.0 out of 5 stars You want to learn how to cook - this is your book!
Reviewed in the United States on February 13, 2024
Verified Purchase
Learning to cook is distinct from following a recipe.
The insights of this book are many and frequent.
The author has a fantastic sense of wit and explains things perfectly.
It's like she chatting with you and doing a memory dump of her extensive experience.
I am in awe of her talents and accomplishments.
3 people found this helpful
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Jaytee Kaye
4.0 out of 5 stars Good explanations of how these four basics of cooking work together
Reviewed in the United States on February 26, 2024
Verified Purchase
I like that this book explains how flavor is developed in the ingredients before, during and after cooking.
One person found this helpful
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heatherh
5.0 out of 5 stars It's a How to Cook Book
Reviewed in the United States on February 12, 2024
Verified Purchase
This is the best cookbook I have ever purchased. It's not a cookbook in the sense that it's a recipe book but it does have recipes. It's a how to cook book. It teaches you how to cook. It teaches about the elements of cooking and how each is used to create a harmonious dish or component. Learning about the elements in this way allows you to cook freely from your pantry without the need for special recipe ingredients. This book is worth every penny and suitable for home cooks of any experience level.
8 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

Alba
5.0 out of 5 stars Educational.
Reviewed in Canada on April 19, 2024
Verified Purchase
I learned so much about cooking from this book. The format also makes it very enjoyable to read.
Report
Naty
5.0 out of 5 stars Fast delivery, good price, adorable book
Reviewed in Belgium on December 27, 2023
Verified Purchase
Certainly! "Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat: The Four Elements of Good Cooking" is a culinary masterpiece that transcends the boundaries of traditional cookbooks. Samin Nosrat's approach to explaining the fundamental elements of good cooking is both enlightening and accessible.

The delivery of the book was prompt and well-handled. The packaging was secure, ensuring that the book arrived in excellent condition. From the moment I opened the package, I could tell that attention to detail was a priority.

As I delved into the contents, I found Nosrat's writing style to be engaging and infused with passion for the art of cooking. The book's layout is user-friendly, with vibrant illustrations that complement the text. The inclusion of personal anecdotes adds a delightful touch, making the reader feel like they are on a culinary journey with the author.

What sets this book apart is its emphasis on the science behind cooking. Nosrat breaks down complex concepts into easily digestible information, empowering even novice cooks to understand and experiment in the kitchen.

Overall, the delivery experience and the content of "Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat" exceeded my expectations. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, this book is a must-have, and the seamless delivery process ensures that you can embark on your culinary adventure without a hitch.
Customer image
Naty
5.0 out of 5 stars Fast delivery, good price, adorable book
Reviewed in Belgium on December 27, 2023
Certainly! "Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat: The Four Elements of Good Cooking" is a culinary masterpiece that transcends the boundaries of traditional cookbooks. Samin Nosrat's approach to explaining the fundamental elements of good cooking is both enlightening and accessible.

The delivery of the book was prompt and well-handled. The packaging was secure, ensuring that the book arrived in excellent condition. From the moment I opened the package, I could tell that attention to detail was a priority.

As I delved into the contents, I found Nosrat's writing style to be engaging and infused with passion for the art of cooking. The book's layout is user-friendly, with vibrant illustrations that complement the text. The inclusion of personal anecdotes adds a delightful touch, making the reader feel like they are on a culinary journey with the author.

What sets this book apart is its emphasis on the science behind cooking. Nosrat breaks down complex concepts into easily digestible information, empowering even novice cooks to understand and experiment in the kitchen.

Overall, the delivery experience and the content of "Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat" exceeded my expectations. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, this book is a must-have, and the seamless delivery process ensures that you can embark on your culinary adventure without a hitch.
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Rj
5.0 out of 5 stars Worth money
Reviewed in India on December 12, 2023
Verified Purchase
Book Content and paper quality both are very good.
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Local Aromas
5.0 out of 5 stars LOVE IT
Reviewed in Italy on June 14, 2023
Verified Purchase
I love the simple language used to explain the science behind cooking. A must-have if you want to UNDERSTAND how to cook rather than just follow a recipe.
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VanLuz
5.0 out of 5 stars A piece of art
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 20, 2023
Verified Purchase
This is definitely a 5-star book for me.

The way everything is written and explained in the book is simply outstanding. The book takes a very scientific approach to cooking and breaks down the elements of good cooking into four simple categories - Salt, Fat, Acid, and Heat. She then goes on to explain each element in detail and how they work together to create the perfect dish.
What I particularly loved about the book was the way the author uses stories, anecdotes, and personal experiences to illustrate some points. The book is filled with beautiful illustrations, diagrams, and photographs that make it easy to follow along and understand the concepts she is explaining.
Another great thing about the book is that it is not just a recipe book. It's more like a cooking guide that teaches you the principles of good cooking.
In conclusion, I would highly recommend this book to anyone who loves cooking or wants to improve their cooking skills. It's a beautifully written and illustrated book that will inspire you to become a better cook and to have more fun in the kitchen.
8 people found this helpful
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