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LearnViz Cooking

Frequently asked questions

Using the app, cooking technique, nutrition and food storage. Each recipe page also has its own FAQ.

Using the app

How do I search for a recipe?

Use the search bar at the top (or press / or Ctrl+K). Search matches names, cuisines, ingredients and use cases, and tolerates small typos. Try "paneer", "quick vegan" or "thai curry".

What is the "What's in my fridge" search?

On the Explore page switch to the Fridge tab and list the ingredients you have. Recipes are ranked by how many of your ingredients they use.

How do favourites work?

Tap the heart on any recipe. Favourites are stored only in your browser, so they stay private and work offline.

Can I change the number of servings?

Yes. Open a recipe and use the + / - buttons next to Servings; all ingredient quantities rescale automatically.

Cooking basics

How do I know when meat is cooked through?

Use a thermometer: chicken and turkey 74°C (165°F), pork and lamb 63°C (145°F) plus rest, beef from 52°C (medium-rare) to 71°C (well done). Juices should run clear.

Why should I rest meat after cooking?

Resting 5-10 minutes lets muscle fibres relax and reabsorb juices, so slices stay moist instead of leaking onto the board.

How do I stop rice from going sticky?

Rinse until the water runs clear, use the right water ratio (about 1:1.5 for basmati, 1:1.25 for sushi rice), steam covered without lifting the lid, and rest 10 minutes before fluffing.

What does "al dente" mean?

Pasta that is cooked through but still has a slight bite at the centre. Start tasting 2 minutes before the packet time.

How hot should my oil be for frying?

Between 170-180°C (340-355°F). Without a thermometer, a wooden spoon handle should bubble steadily when dipped in.

Diet & nutrition

How is nutrition calculated?

Values are estimates per serving derived from typical ingredient profiles and cooking method. They are guides, not medical data - brands and portions vary.

What counts as "high protein"?

Recipes with 28 g or more protein per serving carry the high-protein tag.

How reliable are the vegan and gluten-free filters?

Filters check the listed ingredients. Always read labels on packaged items such as stock, soy sauce, pastry or curry paste, which can hide gluten or animal products.

Are there low-calorie options?

Yes - use the Light & Low Calorie use case or the calorie slider in Explore to see recipes below 380 kcal per serving.

Substitutions & storage

What can I use instead of cream?

Full-fat coconut milk, cashew cream, or Greek yogurt (stirred in off the heat so it does not split) all work well.

Can I swap the main ingredient?

Most recipes follow a base-and-variant pattern: look for the same dish with a different main (chicken, paneer, tofu, mushroom...) using the cuisine filter and search.

How long do leftovers keep?

Cooked dishes keep 3-4 days refrigerated in airtight containers. Cool within 2 hours, and reheat until steaming hot throughout.

Can I freeze these dishes?

Curries, stews, soups and bakes freeze well for up to 3 months. Crisp fried items, salads and cream-based desserts do not.

What is the best way to reheat rice safely?

Cool quickly, refrigerate within an hour, use within a day, and reheat until piping hot all the way through. Never reheat more than once.

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