Samin
Hey cuz, how’s it going?
Ali: Oh, you know. It’s been a minute, huh?! I feel like you’re such a big shot now.
Samin: I just said what everyone already kind of knew. People have been cooking delicious food like this for centuries.
Ali: With salt, fat, acid and heat? You don’t think you coined the concept?
Samin
Not at all. A concept doesn’t have to be revolutionary to change the way people think or even change the world. In a world where everyone is zigging, I simply zagged. If it’s good, it’s good. That’s it.
Ali
Cuz, I’m a PhD student trying to break new ground with my thesis. I haven’t quite figured it out but I guarantee you, it’s gotta be revolutionary.
Samin
Nup, I disagree. Big ideas don’t always have to be ground-breaking. Sometimes, the answers are right in front of us and we just overcomplicate things.
Ali
But it’s science. How could I possibly tell them something they already know and get awarded for it?
Samin
I’d say cooking is a science! It’s all in the context though. Think about it. We live in an Ottolenghi world. Everyone knows what a Turducken is, and we’re basically ready to party like it’s 1865, eating like French royalty. But four simple elements can make or break any dish. It’s a fact. I keep telling you. Don’t over-complicate and over-embellish it.
Ali
I suppose the most brilliant minds have often attributed their discovery or success to something that was right in front of them the whole time.
Samin
Exactly. Think of Newton. Gravity existed. He could see and feel it. He just coined the term and gave it meaning.
Ali
Holy crap! I think I know what I’m going to base my thesis on! I gotta go. Thank you so much!
Samin
Wait, what? Dinner’s almost ready and I made mum’s Tahdig. Don’t you want some?
Ali
Genius can’t wait!
Samin
Are you going to tell me what it is?
Ali
Not yet, but I’ll make sure you get a mention in my Nobel Prize speech.
Samin
I believe that! Just remember, keep it simple and look inside you. You know the answer.
Ali
Yes, ma’am. See you next Sunday. You’re the best!
