Do ethnic foods require less cooking skills?

It's a misconception to say ethnic foods require less cooking skills. Here's why:

* Diversity within Cultures: Every culture has a vast array of dishes, some simpler, some incredibly complex. You can find simple stir-fries in Chinese cuisine, but also intricate dim sum dishes requiring meticulous preparation. Similarly, Indian cuisine has basic curries and elaborate, multi-layered preparations.

* Skill is Skill: Cooking techniques, whether used in "ethnic" or "non-ethnic" food, are based on the same principles. Mastering a stir-fry, knowing how to work with dough, or understanding spices all require skill and practice.

* Unique Ingredients: Ethnic cuisines often use ingredients unfamiliar to some cooks. This can lead to a perception of complexity, but the actual cooking process might be straightforward once you understand the ingredient and technique.

* Cultural Context: Some "ethnic" foods might appear simple, but their simplicity often comes from generations of refining and adapting recipes. This expertise is built into the dish, but doesn't mean it's easy to replicate without knowledge and practice.

In conclusion:

* Cooking skill is not tied to any specific cuisine.

* It's important to approach cooking with respect for the craft, regardless of the cuisine.

* Learning about different cuisines can broaden your culinary horizons and cooking skills.