CBSE Class 3 EVS Chapter 10: What is Cooking NCERT Solutions

Reviewed by NCERT Help Editorial Team · Updated on 29 Jul 2026

NCERT Solutions PDF Class 3 PDF

This chapter, "What is Cooking," for CBSE Class 3 Environmental Studies, explores the fundamental concept of cooking food. Students will learn about the various utensils used for cooking, differentiating between foods that are eaten raw and those that require cooking. The solutions provide a step-by-step guide to observing the cooking process, identifying different cooking methods like roasting, boiling, frying, and baking, and listing examples for each. It also introduces the idea of preparing food without cooking, such as fruit salads and lemon water. These NCERT Solutions are designed to help young learners understand the importance of cooking in making food digestible and safe to eat, while also encouraging observation and practical engagement with their kitchen environment. They serve as an excellent resource for exam preparation, reinforcing key concepts through clear explanations and examples.

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Quick info

Board	CBSE
Class	Class 3
Subject	Environmental Studies
Session	2026
Language	English
Type	NCERT Solutions
Chapter	10. What is Cooking

Chapter summary

Chapter 10, "What is Cooking," for Class 3 EVS focuses on the basic processes and materials involved in preparing food. It covers the types of utensils used, distinguishes between raw and cooked foods, and details various cooking methods with examples. The chapter also highlights simple no-cook food preparations. These NCERT Solutions break down these concepts into easily understandable steps, aiding students in grasping the fundamentals of cooking and food preparation.

Learning outcomes

Identify different types of utensils used for cooking.
Distinguish between food items eaten raw and those that are cooked.
Describe the sequence of steps involved in cooking a common food item.
Recognize and name various cooking methods like boiling, roasting, frying, and baking.
Provide examples of food items prepared using different cooking methods.
Understand how to prepare simple dishes without cooking.

Topics covered

Paper topics

Utensils and their materials
Raw vs. Cooked Food
Cooking Process Observation
Methods of Cooking
Roasting
Boiling
Frying
Baking
Steaming
No-Cook Food Preparations
Fruit Salad
Lemon Water

Important topics

Identifying Raw vs. Cooked Food
Understanding Different Cooking Methods
Examples of Foods for Each Cooking Method
Preparing Food Without Cooking
Utensils Used in Cooking

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Questions and Solutions

Question 1

What are utensils made of?

Solution: Utensils, which are vessels used for cooking and serving food, are made from a variety of materials. Common materials include metals like steel, iron, and copper, which are durable and conduct heat well. Other materials used are glass, which is non-reactive, and bronze and brass, which are metal alloys. Additionally, traditional earthen pots made from clay are also used for cooking, especially for certain types of dishes.

Question 2

Ask some elderly people what kinds of utensils were used earlier. What were they made of?

Solution: By talking to elders, we can learn about the history of cooking utensils. Earlier, people used utensils that were often larger in size compared to modern ones. These historical utensils were beautifully decorated with carvings. The materials commonly used for making these older utensils included bronze, brass, and copper. These metals were chosen for their durability and ability to be shaped into intricate designs.

Question 3

We do not cook all the things we eat. Find out which things we eat raw and which ones we cook before eating. Which are the things we eat both cooked and raw? Fill in the table given below.

Things that are eaten raw:

Things that are eaten cooked:

Things that are eaten both raw and cooked:

Solution: It is true that not all food items require cooking. Some foods are nutritious and safe to eat in their natural, uncooked state, while others need to be cooked to become digestible, safe, or more palatable. Here is a table categorizing common food items:

Things that are eaten raw	Things that are eaten cooked	Things that are eaten both raw and cooked
Carrot	Dal	Tomato
Radish	Rice	Carrot
Cabbage	Chapatti	Cabbage
Cucumber	Brinjal	Black gram (sprouts)

Explanation: Many fruits and some vegetables like tomatoes, carrots, radishes, and cabbage can be consumed raw. Grains like rice and pulses like dal, as well as items like chapatti, must be cooked. Some items, such as carrots and cabbage, can be enjoyed either raw in salads or cooked in various dishes.

Question 4

Go to the kitchen and observe something being cooked. What all was done to cook it? Write the sequence. Don't forget to write the name of the item being cooked. Look at the notebook of your classmates and discuss in a group.

Solution: Let's observe the process of cooking rice, a common household dish.

Name of the item being cooked: Rice

First, take a bowl of rice grains.
Next, wash the rice grains thoroughly with clean water to remove any dust or impurities.
Then, take about two glasses of water in a cooking pan.
Add the washed rice grains to the water in the pan.
Place the pan on a stove and boil the water with the rice.
Continue to cook until the rice is fully done, soft, and has absorbed the water.

This sequence of steps ensures that the rice is cooked properly and is ready to eat.

Question 5

Given below are different methods of cooking. Write the names of two things cooked by each of these methods. Add some more methods of cooking to the list and give examples too.

Method of cooking: Roasting, Boiling, Frying, Baking

Names of things:

Solution: Cooking food involves various methods, each giving a different texture and taste to the food. Here are some common methods with examples, including additional methods:

Method of cooking	Names of things
Roasting	Sweet potato, Corn
Boiling	Potato, Rice
Frying	Poori, Pakodi
Baking	Cake, Bread
Steaming	Idli, Dhokla
Grilling	Paneer Tikka, Vegetables

Explanation: Roasting involves cooking food over direct heat or in an oven. Boiling is cooking in hot water. Frying uses hot oil. Baking is cooking in a dry oven. Steaming cooks food using steam, and grilling uses direct radiant heat.

Question 6

What is used to cook food in your house? Draw a picture in the notebook and write its name.

Solution: In most modern kitchens, a gas stove is commonly used for cooking food. It provides a controlled flame for heating pots and pans. Some houses might also use electric stoves, induction cooktops, or even traditional methods like wood-fired stoves depending on the region and availability of fuel. The picture drawn in the notebook would typically show one of these appliances, with its name written below.

Name of the appliance: Gas Stove (or other appliance used)

(Imagine a drawing of a gas stove here)

Question 7

Soak whole moong seeds overnight in the water. In the morning wrap the soaked moong in a wet cloth and cover it. Take it out after a day. Do you find any difference?

Solution: Yes, after soaking the whole moong seeds overnight and then wrapping them in a wet cloth for a day, a significant difference will be observed. The moong seeds will have started to germinate. This means tiny sprouts will have emerged from the seeds. This process shows how seeds can grow into plants under the right conditions of moisture and warmth.

Question 8

Add sliced onions, tomatoes, salt and lemon juice to the moong and mix. Share it with your classmates.

Solution: This step involves preparing a simple and healthy salad using the germinated moong. After the moong has sprouted, you can add finely chopped onions and tomatoes. Then, sprinkle some salt to taste and a little lemon juice for a tangy flavour. Mix all the ingredients gently. This mixture, often called 'Moong Salad' or 'Sprouted Moong Chaat', is a nutritious snack that can be shared with friends and classmates.

Question 9

Which are the other things you can prepare without cooking? Write their names and the method of preparing them. One example is given below.

1. Lemon water: Mix sugar in water -> Add lemon juice -> Strain it -> Lemon water is ready

Solution: There are many delicious and healthy food items that can be prepared without the need for cooking. These usually involve mixing, chopping, or blending ingredients. Here are a couple of examples:

1. Fruit Salad: Chop a variety of fresh fruits like apples, bananas, grapes, and oranges into small pieces. Sprinkle a little salt, sugar, or chaat masala over the chopped fruits. Mix everything well. The colourful and refreshing fruit salad is ready to be served.

2. Lassi: Take one cup of plain curd (yogurt). Add sugar according to your preference. You can also add some crushed ice for a cooler drink. Mix these ingredients well, preferably using a mixer or whisk, until the mixture is smooth and frothy. This creamy and refreshing lassi is ready to be enjoyed.

Common mistakes

Confusing raw and cooked food items.
Incomplete listing of cooking methods or examples.
Not observing or describing the cooking process accurately.
Difficulty in recalling or listing food items prepared without cooking.

Revision tips

Review the list of utensils and their materials.
Create flashcards for different cooking methods and their examples.
Practice listing food items that can be eaten both raw and cooked.
Discuss with family members about different cooking techniques used at home.
Try preparing a simple no-cook dish like a fruit salad.

Practice MCQs

Q1. Which of the following materials are commonly used to make cooking utensils?

Q2. Which of these food items is usually eaten raw?

Q3. Which cooking method involves cooking food in hot oil?

Q4. What is a common food item prepared by steaming?

Q5. Which of these can be prepared without cooking?

Frequently asked questions

What is the main focus of the Class 3 EVS Chapter 10, 'What is Cooking'?

The chapter focuses on introducing young students to the concept of cooking, the different utensils used, the distinction between food eaten raw and cooked, and various cooking methods.

What are some common utensils mentioned in the NCERT Solutions for this chapter?

The solutions mention utensils made of steel, iron, copper, glass, bronze, and earth (earthen pots).

Can you list some food items that are eaten both raw and cooked?

Yes, according to the chapter, items like tomatoes, carrots, and cabbage can be eaten both raw and cooked.

What are the different methods of cooking discussed in the chapter?

The chapter discusses methods such as roasting, boiling, frying, baking, and steaming, with examples for each.

Are there any food items that can be prepared without cooking?

Yes, the chapter provides examples of no-cook preparations like lemon water, fruit salad, and lassi.

How do these NCERT Solutions help students?

These solutions provide clear, step-by-step explanations and examples, making it easier for students to understand the concepts of cooking and food preparation for their studies and exams.

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