ChatGPT thought I had more ingredients in my kitchen than I actually did. I had to tweak my prompt until it finally understood that I was working with just three items—leftover dal, a single egg, and one cucumber. After some back-and-forth, the AI suggested a dal-egg scramble with cucumber slices. It told me to heat the dal, crack an egg into it, and stir until the mixture resembled scrambled eggs. The cucumber, sliced and placed on the side, was meant to add a refreshing crunch.
I gave it a shot. The dish smelled promising as the egg blended with the warm, spiced dal. The texture was slightly odd at first, but it grew on me. The cucumber, though simple, provided the contrast I needed. It wasn’t the worst meal I had ever made, but it wasn’t going to win any awards either. I could eat it, but would I make it again? Maybe if I had no other choice.
Perplexity, on the other hand, took a different approach. It suggested a fusion pancake using all three ingredients. The AI told me to mix the dal and egg together, whisking them into a smooth batter. Then, I was supposed to cook it like a pancake and top it with finely chopped cucumber for texture. This idea intrigued me, so I decided to give it a shot.
Pouring the mixture into a pan, I watched as it firmed up into something resembling a savory pancake. The smell was surprisingly pleasant, though I was skeptical about the cucumber topping. When I took my first bite, I was pleasantly surprised. The pancake had a crispy outer layer and a soft, flavorful center. The cucumber added an unexpected freshness, balancing the heaviness of the dal and egg.
Between the two AI-generated meals, Perplexity’s pancake won the taste test. It felt like an actual dish rather than a last-minute survival meal. However, I learned that AI needs a bit of guidance. Initially, both ChatGPT and Perplexity assumed I had extra spices and condiments, but once I clarified my limitations, they adapted quickly.
This experiment made me appreciate the power of AI in unexpected ways. It wasn’t just about meal ideas—it was about problem-solving with limited resources. If an AI could turn my nearly empty fridge into something edible, what else could it do?
I also realized that AI lacks the human ability to judge cravings. It can generate recipes, but it doesn’t know what I’m in the mood for. If I had let my own instincts guide me, I might have come up with something completely different. AI provided structure, but creativity still had to come from me.
Would I rely on AI for meal planning again? Maybe, but with a little more skepticism. The suggestions were practical, but they lacked flair. Next time, I might try challenging AI with a slightly more complex set of ingredients to see if it can deliver something truly impressive.
This experiment wasn’t just about eating—it was about seeing technology in a new light. AI may not have taste buds, but it certainly has the ability to make life in the kitchen a little more interesting.
Curious about how AI would handle a more adventurous approach, I decided to push the limits a bit further. I asked ChatGPT and Perplexity if I could tweak their suggestions while still using only the three ingredients. ChatGPT hesitated, initially suggesting I add salt, pepper, or even bread, but I reminded it that my kitchen was practically empty. After some coaxing, it came up with a simple idea: a stuffed cucumber.
The concept was unusual but intriguing. I hollowed out the cucumber and filled it with a thick dal-egg mixture, then let it sit in the fridge for a few minutes to firm up. When I took a bite, the flavors weren’t bad, but the texture threw me off. The cold cucumber clashed with the warm, slightly mushy filling. Maybe with some seasoning, it could have been a success, but as it stood, it was more of an experiment than a meal.
Perplexity, always eager to offer something new, suggested an omelet-style dish. It told me to mix the dal and egg thoroughly, then pour the mixture into a hot pan and cook it like a flat omelet. The cucumber, finely chopped, was meant to go on top after cooking. I gave it a try, and surprisingly, it turned out quite well. The dal added a depth of flavor that made the omelet feel more substantial, and the fresh cucumber balanced out the heaviness.
This experiment made me realize that AI isn’t just about providing answers—it’s about encouraging creativity. The more I refined my prompts, the more interesting the results became. I had started with a nearly empty fridge and ended up with multiple edible, if unconventional, meals. Sure, none of them would land on a restaurant menu, but they got the job done.
By the end of this little challenge, I felt a newfound appreciation for both AI and my own ability to improvise. AI can suggest, but human intuition is what makes a dish truly satisfying. I might not be handing over my kitchen to AI just yet, but the next time my fridge looks bare, I’ll know exactly where to turn for inspiration.
