I have some French cook books which say for a recipe has 7 pages. The beginners guide has 3/4s a page. All those extra steps has real effect on flavour.

Eg simple recipes say throw everything in the pot together. Easier for the "busy woman" ... blah! Instead first soften onions in oil to maybe slightly brown. Remove. Soften potatoes to brown a bit. Allows quicker cooking times as well. Remove. Brown the meat. 8f doing a real curry, some spices etc a heated first. Then other meats and vegetables added.

Simple extra steps make a significant flavour difference.

"For the busy modern woman " just throw all the crap together, or heat up the frozen supermarket packet in the microwave ...