Undercooked

How I Let Food Become My Life Navigator and How Maybe That's a Dumb Way to Live

By: Dan Ahdoot

Narrated by: Dan Ahdoot

Length: 5 hrs and 43 mins

Publisher's summary

A collection of hilarious essays about how food became one man’s obsession and coping mechanism, and how it came to rule—and sometimes ruin—his relationships, from the Cobra Kai actor, stand-up comic, and host of Food Network’s Raid the Fridge

“When most people say they have an unhealthy relationship with food, they mean they eat too much of it or too little. When I say I have an unhealthy relationship with food, I mean it’s what gives my life meaning. That’s a really dumb way to live your life, as the stories in this book will attest to.”

Despite an impressive résumé as an actor and writer, Dan Ahdoot realized that food has been the through line in the most important moments of his life. Growing up as a middle child, Ahdoot struggled to find his place in the family until he and his father discovered their shared love for la gourmandise. But when the tragic death of his brother pushed his parents to strengthen their Jewish faith and adopt a strictly kosher diet, Ahdoot and his father lost that savored connection.

To fill the absence left by his brother and father, Ahdoot began to obsess over food and make it central in all his relationships. This, he admits, is probably crazy, but it makes for good stories. From breaking up with girlfriends over dietary restrictions, to hunting just off the Long Island Expressway, to savoring his grandmother’s magical food that was his only tactile connection to his family’s home country of Iran, to jetting off to Italy to dine at the one of the world’s best restaurants, only to send the risotto back, Ahdoot’s droll observations on his unconventional adventures bring an absurdly funny yet heartfelt look at what happens when you let your stomach be your guide.

©2023 Dan Ahdoot (P)2022 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

“Heartfelt and hilarious, Undercooked is a rumination on life through your belly. Dan Ahdoot has been my culinary guide and mentor over the years, and he hasn’t led me to a single bad meal. A few bad decisions, sure, but some incredible meals. You’re absolutely going to love his literary debut!” —Hasan Minhaj, Peabody Award–winning comedian

“Dan Ahdoot is hilarious. Whether he’s describing hunting, stand-up, or soufflé, you’ll get laughs and insights that are totally unexpected.” —Steven Rinella, New York Times bestselling author of The MeatEater Guide to Wilderness Skills and Survival

“Dan Ahdoot is a man after my own stomach. I love this book because it combines my favorite things in life: food, laughs, and great stories. It made me even happier and hungrier. Undercooked overdelivers.” —Phil Rosenthal, creator and host of Somebody Feed Phil

Excellent Listen!

I loved this book! The author has it all! Comedy, family, food, wine, and hunting! Who knew! Highly recommend you listen. You won't want it to end!

Ahdoot delivers far more than food

Love hearing his authentic story and ever so grateful for the true life lesson learned to which the reader gets a front row seat.

Great listen!!!

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was funny, informative, and fast moving. Dan, Ahdoot is a hoot! I highly recommend this audiobook.

Wow. So good. So entertaining.

Nothing to dislike about this book, or the storytelling. Honestly so compelling I could have finished in a single day if I had started early enough. Highly recommend to anyone looking for a laugh, or anyone who loves food/cooking.

the best book about food I've ever read!

insanely funny, emotional, and educational all at once! a must-read for foodies and comedy fans.

Much more than expected, try it

I’m not a foodie, and I only knew Dan from Bajillion Dollar Propertie$, a beloved tv satire of reality real estate tv. After hearing his recent appearance on the podcast Comedy Bang Bang and wanting to try something new in Audible after like 5 heart pounding thrillers in a row; I gave this a shot. I expected some jokes and mishaps about food experiences, but Dan delivered so much more.

This book is a very well written autobiography; detailing food experiences, of course, but also personal relationships, failures, lessons learned, and even the thrill of the hunt in a more skilled way than I expected. I laughed, but I also really got to know the characters and felt emotional connections to the experiences. It reminded me a bit of John Hodgman’s Vacationland.

The narration by the author was perfect. This is definitely Audible “credit-worthy,” so don’t hesitate. You’ll love this book!

Heartwarming story!

Great story! Humorous and touching. You feel like you’re part of his family! The food descriptions are addicting and will make you hungry! His accents are charming - a really good read/listen!

Left me wanting more

The story is great. But, Dan Ahdoot reading his own words makes you feel his story.

Hilarious-don't skip the epilogue

Although Dan dabbles in alternative facts (Andre Kirk Agassi is Armenian not Iranian), this is a truly hilarious coming of middle age story that I could not stop listening to. I especially loved the epilogue, which is a stand alone gem.

Very descriptive writing

I found this book to be very entertaining. The author uses very descriptive language for food and people that has you tasting the food he describes, or visualizing the people. He's funny, self-deprecating but not in an annoying way, honest and obviously very smart. I hope he finds the love of his life soon.