The layer of learning

A level deeper than you think you need is the right level to learn.

Cooking could be about ingredients and steps. The explanations that focus on the chemistry and underlying transformations of the ingredients help more: Knowing that fluffier mashed potatoes are achieved by releasing more starch helps adjust the steps.

The same applies to most worthwhile endeavours: Find the layer of detail that feels just too much and learn there. That is what speeds up learning.