If you are just starting to cook, or are moving in on your own, chances
are, you don't have much in terms of cooking equipment. Here is what we
recommend for you to get, as you are starting out. As times goes by,
you will, of course, get more kitchen gadgets. But here are five that
we recommend starting out with:
- Chopping board. This is something very basic, as you can't chop
anything without having a chopping board. It is very versatile, as you
can chop pretty much anything on it - onions, potatoes, tomatoes, meat,
herbs, etc.
Some people prefer to get separate chopping boards to meat, dairy
items, vegetables, etc. Others get differently sized chopping boards,
and use them depending on the volume of things they need to chop. Start
out with one, and see what else you need.
- A knife. Again, this is very basic, but you will not be able to chop
or cook anything without a knife. A good, sharp knife goes a long way
to help you prepare food. You can go to some stores, and hold the
knives in your hand, so that you know which one you are comfortable
with.
- A big pot. You need a pot for pretty much anything - from boiling
pastas to making soups to stewing to pretty much anything else. Some
pots come with colander inserts, which makes it easier to cook pasta.
Or, you may get a colander separately, and use that.
- A saute pan. We love saute pans, and use them all the time. Again,
they are very versatile, and we recommend getting ones without wooden
handles, so that you can put the saute in the oven as well.
Use the saute pan for preparing stir fries, sauteing meat and fish, cooking vegetables and much, much more.
- Roasting Pan. These are perfect for preparing things in the oven.
From roast to roasted chicken to roasted vegetables, a roasted pan can
help you cook your favorite dishes in the oven.
Don't be scared - cooking is fun. Start getting a few things that we
recommended, and add to your collection of kitchen equipment as time
goes.
