In order to cook efficiently, there are a number of basic kitchen utensils that are essential. A good chef’s knife and a small vegetable knife. A sturdy cutting board should be used as a base, which protects the blades of the knives and provides a clean work surface. Wooden or silicone cooking spoons, a spatula, a ladle, tongs and a vegetable peeler to make cooking easier.
Various pots and pans are necessary for cooking: a large pot for pasta, soups or stews and a medium-sized pan, ideally coated or made of cast iron, for roasting. A small pan is good for side dishes or smaller portions.
What should not be missing in the kitchen
Measuring cups and measuring spoons are important for working precisely, especially when baking, while a grater is useful for processing cheese, citrus fruits or vegetables. A simple baking pan for casseroles or cakes should also not be missing in the kitchen. A sieve is also practical for draining pasta or vegetables.
Modern kitchen appliances such as a microwave allow you to heat and defrost food quickly. A hand blender expands the options for preparing smoothies, sauces or soups. Storage containers are essential for storing leftovers or prepared ingredients.
Learn more challenging recipes
Start by making homemade pasta. The feeling of making the dough yourself and then cutting it into different shapes, like tagliatelle or ravioli, adds a special fascination to cooking. Experiment with different fillings, such as ricotta and spinach or a hearty mix of meat and spices. Then serve the pasta with a sauce made from fresh tomatoes or pesto.
You should familiarize yourself with the basics of the sous vide technique. This involves cooking food in a vacuum bag at a constant low temperature. This ensures that the food is incredibly tender. Try making a perfect steak that you quickly sear after sous vide cooking.
Inspire others to get hands-on
Baking bread is another useful skill. Making a sourdough loaf from scratch requires patience, but it rewards you with a crispy, flavorful result that is unmatched in your own kitchen. You will quickly learn how important the right dough handling and resting times are to achieve the perfect crumb.
To round off your menus, also get involved in mixing and preparing drinks. Creating your own cocktails that are far removed from the usual selection allows you to serve creative ideas to guests and also focus on seasonal ingredients. Experiment with different herbs, fruits and syrups for impressively refreshing results.
Cooking: Start with simple dishes | Sophisticated meals without problems | Inspiration and experience – all articles at a glance.
