Salt is arguably the most important ingredient in any kitchen. Having a readily accessible salt cellar is crucial for seasoning. A simple DIY solution is a mason jar with drilled holes for easy sprinkling. The key is to understand your salt and how much a few shakes provides, ensuring consistent seasoning in your dishes.
A good set of knives is essential for any cook. While a large knife block might seem appealing, you really only need two or three quality knives. A chef’s knife, between six and eight inches, is an all-purpose workhorse for most kitchen tasks. A smaller paring knife, around three to five inches, is ideal for more delicate work. Choose knives that feel comfortable in your hand and fit your cooking style.
A microplane grater is a versatile tool for zesting citrus, grating cheese, and other fine grating tasks. Its size makes it easy to handle and store, striking a perfect balance between a box grater and a smaller zester.
Kitchen tongs are like an extension of your hand in the kitchen. They offer greater control than a fork when handling food, especially when cooking meat. They’re also useful for tossing salads and other mixing tasks.
A wooden spatula or spoon is a must-have for stirring. The feel of wood in your hand is comfortable, and it absorbs flavors over time. While metal utensils have their place, a wooden utensil offers a different tactile experience.
A good quality wood cutting board is preferable to other materials. It’s aesthetically pleasing, durable, and gentler on your knives than glass or plastic. Choose a size that fits comfortably in your sink for easy cleaning.
A kitchen scale has become indispensable for the modern home cook, particularly for baking and fermentation. Precise measurements are key to consistent results, especially when working with sourdough or other fermented foods. Even an inexpensive scale will do the job.
A wire mesh strainer is a versatile tool for various kitchen tasks. It’s ideal for straining pasta, soups, and other liquids. Having a few different sizes on hand can be useful for different applications.
A heavy, durable pot is an excellent investment for any kitchen. A cast iron or enameled pot of medium size is perfect for stews, curries, soups, and even searing steaks. Its ability to retain heat makes it ideal for slow-cooking and achieving a good sear.
Finally, a laser thermometer or an instant-read thermometer is a handy tool for accurately measuring temperatures. While a probe thermometer is essential for checking the internal temperature of meat, a laser thermometer can quickly assess surface temperatures, which is useful for tasks like frying and fermentation.
