To be a good cook, you don’t need much. Think quality over quantity.
I’m going to go through five of my favorite kitchen essentials. These are basic items that everyone could use, and they don’t break the bank. Click the item title for a purchase link.
The benefit of a dutch oven is its weight. The heavy lid and pot hold in heat and stay very consistent. Plus, they come in pretty colors. I use mine for soups, pot roast, risotto, one-pot meals like jambalaya, and homemade chicken stock.
Just like a dutch oven, these get super hot and hold their temp. Cast iron also gives off iron, so if you’re low in iron, cook in cast iron 2-3 times a week. And these actually get better with age! Make sure you follow proper care instructions when washing (ie do not use soap).
Over cooked meat is just as sad as undercooked meat. Maybe worse, because undercooked meat can be put back on heat to finish cooking, but you can’t undo overcooked steak. A meat thermometer will help insure your chicken is just right and steak isn’t overdone. For ideal cooking temps click here.
Now I don’t usually go for kitchen tools that only do one thing, but this one is awesome! When browning ground meat or sausage, this really helps break it apart faster and better than a spoon. And its crazy cheap.
Of all tools a chef uses, a sharp knife is most important. You don’t want to tear your meat or use more force than necessary. Sharpen your knives as needed, and replace them if they’re just plain old. A sharp knife really impacts your prep time. Chopping, slicing, and mincing are all important techniques and a sharp knife helps with accuracy and ease.
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