- Knives and cutting board - Ironic to start with we know! With Forks Over Knives (2011) and all, but it’s true, you need a few good knives, similar to Tom Cruise needing A Few Good Men (1992). We’re talking kitchen knives by the way, not the kind you eat with; we actually don’t use those very frequently. Even though you’re only cutting vegetables, you need a few different sizes to cut things as efficiently and safely as possible. A stable, preferably large cutting board is key as well.
- One good all-purpose large knife (7-8”). We prefer Chef (French) or Santoku Knives. Great for all around rapid chopping. We’re most efficient with the Santoku.
- One good all-purpose medium knife (5-6”). Just a smaller version of the Chef/Santoku Knives works great on anything. Your most versatile knife. If you can only get one knife, make it this one, as it will cut everything safely.
- One good delicate/small knife (3-4”). Common types are paring, peeling, clip point, sheeps foot, or tourne. These are great for cutting small veggies like bell peppers or cutting small squash linearly.
- Set of pots and pans - this seems obvious, but you need some pots and pans if you’re not on a raw diet. Quality over quantity on this as well! You don’t really need more than 4 total unless you have more than 4 burners on your stove, in which case you have a boss kitchen! Nonstick, cast iron and stainless all work fine, just make sure you know the proper care and cleaning procedures for the specific material you have.
- One large fry pan, with flat bottom, flared sides (for easy flipping), and a good sturdy handle.
- One large pot, for cooking things like pasta, soups and chili and boiling large vegetables.
- One small/medium saucepan. For making sauces, rice, or boiling small veggies. Are we the only ones that are confused as to why this pot is called a pan?
- Pyrex baking container or cookie sheet.
- Blender - A blender is the most underutilized piece of equipment in the American kitchen. Granted, if you have a food processor, you won’t be needing your blender as much, but of all the pieces of equipment we have, we use the blender most frequently. You can use a blender every time a recipe calls for a food processor if you can control the speed setting. Fine chopping, sauces, soups, smoothies, hummus, ice cream...a good blender like a Vitamix, Blendtec or Ninja can handle it all (we use Vitamix). However, any blender will work, it just might not be as efficient. Be sure to keep your blender clean and read the cleaning and operational instructions.
- Measuring cups/spoons, stirring spoon and spatula - If you’re going to be following new recipes you haven’t tried before, you’re going to need some measuring devices to properly follow the recipe. Also need some basic cooking utensils like a spatula, stirring spoon.
- Spices - I know you probably thought we were going to stick to equipment, but spices are such an essential part of cooking, especially plant based cooking, we couldn’t leave them off the list. A good understanding of spices can really improve your cooking game, and the only way to get better, as with anything is practice! Don’t be afraid to try new spices or new flavor profiles. A few of our favorites we always have on hand are:
- Cumin
- Turmeric
- Paprika
- Oregano
- Basil
- Chili Powder
- Cayenne Pepper
- Parsley
Bottom line is the entry material cost of these materials isn’t that great. You can get all the tools you need without spending an arm and a leg. Once you have these basics, start playing around with some recipes to get a better understanding of how to use the equipment and how to flavor your food.
Good luck and let us know if you have any questions!
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