If you’re looking to update your kitchen status from amateur cook to MasterChef winner you’ll need the right tools to help you along the way. We’ve put together some of the best items that will turn you from zero to hero in no time. Read on to find out what we covet for the ultimate kitchen setup.
1. A Sharpening Stone
A whetstone or sharpening stone will keep your knives super sharp, meaning your slicing, dicing, and chopping will be smoother, look neater, and save you time. The sharper the knife, the safer it is, so make sure you’re keeping your set in great working condition and they should last you a lifetime!
2. A Meat Thermometer
A thermometer will improve your meat cooking skills a hundredfold. Grab a digital one for the most accurate readings and you’ll be able to see when your steak has sizzled to perfection at a glance.
3. A Sous Vide
If you love meat then take it to the next level with sous vide cooker. Just pop your food in a sealable bag and the food is cooked by pressure in a water bath. It’s not only a delicious way to cook meat, but it will also make your vegetables perfectly al-dente.
4. A Mandolin Slicer
Peelers are good but they take time and effort to master (and lots of cut fingers). Invest in a mandolin slicer for perfectly julienned slices of vegetables that will look beautiful on your plate. Look for a version that has additional blades for a variety of sized slices. Bonus points if you get one that can also create spiralized veg for courgette and other healthy spaghetti alternatives. You’ll be packing more veggies into your diet in no time!
5. A Microplane Grater
If you want your food to pack a punch but also look great on the plate, forgo a clunky grater and opt for delicate shavings on top of your dishes with a micro planer. They come in different sizes for different food and will make your food look as fancy as it tastes.
6. A Solid Pestle and Mortar
Freshly ground spices will always taste better than pre-ground pots of stale powder. Invest in a good-quality pestle and mortar to crush your ingredients the right way. Fresh herbs will be much more intense if they are compressed with a pestle as the flavors are released.
7. An Indoor Herb Garden
Speaking of fresh herbs, an indoor herb collection is not only delicious but also looks beautiful on your counter. You can be fancy with a hydroponic setup, or keep it simple with a few pots of basil, parsley, thyme, and rosemary. Plus, think of the added benefit of the scent of all those herbs!
8. Digital Scales
Getting your ingredient amounts right is important to ensure you’re balancing your flavors correctly. Unless you’re Gordon Ramsey and can eyeball your measurements, use a digital scale until you’re confident enough to wing it with your recipes.
What are your must-haves for becoming a whizz in the kitchen? Let us know in the comments!