In order to cook efficiently and comfortably  you need to spend a little money on some basic cooking essentials. We have divided our list to two categories: 

1. Must haves: these are essential for cooking, you have to have them. 

2. Should haves: these are not 100% essential, but if you can afford them they will make your life much easier.

We do not promote any one brand, we simply recommend the type of equipment and what it is used for. Be aware that kitchen gadgets come in all sorts of prices and qualities, so although we do not recommend any one brand, we will tell you what equipment are worth spending the extra dollars on and which ones you can be more economical. 

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Must haves: 

• Pots and pans:

  • None stick: one or two sizes for making eggs.

  • Cast Iron: you need one pan to make pancakes, steaks and browning of other meat. 

  • Stainless Steel set: the workhorse, used for essentially everything. Invest in a good set. 

  • Pots: for making pasta, rice, boiling potatoes, soups and stews.  Invest in a few sizes. 

 

• Cutting boards: essential for cutting meat, fruits and vegetables. Be sure you have one designated for raw meat and one for other use. A heavy wood board is much more stable and easy to work with than plastic ones. 

• Knives:

  • Chef knife: this is your must have tool. Used for essentially cutting everything. Spend a little extra here, a good chef knife goes a long way (no need to break the bank though). 

  • Paring knife: need one for getting into small spaces. 

  • Bread knife: to cut bread.

  • Knife sharpener: to keep your chef knife in shape. 

• Graters: both a normal size and a micro grator. 

• Spatula

• Measuring cups: for measuring ingredients. Get a set, it has ¼, 1/3., ½, and 1 cup. Also invest in a measuring jar for liquids. 

• Drainers: To drain fruits and vegetables after you wash them, drain pasta. 

• Mixing bowls: a set of various sizes. Metal bowls are easier to clean.

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Should have:

• Digital scale

• Dutch Oven: a versatile but expensive pot that is great for making stews, soups and many other food. It can go from the stove to the oven. 

• Food processor: makes your chopping a whole lot easier. 

• Blender: to smoothies. Spend a little more and buy a good brand. 

• Pressure cooker: This is a versatile tool for the busy family. You can cook raw ingredients in a fraction of time (we are talking 10-30 minutes). Nowadays there are even cook books specifically for pressure cookers. 

• Slow cooker: A great way to mix all the ingredients in the morning before you leave for work and come home to a house filled with delicious smells and food ready to be consumed. Usually leaves left overs as well.

 

Cooking ingredients to always have: 

 

1. Non-perishable: can store for a long time. Best bought in bulk for a better price. 

   1. Flours:

      1. All purpose and whole wheat flour

      2. Whole wheat pastry flour

      3. Oat and  almond flour (or any other grain flour you like).

   2. Baking ingredients (best kept in airtight containers):

      1. Baking soda

      2. Baking powder

      3. Sugar (yes, its ok to eat a little sugar sometimes): brown, coconut and regular. 

      4. A few healthy Grains (best if kept in airtight containers):

 

1. Chia or flax seeds (keep in airtight container)

2. Hemp seeds (keep in airtight container)

3. Canned food products:

   1. Beans of your choice (black, brown, garbanzo, kidney)

   2. Coconut milk (great for a lot of dishes and soups)

   3. Diced, paste and whole potatoes (great for adding to last minute dishes)

   4. Canned fish (Tuna is a great choice)

4. Oils:

   1. Cheaper quality olive oil for cooking.

   2. Higher quality oils for salads and dressings (see fat section for full list). 

5. Spices (a few common spices for cooking):

   1. All spice

   2. Nutmeg

   3. Cinnamon

   4. Garlic and onion powder

   5. Cumin powder

   6. Cardamom 

   7. Fresh garlic

   8. Fresh Ginger

   9. Fresh herbs (cilantro, basil, parsley and chives)

   10. Salt/Pepper

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