When it comes to cooking, chefs operate on many different levels and use a wide variety of ingredients, equipment, and utensils. From home chefs to amateur chefs to professional chefs, everybody has his or her own needs and requirements. However, from a fundamental standpoint, chefs still need to acquire the basic equipment in order to build up their skills at an optimal pace. For amateur and home chefs, this may mean slowly accumulating and practicing with the different equipment one at a time and improving as they go along. Here are several examples of the essential equipment that every amateur chef should have in their home kitchen.
Every Spice You Can Find
Spices are every chef's best friend; however, many times they are acquired haphazardly and at a whim. Having the right spices for the right dishes can make a big difference in the dish's flavor profile. Although there are many different types of herbs and spices out there, many chefs start by collecting anywhere between 10 to 25 of the most essential spices such as coriander, basil, parsley, cinnamon, allspice, bay leaf, cayenne, cumin, nutmeg, paprika and many more. Most amateur chefs start off by experimenting with a few spices at a time and gradually building up their collection as their skills increase, and their recipes are adapted to their own preferences. This may mean that, eventually, you may have an urge to collect every spice you can find. This is perfectly normal.
Oils
When it comes to developing flavor, oils are an essential part of your dish. There are many different types of oils available to choose from and can make a big difference to your dishes. For example, you might want to use a cold press extra virgin olive oil for a salad, but choose a more flavorful sesame oil for a stir fry. Having a wide selection of frequently used oils in stock in your kitchen can really help you develop more variety in your dishes.
A Quality Knife Set
A quality knife set is probably the most important chef tool to own. You will need it for almost every ingredient you prep. A good set of knives will have a good weight, length, and sharpness. The knives should also be durable. You should be able to sharpen them at home. At the minimum, you should at least obtain a chef's knife, a paring knife, and a serrated knife.
Cookbooks
Every chef needs to hone his or her skills constantly. Luckily, there are an endless number of dishes and techniques to explore in the culinary world. It may seem obvious, but this is why cookbooks are indispensable tools in every chef's kitchen. Cookbooks are available for many different types of lifestyles and diets. From Mediterranean to Paleo to Keto, the options are endless.
A Garden
Fresh ingredients can take your dish to the next level, and there is nothing fresher than the produce grown in your own garden. Herbs, such as fresh basil, mint, and parsley, take up very little space to grow in your kitchen. Tomatoes, lemons, chilies, and limes are also sturdy, easy-to-grow staples that can be grown out in the garden. In addition to adding freshness and vibrancy to your plate, plants can also benefit you as a homeowner by bringing a pop of color and brightness to your house.
Kitchen Scale
Accurate measuring is an essential chef skill especially if you need to serve a specific portion size or produce an accurate and precise menu that can be reproduced and followed by others. A kitchen scale is a handy tool that takes the place of measuring spoons and cups. While measuring spoons and cups can measure volume, a kitchen scale measures the exact weight of an ingredient. This is particularly useful when measuring ingredients such as dry pasta or broccoli that are irregularly shaped and do not fit properly into a cup.
Thermometers
Cooking thermometers come in many different shapes, sizes, and purposes. From candy thermometers to meat thermometers, thermometers can help you meet temperature requirements for shaping, molding, and texturing ingredients. Thermometers can also help you insure minimum food safety requirements for meat, poultry, and eggs. Almost always, the internal temperature of thick-cut meat differs from its surface temperature and having a thermometer on hand can give you peace of mind that any harmful microorganism in your food has been killed off.
Wooden Spoons
As a chef, wooden spoons are an essential part of your kitchen. Far more practical and safer than plastic or metal spoons, you won't need to worry about the heat tolerance of your spoons while you're stirring the contents of a hot pot. Unlike plastic spoons, wooden spoons are safe to use with acidic food. They won't leave plastic residues or smells in your food. They also won't scratch your pot like metal spoons. A good set of wooden spoons will be a practical addition to your kitchen.
Knife Sharpener
Good knives can be a significant investment for any chef, so it is important to keep your knife set in good condition. Over time and use, all knives will eventually become dull. A dull blade not only makes it harder to cut through ingredients such as raw meat, it can also make your cuts jagged and uneven - making your attempts to improve your cutting skills impossible. A knife sharpener can be the tool you need to keep your knife collection in top shape for as long as possible to maximize your purchase.
An amateur chef has many options when it comes to developing their skills and expanding their equipment as their cooking repertoire improves. However, even amateur chefs have basic needs and having the right tools and equipment can make their cooking journey a lot smoother and efficient. Essential equipment such as kitchen scales, knife sets, wooden spoons and flavoring essentials such as oils and spices can make a big difference in the dishes that are produced within your kitchen.
Get your copy of the Gourmand World Award Winning book The Basic Art of Italian Cooking: Holidays and Special Occasions-2nd edition
The Maria Liberati Show..a new Podcast ..where food meets art, travel and life.. begins on April 15th ,but you can listen to a sneak peek here https://anchor.fm/maria-liberati
