I am sure you will have most of these items in your kitchen because they are pretty basic like a cutting board, knife (refer to Kitchen essentials : Knives, Oils, Vinegars, Sauces and Wine), peeler, grater and can opener. Once you have cut and washed your vegetables or meat (using the above things), next comes the cooking utensils like pots and pans, wooden spoons, whisk and spatulas. Finally, the serving part for which you will need bowls and plates and silverware. Don’t forget to get a soup ladle for pouring the soup neatly. I am sure I don’t have to tell the wine enthusiasts to get a cork screw and glasses.
Tip: I prefer to use plastic chopping boards for cutting meat as they can be washed in the dish washer at a high temperature. I have wooden chopping boards for Vegetables, Fruits, Bread and Cheese.
If you feel like you will rather enjoy baking over cooking, then you should have measuring cups and spoons. You may also need a rolling pin (for rolling the pastries or pies). You can get a roasting pan or a muffin tin to bake the recipes you like best. However, I would recommend to go a little easy here and buy the pans as you need. If you like cookies and want to give it a try, then a cookie sheet and cutter is a must for you. Don’t forget to get a pot holder and oven mitt before starting your adventures.
There is one more thing which is my personal favorite and that is a Colander. A Colander (or Pasta Strainer or Kitchen Sieve) is a bowl-shaped kitchen utensil with holes in it used for draining food such as Pasta. It can be made of a light metal, plastic or ceramic. I have a plastic colander. It's light to use and can be stored anywhere (I can hang it or put it inside a cabinet). I use it for different purposes - to wash fruits, vegetables, shrimp, fish, meat and of course to drain pasta. Sometimes I also use it to keep or cover hot fried foods like Puri (Deep Fried Puffed Bread), Pakoris (Fritters) or even Naan. The holes of the Colander allow the steam to pass through thus preventing the hot food from being soggy. It's a small thing with many uses.
Finally, an apron is a must to prevent all the oils and spills from getting on your clothes.
Recommended Reading:
- Luchi – Deep Fried Puffed Bread
- Alu Tikiya ki Chaat (Crispy Fried Potato Patties with Dried Peas, Yogurt, Chutney and Spices)
- Kitchen essentials : Knives, Oils, Vinegars, Sauces and Wine
- Alu Cutlet (Crispy Shallow Fried Potato Patties)
- Baskets - say No to kitchen clutter
- Namkeen Puri (Deep Fried Savory Puffed Bread)
