Whether you are a home-based chef or a professional one, you can do magic if you have the right knowledge and skill about food as well as kitchen essentials. When you are setting up a new kitchen, you first need to start with the essential items that no chef can do without. These days, there are a ton of gadgets available, which makes it very easy for people to become confused. But, if you want to be able to do some cooking without any hassle, you need to check the essential items that Ido Fishman has outlined for all chefs in the kitchen. Let’s take a look at what they are:
- A chef’s knife
As per Ido Fishman, an excellent working knife can be a chef’s best friend in the kitchen. Using a good quality knife can make a big difference in your cooking experience. You should go for blades that are easy to handle and can balance in your palms easily. When you chop or cut your favorite veggies, the knife should be sharp enough to cut precisely and not too heavy to control. Typically, expert chefs like Ido Fishman use three types of knives; a chef’s knife, a serrated bread knife and a paring knife.
- Cutting board
A wooden cutting board is the next basic essential that every kitchen should have. The panel must be substantial and flat, as well as durable. Whenever you are preparing a meal, a cutting board is required for doing all the chopping. It should be flat and broad enough to be placed evenly over the kitchen counter. If you read the Ido Fishman blog, you will find that glass made cutting boards can also be used, but they come with cons like they can dull the knives.
- Essential pans
There are a number of essential pots and pans that every chef needs to have in their kitchen. Ido Fishman recommends a cast iron skillet, which is thick and can be used over high temperatures. They are great for making steaks and scallops. Non-stick pans are next, which are must for making pancakes and omelets. Stainless steel pots and pans should also be on the list as they have good conduction. Don’t forget to add a Dutch oven, which is also referred to as a stew pot and is great for making casseroles and stews.
- Pressure cooking/instant pot
According to Ido Fishman, the instant pot is your time and energy saver and every chef needs to get one if they want to make their life easy. This pot can retain heat inside and the food inside also requires less water for boiling, as opposed to other cooking techniques. It can save your time and energy by almost 70% and it helps in cooking swiftly and uniformly.
- Spatulas
There are an array of spatulas that are used in the kitchen and you need to get a bunch of them to simplify your cooking tasks. Ido Fishman first recommends metal spatulas, as they are strong enough to accommodate stirring and flipping. Next come silicon spatulas that come in handy for baking and are a better choice over rubber ones because the latter melt at high temperatures. Baking is easy with silicon spatulas and can be used for making the cake batter.
Slotted spoons are also necessary and you can find them in both metal and wooden forms. They can work as a strainer and can help remove solid food from water. Another essential component for the kitchen recommended by Ido Fishman is a whisk, which is available in different sizes. You should opt for a mid-size and durable whisk that fits easily in your hands. It can come in handy when making breakfast and in baking.
Along with these items, Ido Fishman suggests you invest in some prep bowls, plastic boxes and juice blenders to make the most of your kitchen.