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No matter what type of delicious dishes you create in the kitchen, cooking is ALWAYS a reason to have the best quality equipment to crank out those masterpieces! Without proper tools and gadgets, cooking can seem like a chore or something less desired, but it doesn’t have to be. I have been in situations where I couldn’t finish a dish because I didn’t have the right tools, and it sure sucked! Kick-ass kitchen equipment means kick-ass results and happy eaters! Let’s break down the list of 10 Must-Haves for a Plant-Based Kitchen!
10 Must-Haves for a Plant-Based Kitchen
Yep, you’re guessing it before we even get started! Everything I list is essential equipment for ANY cook to have in their kitchen. However, these tools are my absolute favorite and necessities for plant-based cooking. Thus, I cannot imagine being without any one of them.
Vitamix
A Vitamix is the creme de la creme when it comes to blenders. A regular high-speed blender will do the trick; however, a Vitamix is the best at pulverizing any food into the creamiest and smoothest consistency. I use it for morning smoothies, cashew cream sauces, silky fall or winter soups like Butternut Squash Soup, or plant-based milk. They can be pricey, but you can often find a refurbished one at a reasonable price online.
Glass Food Containers
One of the essential habits of eating a more plant-based diet is learning to love meal prepping or Batch Cooking. When I’m away, working out of state, I HAVE to batch cook my weekly food, including breakfasts, because my downtime is limited. Having glass containers to store my delicious grub makes it easier for me to reheat in the oven, in addition to keeping plastic usage down. It’s a win-win, in my opinion!
Mortar and Pestle
A mortar and pestle is a lovely addition to any kitchen because of its old-world aesthetic. If I see one in your kitchen, my heart immediately begins to race with excitement. Beyond its visually pleasing presence, it is the best way to grind whole spices for optimal flavor. Buying ground spices isn’t a bad thing, but buying whole spices when you can is best. I prefer whole spices because they are generally more fresh, fragrant, and flavorful. For a faster way to grind your spices, you can use a spice/coffee grinder.
Chef Knives
The first and most important step for anyone who wants to become a confident cook is to have a good set of knives. Most cooks in the plant-based kitchen don’t need a full set of knives—just a few are enough to get any new cook started on a successful culinary path.
*A good quality Chef Knife (European or Japanese)
*Serrated bread knife
*Small paring knife
*A honer for daily sharpening
Any other knife (like a badass cleaver) can be added to your collection as you grow in your cooking skills.
Mason Jars with Lids
Mason jars make great storage solutions for grains, dried legumes, or pre-made salads and overnight oats. They come in so many sizes and are perfect for dried goods you buy in bulk. I have a few larger sizes for making kombucha or fermenting foods like kimchi. Reusable glass jars and containers don’t leach chemicals. Furthermore, they don’t affect the taste or odor of your food.
Cutting Boards
In a plant-based kitchen, there is no need to have separate cutting boards for certain foods. If you are only preparing vegetables, fruits, and non-animal products, you need just one! A large or extra-large wooden cutting board is the perfect item for your kitchen. It will give you lots of room for all your prep work and chopping larger items. You can find cutting boards with moats around the edges to catch water from juicy veggies or fruits, usually less mess to clean!
Food Processor
What would I do without my food processor? I’d cry, that’s what I’d do! I DID ball my eyes out for about two weeks when my old dinosaur of a processor crapped out on me last year. I was so pleased to get a new one for Christmas from my guy!
Having a food processor, in addition to a blender, is one of the 10 must-haves for a plant-based kitchen! It’s perfect for chopping herbs, making hummus, chopping olives for olive tapenade, pulsing chickpeas for salads, or roughly chopping nuts for baking. Also, it is my best friend when making seitan dough for “briskets” or “chickn,” Why WOULDN’T you want one!?
Baking Sheets
Hey, let me just put this out there; I am NOT a baker! However, I do use a shit ton of baking sheets, muffin pans, and cake tins! Just because I don’t have the patience to bake, doesn’t mean I don’t. I push myself to try new things constantly and enjoy the process along the way.
Having a simple set of baking pans will allow you to do everything from roasting veggies to making muffins or cupcakes, baking layer cakes, or preparing sweet or savory loaves. They are also great to use for food prep, such as freezing sliced bananas for smoothies. There is always a need for baking sheets!
Meal Planner
I know a meal planner isn’t technically a kitchen gadget; however, it’s a valuable tool for creating a plan of action! A meal planner is the best way to keep track of what you cook every week. Whether you like to put pen to paper or use digital tools such as Trello or Asana to create your meal plans, there’s no going wrong with tracking your eats. You can see which recipes work and which don’t make the cut. In summary, getting into the habit of keeping a list of favorites creates a healthy practice in being more proactive with cooking at home.
Cookbooks
Inspiration, inspiration, inspiration! Not to mention for reference, cookbooks are a great addition to any kitchen! I like to rotate out my favorites every few months, so they all get the attention they each deserve. Recipes are helpful when learning how to make your favorite dishes, but they are also great to deviate from to create your version of the plate.
Other Must-Haves
I could go on and on about other must-haves for your plant-based kitchen, but these are my favorite daily items. To add to your collection, here is a list of other great tools for cooking success. Don’t worry about breaking the bank and rush out to buy it all. Slowly add them to your kitchen as you go.
*Can opener, citrus squeezer, tofu press, kitchen scissors
*Measuring cups and spoons, mixing bowls, rubber spatulas, whisks
*Quality pots and pans set, cast iron skillet, garlic press
*large bowls for grain or buddha bowls, steamer, salad spinner, food scale
*Standing mixer, hand-held mixer, dehydrator
*Feature photo by SHOT
