10 Essential Items Everyone Needs in Their Kitchen

Want to learn how to cook and don’t know where to start? Or seeking to improve and build upon kitchen skills you already have? Bektrom has composed a list of essential items to help you become the cook you’ve always wanted to be.

Oil and Vinegar

They are a dynamic duo that is often overlooked but can be two of the most vital ingredients on deck. A high-quality oil has a variety of uses beyond the cooking process. For example, it can be used for marinades, and when paired with delicious vinegar, you have a salad dressing that’s quick and easy to prepare. 

Cast Iron Skillet 

A good cast iron skillet is the backbone of any delicious meal. Various recipes can be created from pasta, breakfasts, steaks, and desserts. Not to mention, it’s oven safe, furthering its versatility in the kitchen. 

Slow Cooker 

Easily underrated, the slow cooker is every chef’s best friend, professional or amateur. Live a busy lifestyle? A slow cooker is an essential kitchen tool, especially for those on the go. Its multi-function abilities allow for meals to be ready when you get home from a long day. Additionally, one-pot recipes make for an easy clean-up.

Canned Goods

When thinking about essential ingredients, canned goods are not the first to come to mind. However, a pantry filled with high-quality canned goods can be life-saving on days you forget to hit the grocery store. Tomato paste, anchovies, canned tomatoes, and stocks or broth are all items that can help bring together a quick weeknight meal.

Baking Necessities  

Baking desserts or dinners can be intimidating because of their precise nature. However, there are a few tools that can help improve your baking. One is a kitchen scale to help get the exact measurements needed for each ingredient. Second, a meat thermometer to ensure you are cooking roasts and or other proteins to the appropriate temperature. Utilizing these kitchen tools will yield perfect baked goods every time.

Chef’s Knives  

Dull knives are a cook’s worst enemy. Dicing and chopping vegetables in preparation for your meals can already be time-consuming. Keep the process moving smoothly with a strong blade. Instead, invest in durable chef knives that will last. If you want to go a step further, obtain a knife sharpener to keep your tools in the best shape they can be to save time and money. 

Bleach-Free Cleaner 

A good meal starts with a clean kitchen. First, ensure you give your counters, sink, and stovetop a good scrub with a kitchen-friendly cleaning solution. Bleach-free products are always a safe option when cleaning areas that may be in contact with food. Additionally, it is crucial to have a clean workspace to help prevent cross-contamination and protect foods from any bacteria, germs, and or toxins.

Glass Food Containers  

Plastic food storage is a thing of the past. Plastic stains become dingy and can expose you to toxins. Glass food containers are essential for many reasons. The main reasons are that they are environmentally friendly, clear, and stain-free to easily see what’s inside and take little effort to clean. So switch to glass containers and have the clean and organized fridge you’ve always wanted. 

Large Cutting Board 

When preparing produce for the week or just for the day’s recipe, the last thing you want is to run out of space. A large cutting board allows multiple items to be on your board simultaneously. It also gives freedom of range for the actual process of dicing or chopping. To keep yourself from feeling confined,  going big is the way to move when it comes to the chopping block. 

Rice and Grains 

Rice and grains are pantry staples every cook needs. Not only are they excellent for your health, but they also make an excellent base for a hearty meal. Whether that’s rice, quinoa, barley, or oats, the recipes you can create are endless. If you’re looking to stock your pantry, check out Bektrom’s oats and noodles and rice side dishes! 

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