Trying to set your kitchen up for healthy plant-based cooking but feeling a bit overwhelmed? It doesn’t have to be difficult or expensive. Here are 10 kitchen must have items I use on a weekly basis in my own kitchen.
Kitchens are the heart of the home. It’s where we’re fed and most conversations take place. There’s so much life that goes on in that one area and it holds a very special place in all our hearts. So, it stands to reason that it should work for you and your family.
For me, the kitchen is my office, and some days my sanctuary. It’s a place where I can be creative, escape, and recollect myself. Cooking helps to center me and talk me down of the ledge at times. So, it’s much more than just a utilitarian space.
If you’ve ever attempted to purchase items for your kitchen or simply tried to improve the quality of your cooking utensils you know it can feel a bit daunting. Especially, if you are new to cooking. But, over the years I have come to realize that a well-equipped kitchen doesn’t necessarily mean an endless array of expensive kitchen gadgets. In fact, it’s just the opposite. And, you usually don’t have to spend that much to get the tools you actually need.
Every day it’s as if we are being bombarded by people telling us to buy their products and your life will get better overnight. The list is endless. For example:
- Annoying infomercials with people pushing their cheap crap
- Obnoxious cooking show hosts telling you to buy their products
- Specialty items you’d only use once if even that much
- The endless array of celebrity chef cooking sets
It doesn’t end. There’s so much junk out there and it only makes things more and more cluttered and complicated. So, I decided to go through my own kitchen and make a list of 10 things I consider to be essential for creating a healthy, successful, plant-based, and vegan kitchen. I’ve also included some recipes with those tools as well so you can start using them right away.
This is not an exhaustive list by any means. But, it is a starting point and I hope this helps to simplify your life and allow you to enjoy your kitchen. Regardless of the trend, size, or how often you cook, the important thing is that you feel safe, happy, and inspired in this special room.
My Top Most Used Must Have Kitchen Items
- Instant Pot
- Nonstick Skillet
- Lodge Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven
- Baking Sheets
- Parchment Paper
- Wooden Cooking Utensils
- Food Processor
- Vitamix
- Cutting Board
- Chef’s Knife
So, here are the tools. Now, here’s a list of some amazing recipes utilizing these tools. Ready? Let’s cook!
Recipes Using 10 Kitchen Must Haves You Can Use Every Week
Instant Pot Potato Soup Recipe
The Instant Pot is one tool we use literally almost every day of the week. And, one of our favorite recipes is this Instant Pot Potato Soup. It's thick, creamy, and so comforting.
Vegan Pepper Steak With Onions
A good nonstick skillet is a must for oil-free cooking. And, these Ballarini pans is the best one I've found, yet!
Sweet Potato Black Bean Chili
One of my favorite pieces of cookware is the Lodge Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven. And, one of my favorite recipes to make in it is the Sweet Potato Black Chili.
Healthy Oil-Free Granola
Good Baking Sheets are an absolute MUST for plant-based baking. One of our favorite recipes is this oil-free granola.
Oven Roasted Asparagus With Lemon Tahini Sauce
Parchment paper is essential for oil-free cooking and it also makes cleaning up after cooking a breeze. This oven-roasted asparagus recipe is healthy and nothing but pure flavor without all the unnecessary calories and fat of oil.
Authentic Hummus (3 Ingredients)
We eat hummus all the time in our home and our Cuisinart Food Processor is the best machine I've ever used. It's one of those things that costs a little more, but you definitely get what you pay for. It's also great for making my Vegan Taco Meat and Pumpkin Pie Dessert Hummus.
Cashew Mayo (Creamy, Rich, & Tangy)
This vegan cashew mayo is soooo good and I make it in my Vitamix. I never got the big deal about the Vitamix but then I bought one and I can tell you it's worth absolutely every penny you would pay. It is one of the more expensive kitchen appliances but it's so worth it. We also love making my Vegan Queso and Vegan Sour Cream. It's amazing!
Holiday Oven Roasted Vegetables
A good cutting board is essential and something you will use all the time. It also saves your countertops and much more sanitary. When you're making dishes like these roasted veggies you'll be doing a lot of chopping and cutting.
Chickpea Vegan Meatloaf
Dishes like this Chickpea Vegan Meatloaf are loaded with veggies that are finely chopped so you need a good knife. And, you don't have to spend a ton. This model is super affordable and won't go dull in 2 days.
Thanks for this list! What do you use your cast iron Dutch oven for?
Primarily soups and stews. But, I also love to saute with it as well.
Your list is great, but I’m surprised that you don’t have an air fryer on there! Like the Instant Pot, I use my air fryer almost every single day. I love the simplicity of your recipes…keep them coming and thank you.
Hi, Kathy! I hear you and same here…very often. It was tough to decide. I could’ve very easily done a “100 Things I Use” … LOL!
I totally agree with your list of 10 essential kitchen “must haves”. I use them all every week.
Thanks for your excellent web site and incredible recipes. Today’s soup was your Instant Pot Potato Soup that I made 100% according to the recipe — delicious!
Thank you, Janet!