I once heard an interview with a mathematician who stated that there are no people who cannot do math – there are only people who have not been taught math in a way that they can learn it.
That is exactly how I feel about cooking. People tell me everyday that they can’t cook. Now maybe they can’t go in the kitchen and whip up a gourmet meal. However, I am totally convinced that everyone is capable of basic food preparation. It’s just a matter of learning a few basics and going from there.
Once these things are in place, you have the means to make yummy things to eat — whether it is a full meal or a snack.
cookware and cooking implements
You may already have pots and pans and various spatulas and spoons and a few kitchen knives. If you are just starting out, I recommend a quick trip to your favorite warehouse club or discount department store to pick up a few things.
No, you don’t need everything at once. In fact, you can cook a lot of things with little more than the basics. Here’s what I consider to be the essentials:
non-stick skillets — These are often sold in sets of 2-3. A small one is great for making omelets. They are great for sauteing vegetables and making sauces.
saucepans — If you cook for yourself or just one or two others, a small and a medium saucepan will hold you for a while. If you want to make big pots of soup or chili, you will need to invest in a larger stock pot.
cooking implements — Most department stores carry these. Usually for under $20 you can find an assortment that will include large utensils, serving and stirring spoons, a spatula, assorted other gadgets such as a can opener or perhaps a garlic press. I also like wooden spoons for stirring and sauteing and you can usually find an inexpensive set of 3-5 of them packaged together. If you love mashed potatoes, also pick up a potato masher. Don’t forget an inexpensive set of measuring cups and spoons.
knives — Yes, I admit, I love good kitchen knives and would happily spend a fortune on them. For basic cooking, there are inexpensive ones that do the job just fine. You can buy a set but if you are on a budget, you really don’t need more than 3 to start with: a small paring knife, a chef’s knife and a serrated bread knife. I have lots of knives but I can do everything I need to do in the kitchen with these three. Remember, too, that you will need a way to sharpen your knives. Sharp knives are safe knives.
baking set — Sets vary but they always include a baking sheet. Sometimes you will find a pizza pan, cake rounds or muffin tins. Shop around a bit and you will find the set that works best for you.
Yes, you could buy so much more but this is a good start. Notice there aren’t any appliances listed. Yes, I love my instant pot and air fryer and all the other gadgets I have in the kitchen. I also know these things aren’t necessary to good cooking.
stock ingredients and seasonings
There are a few ingredients that are always in my pantry. This is something that will evolve with your cooking style. Here are the things I wouldn’t be without:
rice and pasta — These will keep for a while so I always have assortment of rices and pastas. I keep jasmine or basmati and CalRose rice at all times. Pasta is always a quick fix so I keep a selection of various shapes and sizes of pastas. You don’t need more than one type but it is fun to choose.
soup stock or base — I’m sold on bone broth – not to drink but to use in soups, gravies and sauces. I make a gallon at a time and freeze it so I always have it available. However, it is a very recent addition to my cooking repetoir. Before that I bought stock at the store. There are lots of good brands of soup stock out in various sizes. If you love soups and sauces, keeping a regular supply of stock in the cabinet lets you make them easily on a moments notice. You can also get powdered or paste concentrates. These days I keep Knorr’s loose powdered stock base. You can usually find it in the Hispanic foods section of your grocery store. It’s an easy flavor boost even if you make your own stock.
condiments — Easy ways to add a flavor boost. Mayonnaise for easy dips and creamy sauces. Country Dijon mustard — a great way to add extra flavor to sauces and marinades. Worcestershire sauce — another easy flavor boost. Olive oil and a few good vinegars such a rice wine vinegar and cider vinegar for easy marinades.
seasonings — Most important, salt and pepper. Most of the time when I hear people complain about lack of flavor, it is usually just a lack of salt and pepper. Onion and garlic powders are easy flavor boosts. Just remember that a little goes a long way. As you cook more, you can expand into individual herbs and spices and/or seasoning blends.
canned or frozen meats — A selection of canned and quick thaw meats lets you easily prepare a meal without a lot of preparation time. If you like pasta with clam sauce, keep a couple cans of clams in your pantry. Canned crab gives you an easy way to fix easy crab imperial. Frozen shrimp, cooked or uncooked, is handy to have in the freezer. It thaws under running water in about 10 minutes and can be sauteed and served over rice or pasta with your favorite sauce. Boneless skinless chicken thighs are also good to keep in the freezer. It takes about 20 minutes in cold water to thaw enough to marinate.
Regular Grocery Shopping
This seems so simple and it is. Simply stop in your favorite supermarket once a week or so and pick up fresh fruits and veggies, bread, eggs and your favorite meats. Don’t forget to replenish or add to your stock ingredients. If your too busy to shop check out delivery alternatives in your area. The addition of fresh ingredients adds much needed variety to your meals.
With just a little planning and some practice, you can make meals that are both easy and delicious.