This is the first in a series of guest articles about various kitchen essentials from my friends at Cookware.com.
Posted by; Jon
There are a few essentials that every chef needs. If you’re outfitting a gourmet kitchen on a limited budget, the first things you put on your list will probably be cookware sets and baking pans. I would argue that your first and best purchase for an affordable gourmet kitchen should be a good set of knives, and more specifically, a good chef’s knife and paring knife.
What constitutes a good chef’s knife? You should look for a knife that provides a good rocking motion for chopping vegetables and mincing garlic and herbs. The handle should feel good in your palm, and be easy to clean. Smooth plastic handles are generally easier to sterilize than wood.
A paring knife is another kitchen essential to select carefully. A small paring knife is perfect for peeling fruits and veggies, cutting tomatoes, or doing detailed tasks with precision, like deveining shrimp. Look for a flexible, sharp blade and a comfortable handle. A paring knife doesn’t need to be expensive to be good!
Investing in a good knife requires some maintenance, so be prepared to care for your knives carefully. Purchase a good knife sharpening kit, or do what top chef’s do and send your knives to a local sharpener at least twice a year, and more often if you’re an avid cook and use your knives heavily. Be sure to practice safe knife handling, and keep a first-aid kit handy when working with sharp knives.
Good knives should be stored safely so that the blade is protected and maintains its sharp edge. You can make your own knife sheaths using a piece of cardboard and some staples. Just fold the cardboard over the knife, with the fold on the blade edge, and staple at the top.
Starting your kitchen with a good chef’s knife and paring knife will prepare you well for most culinary adventures. If you’re able to expand your knife collection beyond the bare essentials, slicing knives, serrated knives and a Santoku knife should be your next additions.
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