While it's technically possible to cook with just a pot and a pan, having a few additional cooking tools can greatly enhance your culinary experience and make certain tasks easier. While the specific tools you might need can vary based on your cooking style and preferences, here are some common cooking tools that can be helpful:
Utensils: A set of cooking utensils, such as a spatula, wooden spoon, tongs, whisk, and ladle, will make stirring, flipping, and serving food much easier.
Chef's Knife: A good-quality chef's knife is versatile and essential for chopping, slicing, and dicing ingredients.
Cutting Board: Having a sturdy cutting board provides a safe and convenient surface for food preparation.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: Measuring cups and spoons are useful for accurately measuring ingredients, especially for baking or following specific recipes.
Baking Sheet: A baking sheet or baking tray is handy for roasting vegetables, baking cookies, or toasting food in the oven.
Mixing Bowls: Having a few mixing bowls in various sizes allows you to mix ingredients, prepare marinades, or toss salads.
Colander or Strainer: A colander or strainer is useful for draining pasta, rinsing vegetables, or straining liquids from cooked food.
Oven Mitts or Pot Holders: Protect your hands from heat when handling hot pots, pans, or baking dishes.
These are just a few examples of common cooking tools that can enhance your cooking experience and make certain tasks more convenient. However, if you're looking to minimize your kitchen equipment, starting with a pot and a pan can still allow you to prepare a variety of meals.