Essential Kitchen Tools for Plant-Based Cooking

When moving toward a plant-based diet, it will be easier to prepare meals if you have the following essential tools. And keep in mind that you don’t have to purchase new tools. You’d be surprised by the great and affordable finds you can purchase at thrift stores!

Knives

Knives don’t have to be expensive to work well. Find a knife that feels good in your hands and keep it sharp; a dull knife is the most dangerous tool in the kitchen. If you need help sharpening them, check out local hardware stores. The most essential knives:

1. Chef’s Knife/Asian Santoku Knife
2. Serrated Knife (also known as a bread or tomato knife)
3. Paring Knife

Steamer Basket or Wire Mesh Strainer

The healthiest way to prepare vegetables is to steam them. Make sure the water in the pot does not touch the bottom of the basket or strainer.

Colander

You can use a colander to drain and rinse canned beans, strain pasta, and wash veggies or fruits.

Measuring Cups and Spoons

Dry and liquid measure are not the same. It’s best to have both types of cups.

1. Liquid Measuring Cup
2. Dry Measuring Cup
3. Measuring Spoons

Y-Shaped Vegetable Peeler

This type of peeler is easier to grip and gives you more control when peeling.

A Variety of Spatulas and Mixing Utensils

1. A flat “flipping” spatula. Silicon spatula with a metal core are sturdy, won’t scratch your pans, and will not melt at high temperatures.
2. A curved “scooping” and “mixing” spatula. Look for silicon, as it can withstand high temperatures and won’t scratch your pans.
3. Wooden Spatula/Spoons

Tongs

Metal, silicone-tipped tongs are great for cooking greens and flipping tofu and tempeh.

Box Grater or Food Processor

These are great for grating vegetables.

Sheet Pan

This is great for roasting vegetables.

Tools that are “Nice to Have:”

Salad Spinner

This time-saving device will help dry greens or herbs so that they are not soggy after you wash them.

Hand-Held Citrus Juicer

Helps with adding fresh citrus juice to elevate the flavor of whatever you’re cooking.

#40 Cookie Scoop

A helpful tool when measuring mixed ingredients, such as energy balls or cookies. A #40 scoop holds 1.5 Tb of batter.

Immersion or Stick Blender

Great for blending dressings and soups or mashing potatoes. These are much easier to clean than a regular blender. Cost varies based on attachments.

Trinity Health Michigan’s Lifestyle Medicine department offers invaluable virtual resources and classes to anyone in Michigan looking to jump start their journey to better health.

Learn more about Trinity Health Lifestyle Medicine and check out the free monthly culinary classes.