Making the switch from eating animal-based foods to eating more plant-based foods is challenging, especially when you are used to eating a certain way.
Once you have decided that you are ready to go all the way with eating a plant-based diet, then the next thing to do is get what you need to prepare those tasty meals.
Some people would have you believe that you have to buy top of the line tools and appliances, but with the economy like it is today, who can do that?
If my eight year old Vita Mix broke today, I could not afford to replace it.
These are my favorite tools to use when I am in the kitchen. If you are getting started with eating a plant-based diet, you may consider starting small.
It does not take a lot of equipment for you to eat a healthy diet. It is not what you have, but how you work with you do have.
Favorite Tools
1. Chef Knife (Santoku)
I do not know what I would do with out my chef knife. When I chop vegetables and fruit, I must have the knife. Once you start using a chef knife, you will never go back to the knives you used to use. The feel of a chef knife is unlike any other knife and when you use one, you will understand what I mean.
2. Cutting Board
You must have something on which you chop your vegetables and fruit. Wooden cutting boards are my favorite type of cutting boards to use. They hold up very well.
3. Wooden Cooking Utensils
Wooden cooking utensils are the best thing. There is nothing better than sautéing onion and garlic and stirring the mixture with a wooden utensil. I like it better than using steel.
4. Bowls in Different Sizes
Having bowls of different sizes comes in handy. What more can I say?
5. Blender
You can use a blender for many things. You can make smoothies, sauces, salad dressings, and even juice. Yes, you can make juice. If you cannot afford a juicer, you can blend the produce with a little water and strain the mixture. It is more work, but if you want fresh juice, you can do it this way, without buying a juicer.
Final Thoughts
You do not need top of the line kitchen appliances/gadgets/gizmos to start eating a plant-based diet. Starting small and simple is the key. You don’t want to break the bank when you don’t have to.
As you can see from my list above, I don’t have a lot of favorite items that I like using, but those that are my favorites, they are like a best friend. I don’t know what I would do without them.
Discussion: What are your favorite tools/appliances/gadgets/gizmos to use in your kitchen? Do share!
Image: FreeDigitalPhotos.net
The reason I like your article is that it goes against the programming that in order to do be a vegetarian you must have ALL the specialized tools of the trade. That makes folks who are thinking about pursuing it give up before they get started. Yes, good tools make the job easier but many times what you’ve already got will work just fine with the addition of a few other multi-functional pieces.
It also makes folks use a “tool” that you don’t have to buy. It’s called your brain. 😉
Hey Ms. Fullroller!
Thanks for stopping by and chiming in!
You’re so right. People will give up before they start because they think they need the specialized tools, when it is not necessary.
Hi Evelyn, I totally understand where you are coming from. So many people do not have a good kitchen knife, and it’s so vital when you are trying to include a lot of vegetables in your diet. Chopping vegetables can be painfully slow— in which case you likely won’t be eating very many– or fast and kind of fun. We’ve given a good kitchen knife as a wedding present several times (with a penny to give back to satisfy the superstitious) because it’s such an important kitchen tool. I understand why you made it number one on your list. And P. S. I hope your Vitamix does NOT break!
Hi Mary!
Yes, a good kitchen knife is essential, a must have in my book.
A penny to give back, okay, that’s a new one for me.
I hope my Vitamix keeps kicking. 🙂
Thanks for stopping by and chiming in!
Used to such useful and wonderful info from you in the past, Evelyn, that this one comes as big disappointment. Nothing so special about these tools.
These are must-haves in every kitchen, anyways. 🙁
Hi Ambika!
Wow, sorry you feel this way. 🙁
This is a post that I shared because these are some of my favorite tools. The purpose of this post is to let others know who are becoming vegetarian/vegans that they do not have to purchase expensive kitchen tools to be vegetarian. I have expensive gadgets and they are not necessary for success.
Take care,
Evelyn
I’m sorry, I’m a guy, so bear with me, will you? What in the world does cook vegetarian meals have to do with new wooden spoons, knives and bowls? Why can’t you cook with the same utensils you used to cook meat? You wash them, anyway!
Hi Chrisitan!
I’m not understanding where you are coming from.
Most of the time when someone becomes a vegetarian/vegan, they are told to purchase certain things that are quite expensive and the point of this article is that it is not necessary to go out and purchase expensive tools/gadgets to be successful transitioning.
There is no problem with using the same utensils.
These are some of my favorite items to use in my kitchen and I wanted to share these with my readers. Granted there is nothing special about what I share in this post, but that’s the point. A new vegetarian/vegan doesn’t need to spend a lot of money on kitchen tools.
Great list Evelyn (even for us meat eaters!)! One additional tool that I couldn’t live without? My grater! Not just for cheese! I use it to shred carrots, zucchini, potatoes, yams and ginger. A ‘great’ (pardon the pun) way to add texture to your salads!
Hey Tamara!
You’re so right about a grater. I have one, but I don’t use it as much. You’ve given me some ideas, so glad you shared.
Take care,
Evelyn
Those are all great tools. My blender has the ability to make juice too! A good knife is essential. I would maybe add a double-boiler and a compost bucket – 2 items I use a lot (I’m also a vegetarian).
Hey Alexandra!
I don’t have a double-boiler/compost bucket. I need to consider getting that in place.
Thanks for sharing and chiming in!
Evelyn
Very true! I do lots of chopping, slicing, dicing and peeling! So be prepared to accomplish these cooking actions successfully! Being well prepared makes your life so much easier – in all aspects!
Hi Mary!
You’re right about being prepared. It does make a difference.
Thanks for stopping by!
Evelyn