What Are Your Most-Used Kitchen Tools?

The Essential Kitchen Equipment For Plant-Based Cooking

Photo by Kevin Doran on Unsplash

Switching to a plant-based lifestyle? The right kitchen tools can make all the difference. From speeding up meal prep to unlocking new recipes, these appliances are game-changers for any home cook.

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🟡 Must-Have Appliances

1. Instant Pot This multi-tasking marvel is the GOAT of many kitchens. It makes quick work of soups, beans, rice, quinoa, and even pasta. Need chili in under an hour or a perfectly creamy risotto? The Instant Pot’s got you covered.

Why is the Instant Pot a plant-based cook’s best friend?

• Faster Cooking Times: Say goodbye to overnight soaking and hours of simmering beans.

• One-Pot Wonders: Simplifies cleanup with meals that come together in a single pot.

• Versatility: Works as a pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, yogurt maker, and more. It’s like having six appliances in one!

2. Air Fryer This kitchen prop crisps up everything from tofu to veggie fries. The air fryer has single-handedly transformed plant-based snacking.

What can you whip up in an air fryer?

• Tofu: Perfectly crispy cubes for stir-fries, salads, or bao buns.

• Vegetables: Roasted to perfection in minutes—think crispy Brussels sprouts or carrot fries.

• Frozen Foods: Veggie burgers, nuggets, or spring rolls, cooked with zero fuss.

3. Food Processor The Swiss Army knife of the kitchen. From slicing to shredding to pureeing, this gadget streamlines prep work and expands your culinary repertoire.

Why should every plant-based cook own a food processor?

• Time-Saving: Quickly chops veggies, makes sauces, and preps ingredients for plant-based burgers and meatballs.

• Uniformity: Ensures even chopping for consistent cooking.

• Versatility: Whips up hummus, nut butters, dips, and even dough for pizza night.

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🟡 Other Handy Items

While the heavy hitters get all the glory, these tools deserve a shoutout too:

• Blender: Essential for smoothies, soups, and creamy sauces. The Vitamix reigns supreme for its power and precision.

• Immersion Blender: Perfect for blending soups right in the pot—no extra dishes required.

• Non Stick Pan: A workhorse for sautéing, and searing.

• Chef’s Knife: A high-quality knife makes prep work a joy.

• Wood Cutting Board: Durable, sanitary, and easy on your knives.

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🟡 Bonus Appliances for Extra Credit

• Rice Cooker: Sure, it makes flawless rice, but did you know it’s also great for quinoa, oatmeal, and even steaming vegetables? Some models double as one-pot meal machines—hello, rice and beans.

• Crockpot: This slow-cooking classic is ideal for batch-cooking soups, chili, and crowd-pleasers like meatless sloppy Joes.

• Toaster Oven: Compact, versatile, and great for toasting bread or reheating leftovers.

• Electric Kettle: Perfect for tea, coffee, and a quick pour-over of hot water for instant noodles or oats.

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🟡 Recipe: Instant Pot White Bean Stew

This dump-and-go Instant Pot recipe couldn’t be simpler! Healthy, vegan, gluten-free, and packed with flavor, it’s a weeknight dinner winner.

Ingredients

• 12 oz dried white beans

• 3 medium shallots, diced

• 4 garlic cloves, chopped

• 3 celery ribs, sliced

• 1 large or 2 small Yukon Gold potatoes, grated

• 3 ½ cups vegetable broth

• 1 to 1 ½ tsp ground cumin

• 1 tsp paprika

• 2 bay leaves + parsley + thyme (tied as bouquet garni)

• 1 ½ - 2 tsp kosher salt

• Freshly cracked black pepper

• 14.5 oz can crushed tomatoes

• 3 Tbsp tomato paste

Gremolata Topping

• Parsley, chopped

• 1 garlic clove, grated

• Zest of 1 small lemon

• Coarse sea salt

Instructions

1. Add vegetable broth, beans, shallots, garlic, celery, potatoes, cumin, paprika, salt, pepper, and bouquet garni to the Instant Pot. Stir.

2. Add crushed tomatoes and tomato paste on top, but don’t stir (this prevents the tomatoes from blocking the Instant Pot’s heat sensory and burning).

3. Secure the lid. Pressure cook on high for 12 minutes. Allow natural pressure release.

4. Prepare gremolata by mixing parsley, grated garlic, lemon zest, and salt.

5. Open the pot, adjust seasonings, and serve topped with gremolata. Optionally, add a squeeze of lemon juice and crusty bread on the side.

Notes

• Grate potatoes for creamier texture, or dice if preferred.

• Store leftovers in the fridge for 4-5 days.

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🟡 Tips and Tricks for Appliance Mastery

• Get Creative: Use appliances in unexpected ways. Try baking bread in your Instant Pot or dehydrating fruit in your air fryer.

• Simplify with Canned Goods: Speed up meal prep by incorporating pre-cooked beans and tomatoes.

• Experiment: Play around with different seasonings and sauces to keep meals exciting.

• Share the Love: Invite friends and family to taste your creations. Cooking is even better when it’s shared.

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🟡 Power Up Your Plant-Based Kitchen

With these appliances in your corner, your plant-based kitchen is equipped to handle everything from weeknight dinners to gourmet feasts. So, what’s your go-to gadget? Let us know in the comments. Happy cooking!

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