Anyone can find a recipe and put together exotic and tempting dishes all at once, but real gourmet food is much more than that. It’s all about discovering and playing with different recipes, flavors and techniques to create a star stunner for your table. As you unleash your creativity in the kitchen, having the right ingredients, tools and equipment can help your culinary dreams take flight. This may sound daunting, but it really doesn’t require state-of-the-art cooking. If you cover the basics, you’ll be well on your way to making delicious recipes at home.
Here are five easy ways to turn our kitchen into a gourmet haven:
1. Invest in good quality cookware:
A variety of pots and pans will give you the freedom to experiment with different cooking techniques. Each pot is designed to receive the right amount of heat for your particular type of build, and using the wrong pot or pan can change the way your dish is made. A good skillet is essential for frying, whereas a good frying pan is essential. A medium-sized saucepan is handy for sauteing or boiling liquids. While nonstick variants are the most common, I prefer cast iron cookware—either regular or ceramic coated—which requires minimal care if maintained well, and can last a lifetime. more importantly, the opposite nonstick cookwareThe ingredients do not leech into the food, making it better for overall health in the long run. I also recommend investing in a good Dutch oven for stews and curries, which help them develop better flavor during the slow-cooking process. If you love to bake, having a few good baking trays and sheet pans is a must.
2. Choose the Right Kitchen Tools and Equipment,
There are many ‘kitchen hack’ tools constantly advertised to make your life easier, but don’t be fooled by what you see. Having some basic but important tools will be fine. Invest in a good set of knives and try to maintain them, as you will be using them every day. However, good knives are incredibly sharp, so don’t be distracted when chopping and chopping. A set of measuring cups and varying-sized mixing bowls will aid in the preparation process, while spatulas bring versatility to both booking and mixing. You should also have a good colander, a balloon whisk, and a grater. A hand mixer is essential for nearly all baking, or if you’re in the mood for splurge, you can consider a stand mixer or food processor, which really reduces time and effort.
3. Herbs and Spices Help Simple Dishes Shine:
Exotic herbs and spices help elevate everyday dishes to the next level, and most of them are available in trendy trade shops or specialty stores. As you experiment with different recipes, keep a few basic ingredients on hand to give yourself options when making your star stunner dish. Thyme, rosemary and sage work beautifully with continental dishes, while some Sichuan peppercorns can brighten up an Asian dish with that sizzling heat. Cumin, coriander and zaatar are staples in Middle Eastern cuisine. Exotic spices and herbs don’t always mean distant lands – India has a real treasure trove of spices to discover in many regions. I personally love hunting down ancient herbs and spices that have been long forgotten, understanding the flavor profiles, and using them to create unique dishes.
(Also read: 11 tips and tricks to make everyday cooking easy and hassle free,
Herbs and spices impart flavor to our food.
4. Oils, Vinegars and Sauces for the Versatility of Recipes:
In our modern day business, cooking interesting and delicious meals on a daily basis should not be a burden. Flavored oils and vinegar can add flavor to your dish in no time. I am a big fan of olive oil and cold pressed oils which are more nutritious than refined oils. I use different cold pressed oils like sesame, mustard and sunflower oil which also adds flavor to the food. Vinegar is a great citric ingredient with the ability to enhance flavor. Red wine vinegar and balsamic vinegar are great to have on hand, while apple cider vinegar packs a punch with flavor and nutrition. Sauces provide a contrast in flavor, moisture, texture, color and visual appeal to a dish. A good tamarind soy sauce will add that umami deliciousness, while some chipotle or adobo sauce will add a zesty warmth to your creation. While I always recommend making your own pesto or arrabita sauce for pasta, it can sometimes be time-consuming. In that case, opt for a pre-made jar of sauce that’s organic, with minimal preservatives.
5. Nutritious Staples and Cereals:
cereals and cereals The most common food staples in the world’s dietary choices. Use a variety of staples and grains that provide you with a mix of nutrition and fiber. Whenever possible I like to use red or brown rice instead of polished white rice. Although I enjoy cooking with grains like couscous, barley, and quinoa, I’m also fascinated by locally grown ancient grains and millets like saguna millet or barnyard millet. These are a great addition to a healthy meal if you learn how to cook it properly.
Transforming your kitchen into a gourmet haven is no big deal. With a few simple, smart additions, you can create a space where everyday cooking becomes a wonderful journey of experimentation and discovery. With the Gourmet-Ready Kitchen, you’ll find new ways to innovate and elevate simple recipes, re-imagine traditional flavors, and find yourself lovingly preparing healthy, picture-perfect meals that nourish the soul. Will challenge
About the author: Celebrity chef Jason D’Souza, a restaurateur, an entrepreneur and taste lover extraordinaire, began his culinary journey with the Taj Group of Hotels. His meteoric rise as the youngest Executive Chef in the country coincided with various luxury hospitality brands in India. An alumnus of Le Cordon Bleu in London, Jason honed his craft in the famous kitchens of culinary royalty, Gordon Ramsay and Alain Ducasse. Back home, he helped establish several premium hospitality brands, which is Jason’s signature style.