Major points:

In this post, you will learn what basic equipment you need to start cooking.
You will receive important tips to avoid unnecessary pressure and lose the fear of making mistakes.
By cooking, you control the ingredients used and can optimally adhere to the Neatic principles.

There can be several reasons why you want to start cooking. Perhaps you are planning to move into your first own apartment, or you want to order less and cook more yourself. Cooking is not an art and can be easily learned. These tips will help you make the start of cooking as easy as possible.

The basic equipment - a must for every kitchen

To enjoy cooking, it is important to have basic kitchen equipment. This can be minimalist and expanded according to your personal needs. For most tasks in a household with one to two people, the following utensils are sufficient:

1 medium-sized cutting board
1 vegetable knife/all-purpose knife
1 peeler
2 pots (1 liter, 5 liters)
1 medium-sized pan
1 scale
1 spatula
1 soup ladle
3 bowls in different sizes
Dinnerware and silverware

The following equipment is also recommended:

1 chef’s knife
1 measuring cup
1 pasta strainer/sieve
1 pair of potholders/gloves
2 dish towels

If you have a dishwasher or regularly invite people over, adjust the quantity accordingly.

With this equipment, you have everything in your kitchen that you need for a start.

One device - multiple uses

Many kitchen appliances can be used for multiple purposes or repurposed. Here are a few examples:

A chef’s knife can replace a garlic press, onion chopper, herb scissors, and bread knife.
A vegetable peeler makes an asparagus peeler unnecessary, as the asparagus season is so short that the asparagus peeler remains unused in the drawer for most of the year.
A box grater can take over the functions of a cheese slicer, lemon zester, and vegetable slicer.
The bowl of the salad spinner can be used for serving the salad.
Many glass storage containers are oven-safe. This allows you to prepare your lunch for the next day in one dish, and the matching lid turns the container into a to-go box. Often, these containers are also microwave- and freezer-safe. Caution: The lids are usually not oven-safe.
Oven-safe pots made of cast iron, steel, or enamel can also be used as baking dishes.
Pot coasters can also be replaced by a wooden board, thicker potholders, or a dish towel.

Now you have basic equipment and useful kitchen tools with multiple uses in your kitchen, but you may still not know how to turn raw foods into a delicious meal.

Your start into the cooking adventure

The most important thing to start cooking or baking is not to be afraid of making mistakes. Even an experienced cook sometimes oversalts the soup, or an experienced baker burns a cake.

Start with simple dishes, like pasta with tomato sauce, oven vegetables with herb dip, or a cream soup. If the easy dishes turn out well, you can venture into more elaborate dishes.

Also, start with simple baked goods like muffins, waffles, or a chocolate cake. If the easy baked goods turn out well, you can try more elaborate recipes.

You can find posts and videos on the internet for almost any topic related to cooking and baking. Cookbooks for beginners and step-by-step instructions are also very helpful.

Here are a few more tips before you start

Take your time. Mistakes happen when you are stressed, and that only leads to frustration.
Read the recipe carefully. Did you understand everything? If not, take the time to research your questions beforehand or ask someone with experience.
Before you start cooking or baking, gather all the ingredients and utensils you need. This prevents you from realizing halfway through that you do not have eggs for your cake.
Use canned or frozen products when needed. You do not have to make every component from scratch. A vegetable mix, or a frozen couscous and vegetable dish can enhance your meal while saving you time and effort. When buying, check the ingredient list and avoid added flavors and sweeteners.
Pay attention to resting and cooking times, and allow for extra time in case certain steps take longer than expected. Keep your workspace clean and organized to work efficiently.
Follow proper food hygiene. Here are a few examples:
- Wash your hands thoroughly before starting and after handling raw meat, fish, or eggs.
- Keep raw, unwashed ingredients separate from cooked or washed foods.
- Take chilled ingredients out of the fridge only when needed and process them quickly.
- Fully cook sensitive foods like meat, fish, and eggs.
Do not let setbacks discourage you. Give yourself the time you need to learn how to cook. Avoid comparing yourself to others – it only creates unnecessary pressure.
Do not overreach. If you want to showcase your cooking skills, choose recipes you have practiced before and that are likely to turn out well.
If you need more confidence at the beginning, cook with friends who are already skilled in the kitchen. You will learn from them and have a great time together. Alternatively, you can also take a cooking class.

Cooking methods you should know

What does Neatic recommend concerning cooking?

By cooking, you control the ingredients used and can optimally adhere to the Neatic principles. Cooking is often the most cost-effective way to prepare food. And together with loved ones, cooking can be a wonderful experience. Therefore, Neatic regards cooking as highly beneficial.

And now, have fun trying out new recipes!