Empty kitchen? What to buy:
So you moved across the world and you left your old stuff in your previous country and now you have to buy all new stuff. Here are the basic things you will need to make normal people dishes (no tandooris on this list). This is a precursor to my “Must Haves” list since, if you plan on cooking, you at least need something to put in between the heat and your veggies.
A small pan: for your morning eggs, dishes for one, searing meat
A large pan: for stir-frying a lot of vegetables, making fajitas, defending yourself
On pans: look for nonstick pans with a little weight but not so heavy that you cannot lift with one hand. Metal handles give you the flexibility to be able to put the pan in the oven. DO NOT clean with metal sponges. By scratching pans you end up eating the pan itself (i.e. not good for you)
A small pot: for boiling eggs, heating up water for tea, making rice
A large pot: for boiling water for pasta, making a kilo or two of bolognese, steaming vegetables, creating music
On pots: look for pots that fit in your kitchen and on your burners (if you have an induction cooktop you will need a specific type). Better if they have lids but you can also buy a universal lid that can be used for all
An oven dish: for roasting a whole chicken or vegetables, baking brownies, making a lasagna. Pick a size that fits your oven and your needs…
A silicone spatula: for flipping without scratching your pan (you don’t want to eat off scratched pans: BAD!)
A wooden spoon: for stirring (do not put it in the dishwasher, sorry)
Pot holders: for your hands and they will thank me
