One of the most important aspects of a home is the kitchen. If I am renting an apartment or securing a new space, I always pay extra attention to the size of the kitchen, its placement, and the magic I can make out of it.
These magics are made with the utensils and wares available. To start with, every kitchen whether small or big must have certain essential utensils that help its day-to-day running.
In today’s piece, we’ll be discussing some of the must-have kitchen utensils, especially in a typical Nigerian home. Feel free to add yours in the comment.
1. Pots and Pans: These are essential for cooking Nigerian staples such as rice, stews, soups, and sauces. A variety of sizes and materials (such as aluminum, stainless steel, or cast iron) are commonly used. You dare not to exclude them in your kitchen, cause how do you intend to make that magic dish?
2. Cooking Spoons: These are typically made of wood, silicon, steel, or plastic and are used for stirring, mixing, and serving dishes.
3. Chef’s Knife: A versatile knife for chopping, slicing, and dicing various ingredients, including meats and vegetables.
4. Cutting Board: Used for chopping vegetables, fruits, and meats. It helps to protect countertops and maintain the sharpness of knives.
5. Blender or Food Processor: Essential for blending ingredients for soups, smoothies, sauces, and Nigerian dishes like pepper soup or Egusi soup.
6. Grater: Used for grating vegetables like carrots, yams, or cassava for dishes such as coleslaw or Ekpang Nkukwo.
7. Mortar and Pestle (Iruku and Iru): Traditionally used for pounding spices, herbs, and peppers for Nigerian dishes like pepper soup, suya spice, or Egusi soup.
8. Frying Pan: Essential for frying plantains, yams, or meats, and for making Nigerian snacks like puff-puff or Akara.
9. Steamer Basket: Used for steaming vegetables, fish, or dumplings. Steaming is a common cooking method in Nigerian cuisine.
10. Sieve: Used for sifting flour, straining liquids, or rinsing grains like rice or beans before cooking.
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These utensils are essential for preparing a wide range of Nigerian dishes and are commonly found in Nigerian kitchens. They make cooking traditional Nigerian meals easier and more efficient.