Kitchen Essentials: The Only Four Things You Need To Start Cooking

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In This Series

1. Griddle Pan

The centrepiece of the fit man’s kitchen, the griddle pan is the tool that will do justice to those organic, grass-fed steaks. “Get a good-quality cast-iron griddle pan that will go on both a gas and halogen cooker,” says Adam Gray. “You’re looking for a good thickness that it is well made from cast-iron.”

Top Pick: Le Creuset Cast Iron Grillit

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This reassuringly heavy pan has been designed to sear meat quickly to lock in its flavour and nutrients. The enamel interior makes it easy to use because it doesn’t require seasoning. It’s suitable for all hob types, can be used in the oven and comes with a lifetime guarantee. £110, buy on lecreuset.co.uk

Try This Steak Recipe, Cooked On A Le Creuset Cast Iron Grillit


2. Sharp Knives

“You need three knives and a knife sharpener,” says Gray. “First, a small knife for prepping things – taking the tops off carrots and things like that. Then you need a good carving knife, or a long knife you can use for carving and for filleting, and a medium-sized chopping knife. Sharpen them every time you use them. That’s what we do as chefs – it takes seconds.”

Top Pick: Lakeland Stainless Steel Knife Block

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Each knife has been made from a single piece of hardened steel. £69.99, buy on lakeland.co.uk


3. Stainless Steel Pans

“Get three different-sized saucepans,” says Gray. “The good-quality brands are stainless steel and, again, can work on either gas or halogen. Go for something that’s robust and that you can put in the oven, which you can’t do if they have rubber or plastic-coated handles. If you’re making a casserole, for example, you often start it on the stove and finish it in the oven.”

Top Pick: Morphy Richards Stainless Steel Pan Set

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Includes 16, 18 and 20cm pans that can be used on all hob types. £99.99, buy on morphyrichards.co.uk


4. Chopping Boards

“Stay away from wood,” says Gray. “You might think it looks authentic, and it does look great, but wooden boards stain and they get smelly. For a general prep board that lasts a long time you want a high-quality plastic that you’re able to wash easily and keep bacteria-free. You can get colour-coded sets so you have different ones for meat and veg.”

Top Pick: Joseph and Joseph Index

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This series of four-piece colour-coded chopping board sets help to avoid cross-contamination. From £28, buy on josephjoseph.com

Coach Staff

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