The Basics
Cooking in a Spanish-style kitchen is a fun and unique experience. With a few basic pieces of equipment, you can create delicious meals in no time. Here is a list of some of the essential pieces of kitchen equipment that you should have in any Spanish kitchen.
Frying Pan
A good frying pan is essential for making your favorite Spanish dishes. The best pan to use is a cast iron one, as it is durable and can withstand high heat. It is also great for searing meats and vegetables, which is a common technique used in Spanish cuisine. Make sure to season the pan before using it, as it will make it last longer and give your food a better flavor.
Mortar and Pestle
This traditional tool is used to grind up herbs and spices for Spanish dishes. A mortar and pestle can be made out of stone, ceramic, or metal. It is an important piece of equipment for making salsas, sauces, and pastes. You can also use it to grind nuts and seeds for making a variety of tasty dishes.
Paella Pan
This is the key piece of equipment for making paella, a classic Spanish dish. A paella pan is usually made of stainless steel or cast iron and has a flat bottom and curved sides. It is large enough to make a big batch of paella, which can serve a large group of people. The curved sides help to evenly distribute the heat, which is essential for making a good paella.
Cazuela
This traditional Spanish clay pot is used for making stews, soups, and other slow-cooked dishes. It is usually made of terracotta, but you can also find them in ceramic or metal. The cazuela is great for making dishes that require slow cooking, as the clay helps to keep the moisture in and the flavors intense. It also gives the dish a unique flavor that you can’t get from a regular pot.
Paella Burner
This is an essential piece of equipment for making paella. It is a large, gas-powered burner that is used to heat the paella pan. It is usually placed on a stand and the heat is adjusted with a dial. The paella burner is the best way to get an even heat distribution and make a perfect paella every time.
Gambas Pil Pil Pans
This is a special type of pan used for making a classic Spanish dish called gambas pil pil. It is usually made of cast iron or stainless steel and has a shallow depth. The shallow design helps the oil to heat up quickly and evenly, which is essential for making the perfect gambas pil pil. They come in a variety of sizes, so you can make small batches or larger ones to feed a crowd.
Tapa Lid
This is a lid that is used to cover a pot or pan while it is cooking. It is usually made of metal, ceramic, or glass, and helps to keep the heat in and the moisture in. This is especially useful for making dishes that require slow cooking, such as stews and soups.
Tostadoras
This is a special type of toaster used for making toast. It is usually made of metal and has two metal plates. The toast is placed between the plates and heated until it is golden brown. It is a great way to make perfect toast every time.
Griddle
This is a flat metal cooking surface used for making a variety of dishes. It is great for making pancakes, eggs, and other breakfast items. It can also be used to make grilled sandwiches and quesadillas. It is ideal for making dishes that require a flat cooking surface.
Wok
This is a traditional Chinese cooking tool that is great for making stir-fries. It is usually made of cast iron or stainless steel and has a shallow depth. The shallow depth helps the food to cook quickly and evenly. It is ideal for making a variety of dishes, such as fried rice, noodles, and vegetables.
Jug Blender
This is a blender that comes with a jug or container to blend the ingredients in. It is perfect for making smoothies and sauces. It is also great for making soups and purees. It is easy to use and comes in a variety of sizes, so you can make small or large batches.
Conclusion
Having the essential pieces of kitchen equipment in your Spanish kitchen is a great way to create delicious dishes. From frying pans to jug blenders, there are a variety of tools that can help you make the most out of your Spanish cooking experience. With the right equipment, you can whip up amazing meals in no time.