Essential Cooking and Baking Tools in Pakistan

In Pakistan, cooking and baking are integral parts of daily life, with food playing a central role in cultural gatherings and family occasions. Whether you’re preparing traditional dishes like biryani and kebabs or baking a cake for a celebration, having the right tools is essential for both efficiency and success. In this article, we’ll explore the essential cooking and baking tools you need in a Pakistani kitchen.

1. Knives and Cutting Boards

A sharp, high-quality knife is a must-have in any kitchen. In Pakistani cooking, where chopping vegetables, meats, and spices is frequent, a good chef's knife makes all the difference. Along with knives, a sturdy cutting board is essential. Wooden and plastic cutting boards are common in Pakistan, with the former being preferred by many for its durability. For hygiene reasons, it’s ideal to have separate boards for meat and vegetables to avoid cross-contamination.

2. Cooking Pots and Pans

In Pakistani kitchens, having a variety of pots and pans is key. A deep, heavy-bottomed pot (known as a "degchi") is a staple for cooking large quantities of stews, curries, or rice dishes like biryani. Non-stick frying pans are also commonly used for dishes like eggs, parathas, and even shallow frying. Additionally, a good quality pressure cooker is essential for quickly cooking lentils, beans, and meats. Cookware made from stainless steel or cast iron is commonly preferred for its long-lasting qualities.

3. Measuring Cups and Spoons

Accurate measurements are important, especially in baking. In Pakistan, while traditional cooking often relies on "andaaza" (approximate measurements), baking requires precision. A set of measuring cups and spoons helps ensure that the correct proportions of ingredients are used. Measuring cups for both dry and wet ingredients, as well as measuring spoons, are commonly found in Pakistani kitchens.

4. Mixing Bowls and Whisks

Mixing bowls are essential for preparing everything from dough to batter and marinating meats. Stainless steel and glass bowls are the most commonly used, as they are durable and easy to clean. A set of whisks is also important, especially when it comes to whipping cream, beating eggs, or mixing batters for cakes and pastries.

5. Rolling Pin and Roti Maker

In Pakistani cooking, making flatbreads like naan and roti is a daily ritual. A rolling pin ("belan") is essential for rolling out dough evenly, whether for chapatis, parathas, or cookies. While some people still prefer rolling by hand, a roti maker is also popular, especially for making soft, evenly cooked rotis without much effort.

6. Baking Trays and Cake Pans

Baking is growing in popularity in Pakistan, with many families enjoying cakes, cookies, and pastries. A variety of baking trays and pans is needed for different recipes. Flat baking trays are used for baking cookies, while round or square cake pans are essential for cakes. Silicone bakeware is also becoming more popular due to its non-stick surface and easy clean-up.

7. Sifter and Pastry Brush

A sifter is a helpful tool in baking, especially when preparing cakes or pastries. Sifting ingredients like flour and powdered sugar ensures that there are no lumps and that the ingredients are evenly distributed. A pastry brush is also essential for brushing butter or egg wash onto pastries, bread, or cakes for a golden finish.

8. Colander and Strainers

Strainers and colanders are important tools for rinsing vegetables, fruits, or draining pasta. A fine mesh strainer can also be used for straining liquids, like stock or yogurt, while a larger colander helps with washing rice, lentils, or draining cooked food.

9. Stand Mixer or Hand Mixer

While many Pakistani kitchens still rely on hand mixing, a stand mixer or hand mixer is a great investment for those who bake frequently. A stand mixer allows you to mix, knead dough, and whip cream or egg whites with ease. It saves time and effort, especially when preparing large batches of dough or cake batter.

10. Cooling Racks

Once your baking projects are done, cooling racks are necessary to allow cakes, cookies, and pastries to cool evenly. Cooling racks help prevent baked goods from becoming soggy by allowing air to circulate around them. They are particularly helpful for delicate baked goods that need to cool down before frosting or packaging.

Conclusion

In Pakistan, cooking and baking tools vary according to regional preferences and culinary traditions. However, having the right set of essential tools in your kitchen can greatly improve the quality of your meals and baking projects. From knives and mixing bowls to baking trays and pressure cookers, these tools help streamline your cooking process and ensure better results. Whether you’re cooking a traditional Pakistani dish or trying your hand at baking, these tools will help you become more efficient and confident in the kitchen.