Cooking Utensils From Around the World
Go Global With 7 International Kitchen Tools
Most of us get excited about trying out international dishes, but the same can't be said for kitchen utensils from around the world. Not only are we often clueless about what they are or what they do, but it also seems futile to buy a tool with only one use. But many of these exotic implements can serve several different purposes. To help you out, we've put together seven valuable tools you might not even know exist!
The Danish wouldn't be able to enjoy their popular pancake dessert without the aebleskiver pan ($12). Use it to make other flour-based treats and, if you're feeling crafty, rice cakes or ice pops.
Chapati is Indian flatbread, and the chapati press ($10) was created so people won't burn their hands when making it. Doesn't it seem perfect for other uses, too, like grinding spices or avocados for guacamole?
It might be called a wok brush ($3), but use it to clean any number of kitchen items. Run the bamboo bristles in a circular motion to catch left-behind pieces and get into hard-to-reach places.
Raclette dinners, which are popular in Switzerland and much of Europe, consist of heating small chunks of the eponymous cheese in small pans on the specialized Raclette grill. The melted cheese is typically served with boiled waxy potatoes, vegetables, and charcuterie for a low-fuss communal feast. Aside from its traditional purpose, a raclette grill ($100) is great for heating and warming multiple foods at once across its two levels and in its petite pans.
The comal ($45) has traditionally been used throughout Latin America to heat tortillas over the stove, but you can certainly try it for other purposes, like roasting vegetables.
One of the good things about a tamale steamer ($25) is that its size lets you steam many items at once. It usually comes with three parts: the pot, a lid, and a rack that holds the tamales just above water. Use it for other dishes involving chicken, vegetables, and more.
When it comes to the kitchen, versatile products are key. A bamboo skimmer ($6) is one of those utensils and can be used for draining, frying, and serving. It's often considered an Asian product but can be used for meatballs and dumplings alike!