Basic equipment

1. Basic equipment

There's no way round it, to cook you need a minimum of equipment. This is what I suggest to begin with :

The strict minimum

• a deep, heavy frying pan (25 cm in diameter), plus lid, either stainless steel, cast iron or non-stick.
• a heavy saucepan (20 cm in diameter), plus lid, (same options as above). I avoid the type with a lip, for even with a lid, it won't entirely retain the heat/steam.

Whether cooking with gas or electricity, heavy saucepans are essential. For induction, you need magnetic saucepans (they feature a special logo).  You can test your existing saucepan with a magnet to see whether it's suitable or not. Above all, go for quality over quantity - it's vital to the success of your culinary efforts!

• rather than a lid for each item, a multi-size 25 cm lid will fit onto your 20 cm and your 25 cm saucepan.

This is a space-saver, but, obviously, you won't be able to cover both saucepans at the same time!

• a small chopping board - wood or thick plastic.

The advantage of a small one is that you can use and store it almost anywhere – but it has its limitations.  A large one is more comfortable but you have to have a surface to put it down on – and somewhere to keep it. If possible, get one with a ridge, to make sure you don't lose any precious juices. Avoid thin plastic boards - they blunt your knives.

• a  "pairing" knife - it's small, sharp and pointed.

It's worth investing in good quality. With a bit of luck you will keep this trusty companion for years  – unless, of course, you inadvertently throw it out with the vegetables scraps  – as I once did.

• a wooden or silicon spoon or spatula.

I prefer a straight-edged spatula because it scapes the bottom of the saucepan more efficiently.  I like wood, because it's long lasting and environmentally friendly, but silicon works equally well.

• a flexible rubber or plastic scraper (silicon is more expensive but lasts longer).

They need to be replaced quite often - but it's the only way to scrape a saucepan or dish clean.

This was the basic equipment I used to cook on a two-burner adaptor fitted to a camping gas cylinder during a 10 500 km trip in a VW that took me from Paris to Tehran...