All my kitchen must-haves from the best budget-friendly food processor to the cast iron baking dish oven worth splurging on, spices, and more! Stock your kitchen Mediterranean Dish-style, or find the best holiday gifts for all your foodie friends this year.
People often write to me on Instagram to ask about my favorite things–everything from what tahini I use to make hummus to where I get my reading glasses (I’ll admit I love these budget ones from Amazon.)
So with the holidays approaching, I put together a comprehensive list of all of my most used favorites. Some are kitchen tools that I believe are worth an investment, others are a budget option that works just as well. I hope you find a new favorite kitchen must-have — one that brings you all the joy and flavor without the fuss!
Table of Contents
- Kitchen Must Haves: Cookware and Accessories
- Lodge Cast Iron Rectangular Reversible Grill/Griddle
- Caraway Nonstick Ceramic Saute Pan
- Lodge 7 Quart Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven
- HONGBAKE Baking Sheet Pan Set
- Cuisinart Immersion Blender
- Microplane Professional Series Kitchen Grater
- Global 8″ Chef Knife with Global MinoSharp 2 Stage Sharpener
- KitchenAid 3.5 Cup Food Chopper
- Bayou Classic Rectangular Cake Pan
- Pyrex 3-Piece Measuring Cup Set
- Kitchen Must Haves: My Most Used Ingredients
- Za’atar Spice Blend
- Aleppo Pepper
- Everyday EVOO Bundle
- Extra Spicy Harissa Paste from Kartago
- Sumac
- Greek Oregano
- Organic Tahini by Soom
- Other Kitchen Must-Haves and Gifts
- Mediterranean Diet Starter Kit
- More Recipe Roundups
Kitchen Must Haves: Cookware and Accessories
I’m not much of a cheffy-chef type, so I don’t go for the fanciest cookware on the market. I invest in things that will make my life easier and use them often, like easy to clean silicone nonstick pans and food processors that let me chop things as little as possible. Here are the tools and kitchenware I reach for most often:
Lodge Cast Iron Rectangular Reversible Grill/Griddle
We can’t live without the char of the grill in the Mediterranean! I cook dinner outdoors whenever possible to bring a taste of home. But that doesn’t mean winter has to be without that irresistible smoky flavor. I use this grill pan to bring depth to everything from Grilled Cod on a rainy July day to Mediterranean-style Grilled Cheese sandwiches with Tomato Soup in the depths of winter. It holds the heat exceptionally well, and its large size means I don’t have to fuss with cooking things in batches.
Caraway Nonstick Ceramic Saute Pan
Besides looking pretty in my kitchen, I love that Caraway’s pans are nontoxic, nonstick and completely oven-safe. This one is perfect for getting a nice sear on things like Braised Chicken Thighs without having to change pans and wash extra dishes. They’re also a breeze to clean and very durable. I’ve been loving mine for years now and the nonstick coating is still working great.
Lodge 7 Quart Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven
If you’re looking for a more affordable version of the classic Le Creuset, this one is my favorite. Made from durable cast iron and easy to wash ceramic, this Dutch oven is enormous. It’s perfect for big holiday roasts like my Braised Lamb Shanks, but I also use it on a normal Tuesday to make a big batch of soup and freeze half for later.
HONGBAKE Baking Sheet Pan Set
I have been called the “sheet pan queen,” so I did not take picking favorites lightly! I like these nonstick pans because they’re durable yet not too heavy and super easy to clean. Plus, I’ve found the texture keeps everything from sheet pan Salmon and Feta to Greek Chicken and Veggies from sticking.
Cuisinart Immersion Blender
Partially blending soups and stews is a great way to add creaminess without heavy cream. An immersion blender makes eye-balling the texture easier, and I find it less of a pain to clean than a standard blender. This one works super well without overdoing it, so I can get that perfect chunky texture for richer stews like my White Chicken Chili. And it even comes with attachments for chopping, whisking, and blending for smoothies, which works well even on thicker smoothies like my Creamy Tahini Date Banana Shake.
Microplane Professional Series Kitchen Grater
This simple tool takes up very little space in your drawer and is endlessly useful. I use it for everything from finely grating cheese for Cacio e Pepe, to zesting citrus to grating garlic right into yogurt when I don’t feel like mincing.
Global 8″ Chef Knife with Global MinoSharp 2 Stage Sharpener
I don’t think you necessarily need endless knives in every size. A great chef’s knife will go a long way for almost everything. This one is sturdy enough to chop a big haul of veggies without being overwhelming or overly heavy. It’s made from stainless steel, which is easy to clean and very durable.
KitchenAid 3.5 Cup Food Chopper
You may be surprised to learn that just about every yiayia, teta, and nonna I’ve met has a little food chopper for prepping big batches of garlic, onions, tomatoes, and the like (even the ones who insist on rolling their homemade pasta by hand!). This simple dishwasher-safe chopper is a Godsend on a busy weeknight when I’m too tired to pick up a knife. I also use it to make salad dressings when I don’t feel like whisking or shaking! (If I’m making a larger recipe and need something a bit more heavy-duty, I use this food processor.)
Bayou Classic Rectangular Cake Pan
This casserole pan is well worth the investment. The cast iron means it holds high heat, giving everything from Cranberry Chicken to Greek Honey Cake a perfectly golden crust.
Pyrex 3-Piece Measuring Cup Set
I often mix things like salad dressings and marinades in a measuring cup when I can’t be bothered to wash a mixing bowl—my Greek Ladolemono Salad Dressing is a great example of an “always measuring cup” situation. These extra-large measuring cups from Pyrex are perfect for measuring, mixing, and beyond. Their sturdy glass and red lettering make eye-balling volume a breeze
Kitchen Must Haves: My Most Used Ingredients
The Mediterranean Diet is all about bringing lean meat, fish, and seasonal produce to its fullest potential with big, bold seasonings and aromatics. Here are the flavor-makers I cook with most often. And be sure to check out our starter packs: Simply Dinner Pantry Essentials, with everything you need to cook from my new book, Simply Dinner. If you’re new to cooking the Mediterranean way, I also recommend The Mediterranean Diet Starter Kit, with a few things you’ll need to start your journey!
Za’atar Spice Blend
With tart sumac, fragrant wild thyme, and buttery sesame seeds, za’atar is one of the most vibrant–and addictive–spice blends the Middle East has to offer. I sprinkle it on everything, including my morning eggs, popcorn, Spinach Pasta, and Breaded Chicken, just to name a few! There really is no limit to all the deliciousness za’atar can bring to your table—check out our za’atar guide for more ideas!
Aleppo Pepper
Aleppo pepper is often compared to—and substituted with—standard crushed chili flakes, but to me there’s really no comparison. While chili flakes simply give you a peppery kick, Aleppo pepper layers on a mild, lingering heat with a slightly fruity and bright finish. It’s also incredibly versatile. Sprinkle the crimson red spice on everything from Grilled Mango to Broiled Lobster Tail.
Everyday EVOO Bundle
If you’ve been here a while you know that I can’t spend more than 30 seconds in my kitchen before I reach for a bottle of extra virgin olive oil. I use this heart-healthy oil for baking, sautéing, frying, dressing, marinating—you name it and I drizzle olive oil on it. Of all the pantry essentials, olive oil is at the core Mediterranean way of life! This bundle, which includes our peppery Spanish, rich Greek, fruity Italian, and buttery Arbequina varieties, is a great way to start incorporating the diverse range of Mediterranean-style olive oils into your everyday cooking, and find your favorite!
Extra Spicy Harissa Paste from Kartago
I’ve been obsessed with this harissa paste from Tunisia, which brings a deeply smoky, spicy, citrusy flavor with just a tablespoon. I use it to make garlicky, citrusy Baked Salmon, add a kick to my Quinoa Lunch Bowl, make Mediterranean-style Sweet and Spicy Chicken, and beyond. (If you prefer a milder option, try this one from Morocco.)
Sumac
We love tart flavors in the Mediterranean— the brighter and zippy-er the better. That means we’re often squeezing fresh lemon or lime on everything, but we have one other lesser-known pantry staple to bring that zing: sumac! Sumac is a dried berry that brings a tart, tannic quality everywhere it goes. Add to your Pickled Onion brine, use it as a delicious addition to salad dressings or let it lift the richness of Grilled Chicken Thighs.
Greek Oregano
Of all the Mediterranean spices, oregano is arguably the queen bee. You’ll know its distinctive lemony, aromatic, earthy flavor from just about every iconic Greek dish ever—from Horiatiki (Greek Salad) to Souvlaki. Because of its popularity, the quality of oregano varies greatly. I love the potency of this all-natural oregano that’s grown and harvested in Greece. If you cook the Mediterranean way, having good oregano well-stocked is a must.
Organic Tahini by Soom
Made simply from ground sesame seeds, tahini is a bit of a wonder-spread. It’s the base for Hummus, bringing a delicious creaminess and richness. Whisk in garlic and lime juice and you have Tahini Sauce—a vegan dip that I would put on just about anything, from Falafel to Crudité. It’s also a great trick for adding dairy-free creaminess to vegan soups and salad dressings. For more ideas, see our What is Tahini? guide.
Other Kitchen Must-Haves and Gifts
Here are a few of my favorite things, both to treat myself and to give to others.
The Mediterranean Dish Cookbooks
Of course, this list wouldn’t be complete without my cookbooks! In writing them, I wanted to create simple, flavorful recipes that people can make on repeat to bring more joy to cooking without all the fuss. I can genuinely say they’re my passion projects—what I’ve put the most blood, sweat, and tears into creating! I am just so humbled and honored by the response. They both made the New York Times Best Seller List! I hope you will keep tagging me, writing to me, and cooking from these books! And for a sneak-peak into my latest cookbook, Simply Dinner, check out these recipes: White Chicken Chili with Chermoula, Baked Lemon Garlic Salmon, and Flourless Chocolate Cake with Cardamom.
Market Tote
I love to create my own gift basket of sorts with this handy tote bag as the basket. I also use it for everything: Picnics, the gym, shopping trips, farmers’ market stops, and quick weekend get aways!
BBQ Vertical Skewer
I’m not usually one to recommend single-use tools, except when it comes to this funky DIY spit contraption. It’s the only way I’ve found to make a true Grilled Chicken Shawarma on the Spit at home. It brings such a festive, wow-worthy vibe to a cookout. So maybe this one is admittedly more of a “want” than a “need,” but I have zero regrets. And no one has complained so far about juicy, charred chicken shawarma on a sunny day! This is an especially fun gift if you have a big BBQ guy or gal in your life.
Olive Oil Pour Spout
This may seem small, but I’m telling you we sell out of this simple pour spout at the shop constantly! It’s made from high-quality stainless steel, so it lasts forever and won’t affect the taste of the oil. The tapered shape also gives you that perfect Mediterranean drizzle! They make a great adult stocking stuffer or easy, inexpensive holiday gift for friends and co-workers.
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Mediterranean Diet Starter Kit
Stock your pantry with the essentials to eat the Mediterranean way, including Greek olive oil, 7 spices, and tahini.
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