Kristen Kish, the charismatic Korean-American chef who rose to fame on Top Chef and now graces our screens each Wednesday night as the show's host, might leave you scratching your head when it comes to her favorite kitchen essential. A gleaming, handcrafted knife to expertly filet the most delicate fish in minutes? Nope. A Vitamix 5200? Nuh-uh. Kish's secret weapon is perhaps one of the most common kitchen tools among home cooks and professionals alike: A good old-fashioned potato masher!
In a recent interview with She Knows, Kish dished on her incredible culinary journey, from battling it out on Top Chef to taking the reins as host. She revealed her go-to summer meals (fresh, seasonal ingredients FTW!), her not-so-secret love of Nutella biscuits, and of course, the unassuming kitchen tool that's become her trusty sidekick.
Kish's Culinary Philosophy Extends to Her Favorite Tool
While celebrity chefs often champion sous vide machines or other fancy gadgets, Kish keeps things refreshingly simple with her trusty potato masher. "Why?" You may ask? KK says it's the tools' versatility that makes it her fav. From breaking up ground meat for a finer texture in meat sauces, to achieving a finer consistency in various dishes, the humble masher becomes a multi-purpose marvel in her kitchen.
This unexpected favorite also highlights Kish's down-to-earth approach to cooking. She champions the use of fresh, seasonal ingredients, allowing their natural flavors to take center stage. Her focus isn't on complicated techniques or relying on a plethora of gadgets - Kish emphasizes the power of simplicity and resourcefulness in the kitchen.
There's a certain charm in knowing that even a Top Chef host, who's seen it all in the culinary world, can find magic in a basic tool. It's a reminder that delicious food doesn't require fancy equipment, just a little creativity and a willingness to get your hands dirty (or, in this case, mash something into delicious submission).
