Cooking without oil may seem daunting at first, but it’s easier than you think—especially when your kitchen is equipped with the right tools. From nonstick muffin tins that eliminate the need to grease up baked goods, to air fryers that deliver the same crispy results you love sans oil, these essential items will make healthy cooking a breeze. Having a few pieces of oil-free cooking gear ensures your whole-food, plant-based lifestyle is manageable, simple, and oh-so-delicious. Editor’s Note: FOK may collect a small share of sales from some of the links on this page, though it doesn’t influence our product picks.

Lima Ceramic Nonstick 10-inch Frypan | $45 $27 at Green Pan

A frying pan with a ceramic lining that resists scratching is your No. 1 choice for oil-free sautéing. This frypan is light, easy to clean, and big enough for family-size sautés and stir-fries. Its heatproof handle lets you finish dishes in the oven or under the broiler and features an ergonomic design to make maneuvering the kitchen as easy as possible. The PFAS-, PFOA-, lead-, and cadmium-free coating won’t release chemical fumes when heated to high temperatures so you can cook up a storm without worry.

Signature Copper Crisper XL | $35 at Copper Chef

Oven air-frying is made simple with this sleek mesh tray that allows hot air to circulate freely around food so it gets mouthwateringly crisp and golden without any oil. The Signature Copper Crisper measures in at 17.5 inches by 12 inches, ensuring there’s plenty of room to spread vegetables in a single layer, which is key to achieving a satisfying crunch. The accompanying pan catches crumbs for a quick cleanup, and the nonstick coating guarantees an easy wash after you’ve indulged in a tasty air-fried treat.

Easy-Flex Silicone Muffin and Cupcake Pan | $13 at Wilton

Say goodbye to greasing baking pans and choose a colorful model made from flexible nonstick silicone. This six-cup muffin pan also comes in handy for freezing broths, sauces, and nice cream in small individual portions. Simply apply a little pressure on the bottom of each cup and watch how smoothly your baked goods pop right out. The silicone material is much easier to clean than traditional metal pans, and the stackable design makes for easy and efficient storage. It’s microwave- and dishwasher-safe, and oven-safe at temperatures up to 375°F.

Philips Premium Airfryer HD9741/96 | $200 at Amazon

The ultimate oil-free appliance, an air fryer will become your best friend for reheating leftovers and creating healthy versions of your favorite greasy foods. The easy-to-use interface features preset cooking programs so crispy snacks are ready with just a click of a button. Perfect for small- to medium-size households, the compact shape is great for everyday use and cooks your food 150% faster than a standard oven. Plus, the dishwasher-safe parts ensure easy cleanup after enjoying a satisfying meal.

StarPack 12-Inch Tongs | $21 at Amazon

The difference between a good pair of tongs and a great pair? The grip and the tip. Nonstick silicone gives you a tight hold on slippery foods that need to be tossed or flipped without making a mess. These stainless-steel tongs feature the standard scalloped edge, but the silicone ends mean you can safely use it with all the pots and pans in your kitchen without worrying about scratching up your cookware. The handy ring-pull locking system at the base makes these tongs easy to open and close as you switch between cooking tasks.

Instant Pot Duo 6-Quart Multi-Use Pressure Cooker | $110 at Instant Home

An electric multicooker dramatically speeds up all the cooking tasks you’d usually do on a stovetop, saving you time on busy weeknights when spending an hour in the kitchen just isn’t doable. But the best aspect of this handy appliance is the tight-sealing lid that holds in moisture so oil-free dishes won’t stick or burn. This 6-quart Instant Pot is an all-in-one pressure cooker, slow cooker, and rice cooker that’s big enough to feed a family of four. If you’re new to the world of multicookers, check out our handy Instant Pot guide, which includes basic multicooker how-tos and recipe inspiration.

Boxiki Premium Silicone Nonstick Durable Bundt Pan | $40 at Walmart

In addition to making any recipe look spectacular, fluted bundt pans help dense cake batters (many vegan recipes fall into this category) cook all the way through. This high-quality Boxiki pan has a steel frame to keep it from wobbling when filled with batter, while the silicone mold releases the finished cake with ease. The long-lasting material is made from BPA-free and FDA-approved food-grade silicone, making it a great addition to your collection of oil-free baking gear.

Oxo Nylon Turner Spatula | $10 at Oxo

A thin, rigid-edge turner is key for flipping delicate oil-free foods and removing tender veggies from roasting pans. Light but sturdy, the OXO turner is shaped to handle both small and large tasks, and its sleek design makes it easy to clean. The nylon material effortlessly slides beneath sticky foods without breaking them apart and the soft non-slip grip handle ensures comfortable cooking.

9.5 Inch Gobel Nonstick Tart Pan | $25 at Sur La Table

A shallow tart pan with a removable bottom is a dream for oil-free baking because it provides easier access when unmolding. This Gobel pan is made in France with sturdy PFOA-free nonstick-coated steel so all your pies, vegan quiches, and tarts end up looking just as delicious as they taste. The 9.5-inch size can be used for most recipes that call for traditional 8- or 9-inch pie pans.

Mrs. Anderson’s Nonstick 9-Inch Cake Pans | $15 at Amazon

This home-baking essential make oil-free layer cakes, including birthday cake, a no-fuss reality. The 100% silicone pan withstands temperatures as high as 500°F and releases finished cakes with ease so they always come out looking pristine. The high-quality silicone will maintain its shape even after hundreds of bakes, and it’s safe to use in the freezer, microwave, and dishwasher.

Silpat Half-Sheet Silicone Baking Mat | $24 At William Sonoma

Silicone sheet pan liners aren’t just for baking: They can turn any sheet pan into a nonstick roaster for savory foods, as well. The fiberglass mesh built into Silpat mats promotes even heat distribution and makes it stronger than silicone-only liners. Not to mention, the flexible material rolls up into a small tube shape for easy storage.

Lodge Enameled Cast-Iron Dutch Oven | $80 at Target

Dutch ovens are ideal for slow-cooking soups, stews, and sauces, caramelizing veggies, and whipping up homemade loaves of bread. The enamel coating on this classic pot prevents sticking, while heavy-duty cast iron promotes even heating to keep oil-free foods from scorching. The eye-catching color of this model is also great for adding some pizzazz to your kitchen. And don’t be fooled by the low price: This Dutch oven performs just as well as versions that cost hundreds of dollars more.

OXO Silicone Pressure Cooker Steamer Accessory | $17 at William Sonoma

Get perfectly cooked vegetables while locking in all their nutrients when you use this nifty silicone steamer basket. The versatile design works well in stovetop saucepans, microwaves, and multicookers, and the extra-long handles make it easy to lift and lower without spilling food. Made from flexible silicone, it’s dishwasher safe and won’t scratch nonstick pan coatings.

Chicago Metallic Nonstick Mezzaluna | $10 at Amazon 

This practical tool is named for its curved, half-moon shape, which lets you rock it back and forth to slice pizza, baked goods, and casseroles. The rounded edge on this simple, sharp gadget lets you cut food cleanly without damaging your nonstick pans. Heat-resistant nylon makes it perfect for cutting into dishes that need to be portioned straight out of the oven, and the dishwasher-safe material promises easy cleanup.

King Arthur Flour Half-Sheet Baking Parchment Paper | $25 at King Arthur

If a silicone mat isn’t your thing, you can line any pan with this reusable parchment paper for an instant nonstick surface and easy cleanup. The professional-grade precut sheets from King Arthur can be tossed immediately or deployed for several uses before making their way to the trash. Perfect for lining cookie sheets, roasting veggies, or rolling out pizza dough on a nonstick surface, these parchment paper liners are a great addition to your oil-free kitchen.

Le Creuset Silicone Spatula Spoon | $12 at Le Creuset

It scrapes! It stirs! It scoops! It spoons! But the one thing the silicone head on this handy utensil won’t do is scratch your nonstick cookware. In addition to its multitasking shape, this spoon has a wooden handle that is tough enough to last for decades. Easy to clean and designed for a comfortable grip, your oil-free meals will become infinitely easier to whip up with this special spoon at your side.

Editor’s Note: Megan Edwards contributed to this article.

The post Our Favorite Nonstick Kitchen Tools for Easy Oil-Free Cooking appeared first on Forks Over Knives.

We’ve created a delicious base recipe that’s quick, easy, and oil-free that can be transformed into tons of different dishes with a few extra ingredients. When you’re craving a healthy and hearty meal to use up extra produce, check out our eight creative twists on this staple dish that serve up major flavor.

Base Recipe: Easy Ratatouille

35 minutes | Makes 6 cups

While ratatouille traditionally features a heavy dose of olive oil, we love this lighter, heart-healthy version where the veggies get mouth-wateringly tender when simmered in their own juices. Flavored with the fragrant notes of thyme, rosemary, oregano, and sage, this colorful dish will transport you to the French countryside with every bite.

Ingredients

3 medium tomatoes, peeled and chopped, or one 15-oz. can diced tomatoes, undrained

3 medium zucchini, halved lengthwise and cut into ½-inch-thick slices

1 medium eggplant, cut into ½-inch chunks

1 medium onion, thinly sliced

1 small bell pepper (any color), cut into ½-inch pieces

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon herbes de Provence or Italian seasoning

1 bay leaf (optional)

Sea salt, to taste

Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. In a medium saucepan combine the first eight ingredients (through bay leaf, if using). Add 1 cup water. Season with salt and pepper.
2. Bring to simmering over medium; reduce heat to medium- low. Simmer, covered, 20 to 30 minutes or until vegetables are tender. (Alternately, cook ratatouille in a slow cooker on high 2 hours or in a multicooker on high pressure 5 minutes.)

8 Ways to Transform Ratatouille Leftovers

You’ll love our ratatouille recipe straight out of the pan, but there are plenty of other ways to serve it or repurpose leftovers. Here are eight easy ideas to enjoy every last bite of this fragrant veggie stew.

1. Bruschetta

Spoon ratatouille on top of thin slices of toasted whole grain bread. Garnish with sliced olives and/or chopped fresh basil.

2. Provençal Chili

Add 1½ cups cooked or canned kidney or pinto beans and 1 cup corn kernels to 6 cups ratatouille. Serve mixture warm over rice, and top with sliced avocado and chopped fresh cilantro.

3. Ratatouille Pasta

Add ½ cup cooked or canned chickpeas or white beans to 2 cups ratatouille and serve the mixture warm over your favorite whole grain pasta. Garnish with chopped fresh basil and nutritional yeast

4. Mediterranean Shepherd’s Pie

Stir two 15-oz. cans of lentils (3 cups), rinsed and drained, into 6 cups ratatouille. Transfer mixture to a 3-quart casserole dish. Slice two 16-oz. packages of tube-style polenta into ½-inch-thick rounds, and use them to completely cover the ratatouille. Bake for  35 to 40 minutes at 375 ̊F or until the filling is bubbly and polenta is crispy.

5. Chilled Grain Salad

In a large bowl combine 3 cups cooked hearty whole grains (such as freekeh, sorghum, or barley), 1½ cups canned or cooked black-eyed peas, and 3 cups ratatouille. Chill 1 hour to allow grains to absorb ratatouille juices. Top with 1 cup chopped fresh parsley, basil, or cilantro and 2 tablespoons toasted pine nuts.

6. Gazpacho

Starting with chilled ratatouille, remove a few vegetable chunks to use as a garnish. Process 3 cups ratatouille in a blender or food processor until smooth. Thin with water as needed to achieve your ideal consistency. Serve as a chilled soup; garnish with reserved vegetables, chopped fresh chives, and freshly ground black pepper.

7. Stuffed Pita

Spread the inside of a whole wheat pita bread round with hummus. Add chopped lettuce or cabbage and top with hot or cold ratatouille, chopped fresh tomato, onion slices, and a drizzle of balsamic vinegar.

8. Ratatouille Pizza

Place 3 cups of ratatouille in a strainer to drain off liquid. Spread vegetables over a store-bought whole grain pizza crust; bake 10 to 12 minutes at 450°F. Sprinkle with nutritional yeast and fresh oregano.

The post Ratatouille Reimagined: 8 Ways to Enjoy Leftovers of the Classic French Dish appeared first on Forks Over Knives.

1. Fruity Nut Butter
A thin layer of nut butter is just the beginning: pile on sliced fruit, add a sprinkle of your favorite seeds, and garnish with warming spices. Facebook fan MaLinda Alizabeth’s go-to toast-topping combo: “Natural peanut butter, banana, cinnamon, flax.”

2. DIY Fruit Spread
Swap out sugary supermarket jam for your own homemade fruit spread using any stone fruit. Facebook fan Julia Romero Brooks follows this simple method: “Cut up fresh apricots, add chopped dates, add a little water, and cook for 10 minutes on low heat in a saucepan. Cool, then blend.”

3. Caprese-Inspired
No need for mozzarella cheese—simply slice up the ripest, juiciest tomatoes you can find, throw on torn basil leaves, and splash with balsamic vinegar for a sophisticated touch. This one makes a crowd-pleasing appetizer too.

4. Avocado Light
Lighten up your avocado toast with veggies! Aim for a modest serving of smashed avocado topped or mixed with lots of cherry tomatoes, radish slices, or a big pile of sprouts. Facebook fan Erin Beck Thorn loves “avocado mashed and mixed with diced cucumber. Just the right amount of creamy and crunchy.”

5. Apples and Tahini
Tahini can taste a bit bitter on its own, but add sliced apples and a smidge of maple syrup, and you get a sweet treat that doubles as breakfast. Look for tahini made with just one ingredient: sesame seeds. Just remember to go light on the tahini since it’s calorie-dense.

6. Mediterranean-Style
Anything you’d put in a pita pocket is fair game for morning toast: hummus or mashed chickpeas, diced tomatoes, cucumbers, salad greens, parsley. Facebook fan Lou Ann Mallon starts the day with “spicy chipotle hummus topped with a huge bunch of spinach—yum!”

7. Harvest Veggies
Got leftover roasted carrots or butternut squash? Hearty, starchy root vegetables get extra-sweet and caramelized in the oven, making them perfect for breakfast. Just reheat, spoon onto toast, and drizzle with tahini.

8. Tex Mex
Taco ingredients on toast? Yes, please! “I mash whatever beans I have on hand with some chopped onion and Sriracha, harissa, or hot sauce,” says Facebook fan Sophia Maria. Other great add-ons include chopped scallions, sliced avocado, lime juice, and fresh tomato salsa.

The post Beyond Butter: 8 Healthy Ways to Top Your Morning Toast appeared first on Forks Over Knives.