Basic Raw Vegan Mayonnaise

Chefs Nick Montgomery and Akira Akuto have had a big year, thanks in part to their restaurant Konbi being named Bon Appetit's Best New Restaurant in America. In this episode of Kitchen Essentials, we visit the sandwich shop in Echo Park, Los Angeles to talk to Nick and Akira about their favorite kitchen tools, which include: a German egg slicer, a Japanese chef knife, a Thermapen, and a rubber spatula. Shop Nick and Akira's Kitchen Essential Picks.

Most granola is a fancy twist on toasted oats—consider that when contemplating the exorbitant prices retailers charge for it. The thing is, granola is incredibly easy to make at home, and for a fraction of the cost. This recipe is a granola base to which you can add whatever dried fruit, nuts, or other tasty bits make you happy. Feel free to tweak this with other spices, a little less honey, more salt—it’s quite forgiving, and customizing your own blend is the fun of making your own. If you want to experiment even further, try using other rolled grains such as spelt or barley and wheat instead of oats. Read more.

This easy vegan lasagna is a boon to all those who abstain from dairy, but even cheese-lovers will enjoy this version of an Italian-American classic. Made hearty with fried and marinated eggplant slices, with a creamy filling of soft tofu flavored with parsley and lemon, there's plenty of savory tomato sauce gilding all the layers of noodles too. Read more.

Simultaneously rich and light, chocolate mousse just requires a little bit of finesse, and the freshest, best-quality ingredients (eggs, chocolate, and cream) you can procure. Be sure to chill your cream very well and get every speck of water out of the bowl and whisk you'll use for the egg whites, then use a light hand when folding in the whipped cream, and you'll have a perfectly fluffy and decadent dessert. Read more.

These basic nachos couldn't be easier, and are a perfect snack when you're craving crunch and cheese. Delicious as-is, you can add on guac or salsa if you please, and beans or your favorite protein to make a meal of them. Read more.