With only one drawer and inches of storage space for food preparation utensils, I have come to learn what are the minimalist and bare necessity utensils for the kitchen:

Can opener
Spatula
Rubber spatula
Tongs
Bottle top opener
Dry ingredient measuring cups
Liquid ingredient measuring cup
Measuring spoons
Whisk
Cake/pie server
Meat thermometer

Erin Rooney Doland - Outfitting a Minimalist Kitchen

Notes