Basic tools and appliances in the kitchen go a long way, and even in a small kitchen, you can cook a three-course meal. The twins, Petra and Noora Väänänen, who run their own food business, both cook at home in small kitchens. They also create wonderful recipes that they publish on their Instagram account @foodbytwins.

Petra Väänänen, the winner of MasterChef Finland 2022, lives in a Lumo home in Vantaa. She has expanded her kitchen into the living room with a separate island and a portable stove. For everyday cooking, the apartment's own kitchen is sufficient.

"The best part of a small kitchen is that everything is within reach. With just a few drawers and cabinets, you don't have to wander around looking for anything," says Petra.

Petra believes that a small kitchen is not a compromise but makes us home cooks smarter, more creative, and efficient. When space is limited, you inevitably plan better or think of creative solutions.

A small kitchen also forces you to consider more carefully what tools you really need.

"It keeps a minimalist mindset in cooking because you can't buy every possible kitchen gadget, only those you actually use," says Petra.

"For example, a toaster and a kettle are unnecessary for me. Instead of a microwave, I have an air fryer that I use to cook and heat food," Noora explains.

A small kitchen doesn't mean you can't prepare wonderful dinners. It's all about planning and time management. So, feel free to invite friends over for dinner, no matter the size of your kitchen.

"Divide the meal into parts and prepare the starter or dessert in advance and keep it in the fridge," advises Noora. "Then, when the guests arrive, you don't have a million pans and irons in the fire."

Most of Petra and Noora's cooking is just regular weekday evening meals. Soups, tray bakes, lots of vegetables. Petra is attracted to Asian flavors, while Noora prefers Mediterranean. Their own kitchen and cooking there are important to both.

"At its best, cooking is wonderfully meditative, relaxing time. The ingredients and flavors are right in front of you, and you can focus only on them," says Petra.

The duo spends so much time in the kitchen that it is the most important part of the home. Noora appreciates that in her own home, she can organize and decorate the kitchen exactly as she wants. The kitchen is the heart of the home, no matter its size.

"Food is also something that is present in all social events. We make big and small decisions, celebrate, and cry over food. The kitchen is the place where everything happens. It's a very important place," Petra summarizes.

A spicy and rich Tom Yam salmon soup brings inspiration to traditional soup – just the smell makes your mouth water! Tom Yam paste gives the soup its deep flavor, so invest in a quality paste. This soup warms both body and soul.

If you can't find lime leaves, add a bit of grated lime zest to the soup. You can replace the salmon with tofu, shrimp, or chicken, or add mushrooms like champignons or shiitake.

For those craving richness: Serve the soup with jasmine or basmati rice to make it a more substantial meal.

1. Finely chop the onion. Peel the carrots and dice them small. Dice the potatoes and salmon fillet.
2. Place a tablespoon of butter in a pot over medium heat. Add the onions, Tom Yam paste, and sauté for a couple of minutes.
3. Add the potato and carrot cubes, lime leaves, and about a liter of water to the pot.
4. Cook covered for about 20 minutes.
5. Add the salmon cubes, coconut cream, and lime juice to the pot. Bring to a boil.
6. Season with salt and serve with fresh coriander.