Introduction
If you’re new to cooking or just want to streamline mealtime, it’s important to have a well-stocked kitchen. This doesn’t mean that you need every gadget and ingredient known to man, but rather that youTshould have the basic tools and ingredients on hand to make simple meals.
To help you get started, we’ve put together a basic foods checklist of everything you need to make delicious, satisfying meals at home. From pantry staples like olive oil and grains to fresh produce and spices, this list has everything you need to get cooking.
Pantry staples:
-Olive oil
– Vinegar
– Flour
– Sugar
– Salt
– Pepper
– Baking soda
– Baking powder
– Yeast
Canned goods:
– Beans
– Tomatoes
– Soup broth cubes or bouillon
The Basic Foods Checklist
stocking your kitchen with the right foods is essential for being able to make simple, healthy meals at home. Having a well-stocked kitchen will also save you time and money. So, what are the basic food items you should have on hand?
Dry goods
When it comes to stocking your kitchen for simple meals, there are a few key dry goods you should always have on hand. Here is a basic checklist of what you should have in your pantry, fridge, and freezer.
Pantry:
-flour
-sugar
-salt
-pepper
-cooking oil
-vinegar
-condiments (ketchup, mustard, etc.)
-tomato sauce
-beans
-canned vegetables
-canned fruits
Fridge:
-eggs
-milk
-butter
Freezer:
–bread
Canned goods
Canned goods are a great way to have food on hand for quick and easy meals. Before you head to the store, take inventory of what you have on hand and make a list of what you need. Here are some ideas to get you started.
-Beans: black, pinto, kidney, garbanzo
-Tomatoes: whole peeled, crushed, diced
-Green chilies
-Fruit: peaches, pears, pineapple, mandarin oranges
-Tonnato sauce
-Coconut milk
-Soup: tomato soup, minestrone soup, chicken noodle soup
-Stews: beef stew, chicken stew, vegetarian chili
-Jams and jellies
-Peanut butter
Frozen goods
Frozen goods are a great way to have fresh produce and ingredients on hand without worrying about them going bad. Here are some of the basics you should keep in stock in your freezer:
-Fruits: berries, cherries, peaches, nectarines, pears, grapes
-Vegetables: broccoli, cauliflower, corn, peas, green beans
-Meat: chicken breasts, ground beef, pork chops
-Seafood: shrimp, fish fillets
In addition to these staples, you can also keep frozen doughs on hand for quick and easy meals. Pre-made doughs can be used for everything from pizza to pies and make it easy to whip up a meal or snack in no time.
Refrigerated goods
Before your shopping trip, take inventory of what you already have in your refrigerator. This will help you avoid buying things you don’t need. Make a list of the items you need to purchase, and stick to it when you go to the store.
Refrigerated goods
-Eggs
-Butter
-Milk
-Cheese
-Yogurt
-Sour cream
-Cream cheese
-Mayonnaise
-Ketchup
-Mustard
Relish
Barbecue sauce
Steak sauce
Worcestershire sauce
Horseradish
Other staples
In addition to the above staples, there are a few other items that I like to keep on hand for quick and easy meals. These include:
-Canned beans: I always have a few cans of black beans, kidney beans, and chickpeas on hand. Beans are a great source of protein and fiber, and they can be used in a variety of dishes.
-Tomato sauce: A jar of tomato sauce can be used to make quick pasta dishes, pizzas, or even as a dipping sauce.
-Eggs: Eggs are a versatile ingredient that can be used for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. I like to keep a dozen on hand at all times.
-Cheese: A block of cheddar cheese or other variety can be used in multiple dishes or simply enjoyed as a snack.
-Bread: A loaf of bread is always good to have on hand for sandwiches or Toast.
Conclusion
You don’t need a fully stocked pantry to make simple, delicious meals at home — but it helps. Having a few key ingredients on hand makes cooking easier, and means you’re less likely to turn to takeout when you’re tired or don’t have time to grocery shop.
Here’s a list of essential ingredients to keep on hand, so you can always whip up something tasty:
-Oils: olive oil, vegetable oil, canola oil
-Vinegars: balsamic vinegar, red wine vinegar, white wine vinegar
-Condiments: ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, fish sauce
-Tomato products: canned diced tomatoes, tomato paste
-Beans: canned black beans, cannellini beans, chickpeas
-Grains: rice, quinoa, pasta
-Flour
-Baking soda and baking powder
-Yeast
-Spices and herbs: salt, pepper, basil, oregano, thyme