Any home cook knows there are kitchen essentials you can’t live without. But if you are new to cooking, we are here to help. Here is your pantry shopping list!
Spices
Salt and pepper are obvious, but they are not the only spices a home cook needs. As you grow your recipe repertoire, you will use a variety of spices, including ground ginger, allspice, cumin, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, paprika, turmeric, nutmeg, and crushed red pepper. Spices open up whole new worlds of flavors and cuisines.
Canned Foods
(image via the new york times/ryan liebe)
Canned products are convenient and affordable ways to keep your kitchen pantry stocked with nonperishable food options. Canned foods include beans, purées, creams, vegetables, sauces, and fish by-products. In addition to being a great help when you want to make a quick meal, having a healthy supply of canned goods can help you stay prepared for unexpected events, such as power outages or bad weather.
Grains and Dry Pastas
Dried beans, rice, oats, various forms of pasta, and instant noodles are all must-haves. Grains are a convenient and affordable way to add variety to your diet. They are also shelf-stable for up to a year. Pasta is another essential item that provides many meal options. Instant noodles can also be transformed into a variety of meals, from a quick snack to a full-fledged dinner.
Sweeteners
Different types of sugar, including granulated sugar, confectionary sugar, cane sugar, and brown sugar, can be used in a wide variety of recipes. Other sweeteners commonly kept in the pantry include honey, maple syrup, agave, and different flavored syrups and sugar substitutes.
Cooking Wine and Vinegar
(image via wholesomm)
Like every essential category above, there are many choices for cooking wine and vinegar. As you make more recipes, you will acquire more that will become staples for your pantry. Some examples of what you will want right off the bat are apple cider vinegar, white vinegar, and red wine vinegar. With cooking wines, options include red, white, rice, dry, nutty, and sweet.