If you’re a beginner chef or if you just moved into a new place, or you just finished your cooking course at Trupp the Chefs Table, you may not know where to start when stocking your pantry. Indeed, it turns out that every home chef relies on a select few components again and time again. It might be time-consuming and laborious to compile an exhaustive list of foodstuffs to have on hand in the pantry, freezer, and fridge. But you can figure out what to stock up on if you begin with the basics.
While the specifics of each kitchen may vary, stocking up on a few staples is an excellent way to get started cooking more of your own meals at home. Find out what pantry staples you need by reading on.
Here are some basic ingredients that should always be in your kitchen
Several Varieties of Onions
Onions are a great addition to almost any savory cuisine, from salads to stews.
You may get a wide range of flavors by stocking your pantry with a variety of onions, including shallots, red onions, and white onions. Onions become milder when cooked, although shallots and red onions are best eaten fresh in salads and sauces, and red onions make wonderful sandwiches.
Broth
Whether you buy it pre-made or make it yourself, broth will improve the taste of your meats, soups, grains (like pasta and rice), and sauces. To further enhance their flavor, cook them in two inches of chicken stock. Whether you’re stir-frying, searing, or baking, oil is an essential ingredient (olive, avocado, canola, coconut, or any other oil you may use in cooking).
There are many options for cooking oils to choose from. For further information on the ins and outs of cooking, you can always perform a quick search or sign up for a culinary school like Trupp the Chef’s Table.
Salt
Salt is an essential ingredient in almost every cuisine, so this is a no-brainer. You may not realize it, but you should always keep a variety of salts on hand. Different from one another in both texture and use, table salt, kosher salt, and sea salt may be used for everything from everyday cooking to special presentations.
Butter
If you want to bake, it’s a good idea to have several sticks of butter on hand in the fridge. Some cookie recipes ask for two whole sticks of butter, so it doesn’t hurt to be prepared. Butter also enhances the taste of breakfast staples like eggs, meat, and cereal. In most situations, butter is a safe bet.
Cheese
Whether melted into a steaming bowl of pasta or spread thickly over a sandwich, cheese adds a subtle flavor and texture to every dish. Have a variety of your favorite cheeses you learned from Trupp the Chefs Table on hand to enjoy the melting points and taste combinations they provide. They might be aged cheeses like cheddar and parmesan, both of which go well with a wide variety of foods and keep for a long time.
Sugar
Sugar is essential in the preparation of glazes and sauces, as well as being a useful adjunct in the preparation of baked goods. In order to avoid sugar from becoming lumpy, it’s important to store it in an airtight container.
Oats
Oats are not only more affordable than wheat or rice, but they also provide more protein per ounce. The best way to store oats is in an airtight container in the fridge or a cool, dry cupboard. If you find yourself with a large quantity of oats that you won’t be utilizing soon, freezing them is a good idea.
Substitutes for Sugar: Honey and Maple Syrup
Both of these are great sugar substitutes that may be used in place of regular white sugar. Use them as a marinade ingredient, in tea, or to flavor fruit and yogurt.
Fish Sauce
A staple, strong condiment sauce made by fermenting and salting anchovies. Although it plays a pivotal part in Asian cuisine, this adaptable spice can be snuck into any savory dish, from soup to spaghetti sauce, for an additional umami punch.
Mustard
Mustard may be used as a standalone seasoning or as a key ingredient in many different kinds of sauces and dressings. Any sort of mustard will do; I always have yellow, dijon, and whole grain varieties in stock.
Ketchup
Another classic condiment or stand-alone dip, and a flexible ingredient that combines sweet, sour, and savory tastes.
Mayonnaise
Perfect for spreading on sandwiches or mixing into creamy salad dressings. Bonus points for making your own.
Hot Sauce
According to Trupp the Chefs Table, hot sauce is a great way to spice up a dish while also adding some much-needed acidity.
FAQs
What are some basic ingredients that should always be in my kitchen?
Some basic ingredients that should always be in your kitchen include several varieties of onions (such as shallots, red onions, and white onions), broth (either pre-made or homemade), salt (including table salt, kosher salt, and sea salt), butter, cheese (a variety of your favorites), sugar (stored in an airtight container), oats (stored in an airtight container or frozen if not used soon), substitutes for sugar like honey and maple syrup, fish sauce, mustard (yellow, dijon, and whole grain varieties), ketchup, mayonnaise, and hot sauce.
How can I enhance the flavors of my meats, soups, grains, and sauces?
To enhance the flavors of your meats, soups, grains, and sauces, you can use broth. Whether you buy it pre-made or make it yourself, broth is a versatile ingredient that adds depth and taste. Cooking in two inches of chicken stock can further enhance the flavor of your dishes. Experiment with different types of broths to find your preferred flavors.
What are some different types of salt I should have in my kitchen?
It’s recommended to keep a variety of salts in your kitchen. Some commonly used salts include table salt, kosher salt, and sea salt. Each salt has its own unique texture and usage. Table salt is the most common and versatile, kosher salt is great for seasoning during cooking, and sea salt adds a subtle touch and can be used for both everyday cooking and special presentations.
Why should I always have butter in my kitchen?
Butter is a versatile ingredient that enhances the taste of various dishes. It’s particularly useful for baking, where many recipes call for it. Having several sticks of butter on hand in the fridge ensures you’re prepared for your baking needs.
Additionally, butter can add richness to breakfast staples like eggs, meat, and cereal, making it a safe bet for most situations.
What are some sugar substitutes I can use in my cooking?
Honey and maple syrup are excellent sugar substitutes that can be used in place of regular white sugar. They can be used as marinade ingredients, added to tea, or used to flavor fruit and yogurt. Both honey and maple syrup provide natural sweetness and distinct flavors to your dishes.
Conclusion
Stocking your kitchen with basic ingredients can greatly enhance your cooking experience. Having a variety of onions, broth, different types of salt, butter, cheese, sugar, oats, substitutes for sugar like honey and maple syrup, fish sauce, mustard, ketchup, mayonnaise, and hot sauce provides a solid foundation for preparing a wide range of delicious meals.
These ingredients offer versatility, flavor, and the ability to create diverse dishes. By keeping these essentials in your kitchen, you’ll be well-equipped to cook and explore different culinary creations with confidence.
