With the right ingredients, you can elevate any meal to burst with flavor. I always have these ingredients on hand and mix and match them for different recipes. Once you have the basics stocked, cooking for everyone is easy (or at least easier).
Jump to:
Spices & Seasonings | Oils & Vinegars | Pantry | Dry Goods | Nuts & Seeds | Fridge & Freezer Staples | Etc. | Nice-to-haves
I’ve linked some of my favorite products below (that if you’ve been around for a long time you’ll recognize). If you’d rather take the list with you to the store, here’s your checklist!
Spices & Seasonings
Black Peppercorns
Garlic Powder
Onion Powder
Oregano
Ground Cumin
Ground Turmeric
Za’atar
Oils & Vinegars
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Toasted Sesame Oil
Coconut Oil
White Vinegar
Rice Vinegar
Red Wine Vinegar
Pantry
Tomato Paste
Tomato Sauce
Rice
Dried Pasta
Chickpeas
Medjool Dates
Vegetable Broth
Honey
Dry Goods
All-Purpose Flour
Granulated Sugar
Whole Oats
Baking Powder
Baking Soda
Dark chocolate Chips
Nuts & Seeds
Raw, unsalted cashews
Pumpkin Seeds
Sesame Seeds
Sliced Almonds
Fridge & Freezer Staples
White Miso Paste
Dijon Mustard
Mayonnaise
Tamari or Soy Sauce
Maple Syrup
Pickles, Olives, and/or Capers
Bone Broth (freezer)
Sourdough (freezer)
Etc.
Garlic
Lemons
Onions and/or shallots
Nice-to-haves
Fridge & Freezer
Mini Cucumbers
Whole Milk Cottage Cheese
Fresh Herbs (Cilantro, parsley, dill)
Eggs
Pita (freezer)
Frozen Edamame
Other frozen veg
Pantry
Grains - Farro, Freekeh, Bulgur, Quinoa, Lentils
Soba Noodles
Jarred Artichokes
Canned Tuna
Breadcrumbs
Nut Butter
Photo: Ashley Sears