Whilst growing up, I was lucky enough to be surrounded by family who knew how to throw together good, home cooked food, from whatever was lying around in the kitchen. Even if there was technically “nothing” in the house, something could be made to fill our stomachs. I have really taken that mentality forward with me into adult life, and I know that when there is nothing, there is always something.
Of course, you need a selection of items in your kitchen to create something with, but what I’m saying, is that just because you haven’t planned what you’re going to make, or you don’t have a piece of meat ready to go, or that log of special goats cheese in the fridge, you can still whip up a treat for your table. If you have a good selection of basic ingredients, you’ll be fine.
Below, I’ve compiled a list of items which in my opinion, are life-savers and are just great to have in your kitchen. Plus, I’ve suggested just a few easy sauces you can create in a jiffy to put over whatever you have to hand – because I’m good to you like that.
Store cupboard (dried)
- Smoked paprika
- Garlic powder
- Bay leaves
- Ground cumin
- Chilli powder (hot)
- Chilli powder (mild)
- Ground coriander
- Basil
- Mixed herbs
- Dill
- Oregano
- Sage
- Balsamic vinegar
- Olive oil
- Ground coriander
- Salt
- Pepper
- Sugar
- Vegetable stock cubes
- Beef stock cubes
- Butter
- Dried pasta
- Rice
- Tinned chickpeas
- Tinned kidney beans
- Tinned chopped tomatoes
- Dried gnocchi
- Butter
- Honey
- Eggs
Fridge
- Cheese – vintage cheddar or parmesan are good options for varying dishes
- Creme fraiche
- Milk
- Wholegrain mustard
- Red pesto
- Green pesto
Fresh
- Lemon
- Lime
- Potatoes
- Onion
- Garlic
Sauces
Creme fraiche, lemon, bay leaf, veg stock – pasta, chicken, fish
Onion, creme fraiche, balsamic, smoked paprika, red pesto, garlic powder – pasta, gnocchi, chicken
Creme fraiche, green pesto, garlic, lemon – pasta, chicken, gnocchi, fish
Chopped tomatoes, basil, oregano, balsamic vinegar – pasta, rice, chicken, gnocchi
Onion, chopped tomatoes, chickpeas, chilli powder, smoked paprika, garlic – rice, white meat, eggs
Onion, chopped tomatoes, kidney beans, garlic, chilli powder, ground cumin, ground coriander – rice, red meat, chicken, eggs
Green pesto, creme fraiche – pasta, white meat, fish
Rosemary, chopped tomatoes, chilli powder, smoked paprika, beef stock, beans, chickpeas – sausage, pasta
Red pesto, creme fraiche – pasta, gnocchi, chicken
Sage, butter, garlic – pasta
Onion, rosemary, veg stock, bay leaf, chopped tomatoes, potatoes, garlic – red meat, white meat
Honey, mustard, olive oil – Fish, chicken
Creme fraiche, garlic, parmesan, milk, plenty of pepper – pasta, white meat, gnocchi
Creme fraiche, garlic, mustard – pasta, gnocchi, white meat
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