Everyone who takes home cooking seriously needs a well-stocked kitchen. To help you find the absolute basics, we have collected these essential items. These everyday food items will help you to run your kitchen smoothly and cook something delicious whenever you need it. Stock up now, and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with a kitchen that’s always prepared.
Bread
We don’t even have to think twice before saying this because bread is a staple of almost every household. It is also one of the cheapest foods, so it’s savored by families, students, and people of all incomes.
It’s also one of the simplest ways to satiate one's hunger. You can make a hefty sandwich out of bread or even eat it as plain toast with tea, and you’ll be set until dinnertime.
Rice
Rice is one of the most common household foods. Every person spends at least part of their grocery budget on buying rice because it’s one of the few things we can't live without.
The versatility of rice makes it even more attractive to foodies. Rice can be converted into delicious dishes like biryani, egg fried rice, pulao, risotto, and even desserts like kheer, so no wonder it’s so popular.
Potatoes
Like bread and rice, potatoes are one of the few vegetables your stomach can count on. They’re also surprisingly cheap, so people buy them in bulk.
Potatoes are loved because of their amazing ability to transform into stunning foods like fries, baked potatoes, wedges, cutlets, and hash browns. They also make delectable samosa and gordita fillings, so they remain popular.
Corn
Although corn isn’t as common as other staple ingredients, it’s still a base food because of its simplicity and low market price. It’s also delicious, and kids tend to like corn more than other veggies.
All affordable foods are attractive to people, but corn is one of the few cheap foods that is nutritious and healthy. You can eat corn on the cob, stir-fried with vegetables, mixed with different foods, as pizza toppings or even popcorn.
Mayonnaise
We know mayonnaise has its fair share of haters, but there are a few reasons that might explain why it’s worth having on hand. Mayonnaise may be bland and distasteful to some, but it can easily be converted into something good.
You can mix any sauce into mayo to make a good dressing. Mayo also makes delightful dips; and agree to disagree, it also gives burgers flavor.
Eggs
We don’t think there’s anyone in the world who doesn’t prefer a good ol 'egg breakfast now and then (unless they’re allergic). Eggs are the breakfast item, and even when you’re not frying them sunny side up, they’re a good food.
Eggs can be eaten in various ways, such as omelets, scrambled, poached, boiled, and steamed. They’re also the basic ingredient in most baked goods, such as cakes and muffins. They’re also used to color baked goods (egg wash), so they’re incredibly useful.
Chicken
Over the years, chicken has taken a role most of us didn’t expect. Nowadays, almost everyone prefers chicken over other poultry and meat simply because it’s delicious, easy to cook, and cheaper.
It’s also one of the easiest foods to experiment with, so we’re blessed with unique and wondrous ways to eat it. Certain parts of a chicken (breast) are leaner, so people who are watching their weight can benefit from it too.
Milk
We give water well-deserved credit, but who can deny the wonderful abilities of milk? This incredibly nutritious drink is a base drink we can’t live without, and we have been drinking it since birth.
Milk is a delicious drink that is second to none other than water. Although children have varying opinions on it, milk is mostly loved because it’s a core ingredient of milkshakes, certain smoothies, pancakes, waffles, and even baked goods.
Sausage
Most of us grew up eating hot dogs or snacking on them at least once a month as kids. We haven’t dropped the habit because we know sausages are too good to stop eating.
Sausages are also extremely delicious and jam-packed with flavor, so it’s hard to give them up. Although they might not have a good reputation because they’re processed, they’re still a common household food.
Oatmeal
We make fun of oatmeal for being a bland food all the time, but we have to admit oatmeal is a food we can’t live without. Oatmeal is a common breakfast item, and it remains so even after we get old, thanks to its unique nutritional value.
Oatmeal is versatile and also inexpensive. That it why you should always have some in your pantry!
Noodles
Although they look simple, noodles are loaded with flavor and are surprisingly healthy. They’re a common snack, but we can easily make meals out of them. But the biggest reason noodles are a base food is that they’re cheap. You can do so much with a simple box of noodles!
Flour
A bag of flour can do so much. You can make baked goods, thicken sauces, or make homemade pasta. Flour is an ingredient you need for almost every recipe. Every kitchen pantry should have a bag of flour, as it is something you will reach for time and time again.
A little pro tip- keep your flour in the fridge to make it last for years and years. It will always be fresh and ready to use!
Ketchup
Ketchup is one of the most popular condiments in America. Dip anything in ketchup, and it immediately tastes good. Having at least a bottle of ketchup in your pantry is always a good idea. It will add instant flavor to any dish you make.
Beans
Beans may look unappetizing, but they’re actually a great food to have on hand. They are extremely delicious when prepared correctly, and they’re one of the most nutritious foods you can find.
They’re also incredibly easy to cook. And for those who don't feel like being in the kitchen, canned beans serve as a delightful reminder that food is comforting. No wonder so many people rely on this delicious food.
Butter
Having at least a stick of butter in your fridge is essential. You can cook with butter, use it as a garnish, or turn it into fantastic baked goods. Make a full meal with some simple bread and butter, or spread it over your morning muffin. Butter has endless uses, and it is an ingredient you should always have.
Chicken Broth
Having a container of chicken broth in your pantry is a true kitchen game changer. You can turn that broth into soup, use it to make sauce, or sip it plain and warm to soothe an upset stomach.
Broth is a key ingredient in many recipes. It is also very inexpensive and adds tons of flavor and texture to your foods. You should keep at least one container of broth on hand at all times.
This article was first published at Spatula Desserts.
Leave a Reply