Looking to beef up your kitchen pantry?
We’ve all been there, staring at our empty cupboards, wondering what magic ingredients could turn our cooking game up a notch. It’s frustrating when you know just what your dish needs, but those key ingredients aren’t available in your pantry.
No worries, we’ve got your back! We’ve compiled a list of must-have ingredients to add that extra zing to your meals while also keeping your budget (and time!) in check.
These items include the following.
- Not your run-of-the-mill basics. We’re skipping the salt and pepper because, let’s be real, you already have those.
- Jacks-of-all-trades. These ingredients can star in dishes, complement others, or even stand alone as snacks.
- Bursting with flavor. Because bland’s not on our menu.
- Good for you, inside and out. We’re talking about ingredients (well, most of them) that nourish both body and soul.
Here are top 5 ingredients every home chef should have in their pantry.
1. Frozen vegetables
We freeze our veggies at their peak ripeness to preserve their nutritional content effectively.
Instead of picking them early and waiting for them to ripen on the shelf, we grab them when they’re at their best and freeze immediately to thwart bacterial infiltration.
Frozen vegetables are incredibly easy to cook. Toss them into stir-fries, soups, or pasta dishes for a quick and healthy meal. And of course, they’re convenient and have a longer shelf life.
2. Frozen flatbreads
Whether it’s naan, paratha, or roti, having a stash of frozen flatbreads is extremely handy for last-minute guests or quick family meals.
They can be served alongside curries, BBQ, and are even perfect for whipping up impromptu pizzas, wraps, or even makeshift quesadillas.
Just heat them up, add your favorite toppings, and voila – a delicious meal in minutes.
3. Puff pastry sheets
Don’t reserve puff pastry just for special occasions.
Keep a pack in your freezer so you can easily whip up delicious gourmet dishes.
From savory tarts to sweet pastries, puff pastry sheets can transform simple ingredients into impressive meals & desserts.
They’re flaky, buttery, and guaranteed to impress your guests (or just yourself).
4. Ginger garlic paste
This combo is a staple in many cuisines for a reason.
It adds depth of flavor and aroma to dishes without the hassle of mincing fresh garlic and ginger every time.
Keep a jar of ginger garlic paste in your fridge for easy access whenever you need to kick up the flavor of your stir-fries, marinades, or curries.
5. Spinach puree
Spinach: A nutritional powerhouse, packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
By keeping spinach puree on hand, you eliminate the need for washing, chopping, and cooking fresh spinach each time.
Pro tip: You can freeze spinach puree into ice cube trays for easy portioning. Add a cube or two to sauces, smoothies, or soups for a vibrant pop of color.
