If you're like most people, you probably think that you need a lot of fancy ingredients to cook delicious meals. However, this is not always the case! There are some basic kitchen ingredients that every cook should have on hand. In this blog post, we will list 10 essential ingredients for every cook. So whether you're a beginner or an experienced chef, be sure to stock up on these items!
SALT
The first essential ingredient is salt. Salt is an important seasoning that can enhance the flavor of any dish. It's also a great way to add some extra flavor to food that might be bland. I use sea salt flakes (mainly Cornish or Himalayan) they are two of my favourites.
PEPPER
Another essential ingredient is pepper. Pepper is another versatile seasoning that can be used to add flavor to a variety of dishes. If you're looking for a little bit of heat, then be sure to add some pepper to your dishes!
FLOUR
Flour is another important ingredient that every cook should have on hand. Flour can be used for a variety of purposes, such as thickening sauces or making pastry dough. I always have some flour to make the one off cake or bake when needed.
SUGAR
Sugar is another essential ingredient for cooking. Sugar can be used to sweeten food or to add some extra sweetness to a dish. I use coconut sugar or brown sugar which I find has more depth of flavour.
SPICES
A good spice collection is a key ingredient in any kitchen. Without spices, food can be bland and uninteresting. Be sure to stock your spice rack with a variety of spices, such as salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and cumin. My favourites to have to hand are turmeric, coriander and paprika.
HERBS
Fresh herbs are a great way to add flavor to any dish. Common herbs used in cooking include basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary. If you don't have fresh herbs on hand, you can also use dried herbs.
OLIVE OIL
Olive oil is a versatile ingredient that can be used for cooking, baking, and even as a salad dressing. Be sure to buy extra virgin olive oil, which is the highest quality olive oil available. I also use avocado oil which is great.
PULSES
Pulses are a great source of protein and can be used in so many dishes - from curries to stews. They're also cheap and last for ages in your cupboard, making them perfect for budget cooks. I make dhals regularly so it's great to have red lentils or yellow lentils in the cupboard.
RICE
Rice is super versatile, you can use it to accompany most dishes. I make it with curries, stews or even biryani. You can uses white basmati which cooks quicker or sometimes I prefer brown basmati which takes longer but is quite flavorful and nutritious.
CANNED BEANS
are a great way to add some extra nutrition to your diet. Canned vegetables, fruits, and beans are all healthy and delicious options. They're also very affordable, so be sure to stock up on canned goods. You will be glad your have that tin of beans for breakfast one morning!
So there you have it - ten essential ingredients for every cook's kitchen. pulses, dried foods, pasta, rice, lentils and spices are all great staples to have on hand. With these in your pantry, you'll be able to whip up a delicious meal in no time!
Do you have any other essential ingredients that you always make sure to keep in your kitchen? Let us know in the comments below!
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