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The Perfect Pantry

By:   Allrecipes Staff

Stock up on basics for easy home-cooked meals

The Bare Minimum

If you don't have these staples, you won't be able to cook.

  • Salt
  • Pepper
  • Olive Oil
  • Vegetable Oil
  • All-Purpose Flour
  • Granulated Sugar



Canned Goods

Low-sodium chicken broth and beef broth are recommended if you make gravies, sauces, and dishes in which the liquid is cooked down, or "reduced." The salty flavor becomes more concentrated and pronounced. Low-sodium products allow you to control the seasoning.

  • Chicken Broth
  • Beef Broth
  • Canned tomatoes
  • Tomato sauce
  • Tomato paste
  • Can/jar of marinara sauce
  • Canned beans: white, black, kidney
  • Tuna


Starches and Dry Goods

Does your family eat a lot of pasta? Do you prepare stir-fries and other Asian dishes? Stock up on what you like to eat.

  • Spaghetti
  • Penne or other short pasta
  • Egg noodles
  • Long-grain white rice
  • Jasmine or basmati rice
  • Lentils
  • Split peas


The Root Cellar

Onions and potatoes should be stored in a cool, dark, well-ventilated area--don't keep them in plastic bags or in the refrigerator.

  • Potatoes
  • Onions
  • Garlic


Condiments

  • Distilled white vinegar
  • Balsamic vinegar
  • Apple cider vinegar
  • Soy sauce
  • Worcestershire sauce
  • Salsa
  • Hot sauce


The Spice Rack

  • Dried basil
  • Bay leaves
  • Cayenne
  • Chili powder
  • Cumin
  • Cinnamon
  • Oregano
  • Paprika


The Almost-Bare Fridge

  • Eggs
  • Milk
  • Butter or margarine
  • Ketchup
  • Mustard
  • Mayonnaise
  • Cheese


The Freezer

  • Frozen corn
  • Frozen spinach
  • Frozen peas
  • Ground beef
  • Chicken breasts


The Baker's Rack

You may be fine sticking with all-purpose flour, but if you bake a lot of breads or pizza dough, invest in a higher-protein bread flour.

  • Cornmeal
  • Brown sugar
  • Confectioners' sugar
  • Honey
  • Baking soda
  • Baking powder
  • Vanilla extract
  • Cornstarch
  • Rolled oats
  • Nuts, raisins and chocolate chips

 
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