The Bare Minimum
These are the essential six staples to always have on hand.
- Salt
- Pepper
- Olive oil
- Vegetable oil
- All-purpose flour
- Granulated sugar
Canned Goods
Chicken broth and beef broth are good to have if you make gravies or sauces in which liquid is cooked down, or "reduced." The salty flavor of broth gives these dishes extra punch.
- Chicken stock or broth
- Beef stock or 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.
- Pasta (in various shapes, strands, and tubes)
- Long-grain white rice
- Jasmine or basmati rice
- Lentils
- Split peas
- Dried bread crumbs
The Root Cellar
Store these in a cool, dark, well-ventilated area--never in plastic bags or in the refrigerator.