Whether you have a small pantry or a big one, there are some items that you should have in your pantry at all times. You don’t want to start cooking, only to find out that you don’t have a particular ingredient when you reach for it. It can be extremely frustrating and not everyone is able to run to the grocery store and this can leave you stuck. Therefore, Ido Fishman recommends that you have a range of pantry essentials on hand, so you are able to make whatever dish you are craving without having to go out at the eleventh hour. What are they? Here is a complete list for you to explore:
Herbs and Spices
- Salt
In almost every recipe you find, salt is a vital ingredient, as it strengthens the gluten in flour, pull out the moisture in veggies, enhance the flavor, and a lot more. Plus, it also tastes amazing when you add it on top of a chocolate chip cookie. Some other herbs and spices that Ido Fishman suggests you have handy are black pepper and red pepper flakes.
Oil, Vinegar and Sauces
- Olive Oil
You will be needing some kind of fat in all baking and cooking. Most experts like Ido Fishman recommend that you use extra virgin olive oil because it is perfect for sprinkling on avocado toast, sautéing and everything in between.
- Vinegar
You can immediately brighten your meal and boost it up a level by adding acid to it. Plus, it also serves as the basis of almost all homemade salad dressings.
- Honey
Every good chef should know that you have to have a sweetener in the kitchen, in case you have to make sweets on the go. Honey is a good option, or you can use other options like maple syrup, coconut sugar, or sugar.
- Sriracha
Ido Fishman recommends just a dash of this spicy, tangy sauce in any egg dish, rice bowl, or anything else because it can add instant heat or flavor, thereby making the dish more complex.
Dry Goods
- All-purpose flour
Most of the breakfast items and easy-to-whip desserts will need some flour. You can get all-purpose flour, or there are also gluten-free options that you can explore.
- Dry pasta and grains
You can beef up anything you are making with some dried pasta or grains. But, if you don’t like pasta, or wish to stay gluten-free, Chef Ido Fishman recommends that you replace it with couscous or rice.
Fruits and Vegetables
- Onion and garlic
Having both or either of these items in your pantry can help in creating depth of flavor in whatever dish you may be making. In addition, most of the savory recipes out there will require either one of these items.
- Frozen berries
You can easily add frozen berries to muffins, oatmeal, or can also be used on top of pancakes.
- Apples
Every expert chef out there, such as Ido Fishman, will tell you that having fruits in your pantry can be an absolute game-changer. You can sauté apples with cinnamon and butter for a treat, or cut them up for a salad.
- Red cabbage or Brussel sprouts
It is definitely recommended that you have veggies that will last for some time without spoiling. Brussel sprouts are top of the list, as they can be blanched and then sautéed with salt and lemon juice to be served with dinner. Another great option to explore is red cabbage. All you have to do is chop it up, add it in fried rice, on top of tacos, or to a salad.
Other than these items, Ido Fishman recommends that you have chickpeas, beans, lemon, canned whole tomatoes, fresh parmesan, eggs and butter in your pantry. Having all of these ingredients at hand will ensure that you don’t have to go out to the grocery store at the last minute and can cook easily.
