1) You do not have to start out with everything on this list in order to cook a good meal or be efficient in the kitchen.
2) And, don't pressure yourself to sock away enough food and "pantry basics" for a year's worth of meal preparation.
3) Just buy what you can and gradually add the others.
Pantry:
Olive oil
Canola Oil
Vegetable Oil
Balsamic Vinegar
Red Wine Vineger
Apple Cider Vinegar
Spices (cinnamon, black pepper, crushed red pepper, salt, Italian blend seasoning, oregano, paprika, ground ginger)
Canned Tuna
Canned Beans
Chicken Broth
Tomato Paste
Pasta (or Marinara) Sauce
Canned Tomatoes
Red and White Wines
Rice
Pasta (spaghetti, macaroni, penne)
Egg Noodles
Pita Chips
All-purpose Flour
Sugar
Brown Sugar
Powdered Sugar
Baking Powder
Chocolate Chips
Potatoes
Garlic
Onions
Refrigerator:
Butter
Milk
Heavy Cream
Eggs
Plain Yogurt
Mayonnaise
Parmesan Cheese
Cheddar Cheese
Dijon Mustard
Carrots
Celery
Dill Pickles
Apples
Bell Pepper
Lemons
Fresh Parsley
Fresh Spinach
Freezer:
Peas
Corn
Edamame
Spinach
Bread
Bacon
Shrimp
Nuts
If you've made it this far down on the page without fleeing in fright, congratulations!
Based on this list of very basic pantry staples, here are some meal ideas:
- Pasta with Edamame and Bacon (about 20 minutes)
- Vegetable Soup (about 1 hour)
- Egg and Cheese Strata (chill overnight; about 10 minutes to prepare and 1 hour to bake)
- Shrimp Scampi (about 20 minutes)
- Scalloped Potatoes (about 15 minutes to prepare, and 1 hour to bake)
- Tuna Salad Sandwich
More basic meal ideas to come soon...
For a basic rundown on how to get down and dirty with your pantry organization, please visit Julie over at Clean & Bright.
