Stocking A Pantry
It can be overwhelming to stock a pantry. There seems to be an endless smorgasbord of options, especially when it comes to herbs and spices. Fundamental cooking techniques can cover a wide array of cuisines, but the ingredients you use can be vastly different. I recommend stocking your pantry based on the kinds of cuisines you are interested in cooking.
The Basic Pantry Staples
Salt – Table salt is the most commonly used salt in recipes. Sea salt has larger crystals and is best used as a finishing salt. Salt should be stored away from moisture. Black Pepper – You can purchase ground pepper or a jar of peppercorns to grind in a spice grinder. Pepper should be stored away from moisture. Garlic – Garlic is sold in bulbs. Look for bulbs that are tight together. Minced and crushed garlic can also be purchased in jars, in varying quality. Garlic is best when fresh, but pre-minced and pre-crushed can also be used. Garlic should be stored at room temperature in a dry place. Onions – Red onions, white onions, yellow onions, and sweet onions are the most commonly found varieties. White and yellow onions are most often used in cooking. Red onions can be cooked, but are often eaten raw. Onions should be stored in a cool, dry place. All-purpose Flour – This flour is a finely ground wheat flour. It can be purchased bleached, or unbleached. Flour should be stored in a cool, dry place in an airtight container. Granulated Sugar – This fine cane sugar is an all-purpose sugar to use in both cooking and baking. Sugar should be stored in a cool, dry place in an airtight container. Eggs – Eggs can be purchased in varying sizes and colors. The color of the shell does not matter, but the size does. Most recipes call for large eggs. Eggs should be stored in the refrigerator. Extra Virgin Olive Oil – This is the highest quality olive oil and should have no defects. It is the most versatile of olive oils and can be used as a cooking oil, or drizzled fresh. Olive oil should be stored in a cool, dry place away from sunlight. Chicken Broth or Stock – Chicken broth or stock is a liquid that has been flavored by chicken, bones, and herbs. It can be purchased in cans or boxes, or can be made from scratch. Fresh chicken broth, or liquids from opened cans or boxes should be stored in an airtight container in the fridge, or frozen.
In addition to these basic pantry staples, you can stock your pantry with additional items based on the cuisines that interest you. A well stocked pantry would have the basic pantry staples, baking staples, and the staples from at least one variety of cuisines.
Baking Pantry Staples
Light Brown SugarPowdered SugarBaking SodaBaking PowderCornstarchInstant Dry YeastChocolate (milk, semi-sweet, unsweetened)Butter, unsaltedHeavy CreamVegetable ShorteningVegetable Oil
Italian Pantry Staples
Basil, dried and/or freshOregano, dried and/or freshParsley, dried and/or freshRosemary, dried and/or freshSage, dried and/or freshThyme, dried and/or freshBalsamic VinegarCanned TomatoesCanned OlivesCornmealDried PastaRed WineWhite WineSemolina Flour
Latin Pantry Staples
Dried ChilesCayenne PepperChile PowderGround CinnamonGround CuminAvocadoCilantroGreen onionsLemonsLimesTomatillosChipotle in AdoboBlack Beans, dried or cannedPinto Beans, dried or cannedChorizoRice (long or short grain white rice)Tortillas, corn or flourTequilla
French Pantry Staples
Basil, fresh or driedGround MustardHerbes de Provence, fresh or driedParsley, fresh or driedRosemary, fresh or driedTarragon, fresh or driedCarrotCeleryLeeksShallotsWhite Wine VinegarRed Wine VinegarDijon MustardUnsalted ButterHeavy CreamRed WineWhite WinePort Wine
Asian Pantry Staples
Crushed Red Pepper FlakesGinger, ground or freshLemon GrassLimeCilantroChili SauceFish sauceRice vinegarSoy sauceSesame oilOyster sauceCoconut milkCurry pasteNoodles (soba, udon, ramen, rice, lo-mein)Jasmine RicePeanut oilSake
American Pantry Staples
Basil, fresh or driedOregano, fresh or driedCayenne PepperGarlic powderOnion powderGround MustardCornmealYellow MustardKetchupMayonnaiseWorcestershire SauceVegetable OilHoneyApple Cider VinegarChicken and Beef StockBeerBourbonWhite and Red Wine
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