7 . Broth
Having a couple of cans or boxes of beef and chicken broth / stock is a must , especially when making stews , roasts , sauces , and reductions . If you prefer homemade stocks , create your own variety according to how you like it , and freeze the broth in portioned containers . This will make weeknight dinners and weekend feasts a breeze , as you just simply pull out a portion of your homemade stock and melt it down .
8 . Starches & Carbs
10 . Sugar
Sugar , last but definitely not least , is as important a staple as any . Having a variety of sugars on hand allows you to bake , reduce , caramelize , and concoct your favorite dishes without making an extra trip to the store . That age-old scenario comes to mind of a neighbor knocking politely on the front door , asking to borrow a cup of sugar . Don ’ t be that person . Stock up on brown varieties , powdered sugars , and the regular stuff , so you ’ ll be ready for anything .
This includes beans , rice , potatoes , and dried pasta . Many simple dishes can be whipped up with these staples , so stock up on plenty of different varieties . Potatoes store well for long periods of time , so buying in bulk isn ’ t a bad idea . Canned beans are good for quick recipes , but dried beans may be required for certain recipes , so purchase both types to cover all bases . We love having all different types of pasta on hand , as it is a great filler , especially for light meals , or meatless dishes . This goes for rice as well . Quinoa is a great staple to include and can be made into salads and side dishes all week long .
No matter if you ’ re just starting out in the kitchen , or if you ’ re a seasoned home chef , these 10 cooking staples will ensure that you ’ re prepared to tackle any recipe . Browse through the many brands and try different varieties , and you will know what to stock up on , and what you don ’ t like . There ’ s nothing better than a home-cooked meal , made with love , and made right !
9 . Tomato Sauce
Canned sauces and pastes are great for pastas and stews , so make sure you always have several cans / jars of this stuff around . If the kids invite their friends over last minute for dinner , you can whip up a giant pot of spaghetti in no time flat .