Please don’t rush out and get everything on this list. It’s a guide to what I consider important for my style of cooking but it won’t be for everyone.
Instead, have a read through and think about whether each item is something that you either already use or would like to start using.
oils
§ good quality extra virgin olive oil – for salads and drizzling
§ cheaper extra virgin olive oil – for cooking (I buy in bulk)
§ peanut oil or macadamia oil – for frying and where you need a neutral flavoured oil.
vinegar
§ sherry vinegar – my favourite. Red wine vinegar would also be OK.
§ balsamic – because sometimes you want a little more sweetness.
§ lemons – not technically vinegar, but they do the same thing.
canned things
§ tomatoes – preferably whole peeled
§ chickpeas – my all time favourite pantry ingredient
§ beans – butter beans, cannellini, red kidney
§ lentils
§ fish – tuna in oil (with chilli), sardines
§ chicken – I preferred smoked chicken
§ coconut milk – for asian cooks and vegan / dairy free fans
jars
§ curry paste – red Thai or Indian
§ tomato pasta sauce (marinara sauce)
§ tahini – ground sesame seeds
§ vegetables – roast red peppers, grilled eggplant (aubergines), tomato paste
§ pesto
§ vegemite – not for everyone 😉
§ peanut butter – for people who don’t like vegemite
§ honey &/or maple syrup
sauces & condiments
§ mustard – I always have both dijon & wholegrain
§ soy sauce – wonderfully versatile
§ mayonnaise – I’ve gotten into making my own, but that’s not for everyone
§ ketchup – that’s tomato sauce for the Aussies out there
§ oyster and/or fish sauce – for asian cooks
seasonings
§ salt – sea salt flakes like Maldon, cheaper fine sea salt or kosher salt for salting water.
§ black peppercorns – best quality you can afford
spices
§ dried chilli flakes or chilli powder
§ curry powder
§ ground cumin
§ ground coriander
§ garam marsala
§ smoked paprika
baking – [not for everyone]
§ flour – plain flour, bread flour, rice flour (or gluten free flour)
§ sugar – white sugar, brown sugar
§ other – cocoa powder, baking powder, dried yeast
§ chocolate – 70% cocoa solids
dry goods
§ lentils – red, puy or french-style green lentils
§ dried beans
§ pasta / noodles / couscous / basmati rice (for the non-slow carbers)
§ quinoa
nuts
[not necessarily all at once]
§ almonds
§ pinenuts
§ hazelnuts
§ walnuts
§ brazil nuts
§ cashews
fridge
§ cheese – parmesan, ricotta
§ other dairy – butter, milk, yoghurt
§ tofu
§ miso paste
freezer
§ vegetables – frozen peas, broad beans, spinach
§ fruit – berries for last minute berry sobet
§ other – puff pastry, bread (for the non-slow carbers)
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