With the Covid-19 infection rate on the rise, venturing out to the shops these days is like heading to the front lines of battle, so it’s something you want to keep to a minimum.
This means ensuring your pantry is stocked with the necessities at all times.
Feeling completely lost in a kitchen, I decided to research exactly what food items should be on hand, so as not to be masking up and heading out unnecessarily.
Rather err on the side of caution during these ever-changing times by replenishing your kitchen with these key ingredients.
Outside of bread and milk, here’s what you should have on your shopping list…
Eggs
This is an extremely versatile and easy-to-cook ingredient which is filling, and a great source of protein. Whether they’re boiled, scrambled, fried or made into an omelette, there is a style to suit any palette. For those with growing kids, it’s a great idea to keep some hard-boiled eggs in the fridge as a ready-to-eat snack.
Pasta
This basic food item is another handy pantry filler that can be used to create delicious, wholesome and affordable meals in a matter of minutes. Depending on the budget, you can add a basic cheese and butter or, alternatively, some meat and chopped vegetables will add some flavour and nutrients.
Marinara sauce
Every kitchen must be stocked with a sauce of some kind, and marinara sauce is generally your best bet. Otherwise a hot sauce can be added to any meal to add some edge.
Cheese
This comfort food can be transformed into a delicious grilled cheese sandwich, grated over pasta, or eaten as is when you’re hungry and in a rush.
Whole grains
Items such as rice and quinoa are affordable, can be bought in bulk, and will add substance to any quick and easy meal. They’re also an important addition to any balanced diet.
Honey
For some enhanced flavour in cooking, or on a slice of toast or oats, honey is a great condiment to keep stocked. It can be used when cooking chicken to add just a hint sweetness, or add it to olive oil and balsamic vinegar as a zesty salad dressing.
Tinned beans
A selection of tinned beans – butter, kidney, black or fava beans – whatever your preference, are a worthwhile pantry filler. They can be used as a more substantial salad ingredient, create a quick and easy side dish, or add protein to any sort of meal.
Tinned tuna
Another wholesome and nutrient-enriched tinned product, tuna can also be added to pasta, potatoes or bread for superior taste. Plus, your cat will be happy to share with you.
Potatoes
This kitchen staple – like pasta, rice and eggs – is a versatile ingredient that can take you far into those lean days before the bank balance is replenished. Mashed and baked potatoes are a filling side dish, while cooked chips and stuffed potatoes can be a quick meal on their own. There’s no limit to these ‘spudtastic’ vegetables.
Basic seasonings
Nobody wants to live a bland life, which is why a few seasonings on the shelf will go a long way. There’s obviously the salt and pepper must-haves, but then you might want to consider including some cumin, coriander, dry basil, oregano, paprika, and thyme. These multi-purpose seasonings will take your basic cooking to the next level.
And then, it almost goes without saying, some form of chocolate must always be within hand – when that honey toast just isn’t going to do the trick!
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