7 Essentials Every Kitchen Needs 12.02.2016

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There’s nothing worse than returning home hungry and finding you have none of the key ingredients to prepare a satisfying meal. Whether you enjoy experimenting with elaborate dishes or just want to whip up something quickly, there are some essentials your kitchen always needs. The next time you create your shopping list, make sure to include all of the following.

1. Olive Oil

Unlike vegetable oils made primarily from canola or soy, olive oil is packed with benefits. Extra virgin olive oil, in particular, is rich in monounsaturated fatty acids (to lower your risk of heart disease) and antioxidants (which may be able to reduce your risk of cancer). The oil is ideal for adding flavor to fish, vegetables, pasta, and salads.

2. Canned Foods

As canned foods last virtually forever, there’s no reason not to stock up on your favorites. Some of the most versatile include beans, olives, tuna, tomatoes, and lentils.

3. Garlic

Garlic is great for spicing up dishes, turning even the simplest kitchen creation into a delicious meal. You’ll receive the maximum benefits if you leave garlic raw, but this vegetable is also delectable cooked in sauces, as a seasoning, or combined with butter for homemade garlic bread.

4. Seasonings

It should go without saying that you need basic seasonings like salt and black pepper, but if you’re looking to please your tastebuds, some meals will require a few extra herbs and spices. At a minimum, make sure you include oregano, basil, parsley, cinnamon, bay leaves, and rosemary on your shopping list.

5. Granola

Granola will add texture to your smoothies and a crunch to your sundaes. This food is also ideal for a quick and healthy breakfast when accompanied by natural yogurt, honey, and fresh or dried fruit.
If you run short of any of the above, make sure you add the item to shopping list straight away. Ensuring you have these essentials in your kitchen at all times will mean you can cook healthy meals and prepare quick snacks when you need them most.

6. Eggs

Eggs are the perfect start to the day, requiring little more effort to prepare than toasting a bagel or pouring a bowl of cereal. Plus, they may keep your hunger satisfied for longer. If you’re particularly pressed for time, hard-boil an egg the night before. Otherwise, you can experiment with different ways of preparing eggs, such as scrambled, fried, or in an omelette with fresh vegetables, cheese, or meat. Eggs also deserve a permanent place in your kitchen for their role in evening meals, like stir-fried rice, and for baking.

7. Honey

Honey is another product with no expiry date. Use honey in place of sugar for savory dishes like chicken wings, for baking, and to sweeten salad dressings, smoothies, and tea. It’s also useful to have around to soothe sore throats, cure hangovers, and provide relief from nausea.