Storecupboard Essentials

overlykeensaver

Well I suppose it depends upon what recipes you decide to cook!

I find tins of tomatoes, red lentils and tins of pulses invaluable. Also, try to get some herbs/spices. For example, you can make a tasty mild curry-style meal with onion, garlic, tin of tomatoes, lentils or chickpeas and then add some ground cumin and coriander.

there must be a thread here somewhere about storecupboard staples?

mrbrightside842

overlykeensaver wrote: »

there must be a thread here somewhere about storecupboard staples?

You're right! I had done a search before I posted, but had likely searched the wrong things. Just had another go and came up with https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/560196 so will go for a read now.

Thank you both for replying

exlibris

I agree with tinned tomatoes but would not go for any form of bean except tinned baked beans in tom sauce as OH doesn't like them. Perhaps if you worked out what you like to eat and work from that.

The_Thrilla

I don't think there is such a thing as a one-size-fits-all pantry. There are things that appear in my freezer (fish, for example) that would not suit you. I suggest that you make a list of all you and your family have eaten for a week or two, and tailor your pantry accordingly. I would, however, suggest that you get as much fresh fruit and vegetables as you can. But there may come a time when these are unavailable, and you will need to have other sources of vitamin C - pills, tinned fruit & veg, Sauerkraut, fruit juices etc.

Toonie

I find it very useful to have a good selection of flavourings in the cupboard. That way whatever you are making, you can add a little extra to it. Sometimes flavours can be the one thing missing when cooking very basic foods. I always make sure I have basil, rosemary, thyme, oregano and mixed herbs. Spices-ginger, cinnamon, mixed spice, crushed chilli's, mild curry powder. I also will have some sort of stock cubes or a tub of marigold powder, vanilla extract, cocoa powder, soy sauce, balsamic vinegar and a few different oils (sesame, extra virgin olive).

carlamarie_2

im trying to make more meals from scratch. i did used to do this but it was always very simple food with no added extras.
since having my second child i have relaxed on the processed foods, making hardly anything myself.
my dd is 2 now and its about time i started again - but where to start?
what are your essentials?
especially in terms of herbs/dried foods.
to begin with im looking at herbs/dried foods which can be used in a few different meals. im hoping to extend my collection over time, adding a few extra items in with my weekly shop. then when i haev afew multiple items i can look at more individual things.

i always have italian seasoning (use in lasagnes and spag boll) and mixed herbs (dh uses this in EVERYTHING or so it seems) and i always have pasta (sheets/shapes). but this is it. and of course tins such as peas, carrots and the kids hidden veg pasta shapes. but mainly the cupboard is filled with sweets and biscuits (curtosey of MIL)

so what should i be buying to fill up my cupboard and what can be used to go in a few dishes?
myself, dh and dd are meat eaters (ds will only eat certain meats depending on how its served/hidden;)).

Stephen_Leak

This is my absolute minimum. If I haven't got any of these, I get "twitchy". :-)

CUPBOARD

142g tin of tomato puree
400g tin of plum tomatoes (1)
400g tin of red kidney beans
420g tin of baked beans
500g bag of plain flour
500g packet of basmati rice (2)
500g packet of spaghetti
250ml bottle of olive oil
500ml bottle of sunflower or vegetable oil
Chilli powder (3)
Dried mixed herbs
Eggs (4)
Ground black pepper
Stock cubes (5)

FREEZER

375g pack of casserole or stewing beef
375g pack of chicken breasts
500g of white fish fillets (6)
500g pack of minced meat (7)

FRIDGE

Bottle of lemon juice
Butter
Cheese
Milk
Tomatoes

VEGETABLES

Baking potatoes
Garlic
Onions
　
(1) Plum tomatoes can be used either whole or chopped. It is difficult to stick chopped tomatoes back together again if you need to use them whole.

(2) Basmati is the best all purpose rice. It cooks quickly, it is more fragrant (its name is Hindi for ‘fragrant’) than long grain and it also holds together during cooking.

(3) Get hot chilli powder, as you will use less of this than mild.

(4) There is no need to keep eggs in the fridge.

(5) Get vegetable ones first, as they sort of go with everything, then chicken or beef as required.

(6) Use cod, coley, haddock, hake, ling, plaice, pollack or whiting, whichever is cheapest.

(7) Use minced beef, lamb, pork or turkey, whichever is cheapest.

carlamarie_2

thanks thats a good list there!
can i ask what do you use the lemon juice for? does it feature a lot in your meals? i have never used lemon except for when baking biscuits

Shysarah

Hi Calamarie,

I am pretty new here but in my store cupboard I always try and have some of the following;

Wocestershire Sauce - adds flavour to everything from baked beans to a spaghetti boll
Five Spice - Works well for giving meat flavour especially when mixed with soy sauce and use it as a rub/marinade (very chinesey).
Tom Puree/Passatta/Tinned Tomatoes - Can go in sauces, stews etc
Honey - For sweetening recipes, making salad dressings, putting on toast and also on some meats
Condensed soups - great meat sauce if not diluted
Stock cubes - cause i never make my own and they can be used in lots and also rubbed on meats
Cornflour - Always thickens up sauces when they get a bit watery or reduces heat when spicy (be aware it does mild out flavours)

Oh and sultanas, apricots, nuts etc use in lots of sweet and savoury dishes and yummy for snacks.

Hope this is helpful
S x

Stephen_Leak

carlamarie wrote: »

thanks thats a good list there!
can i ask what do you use the lemon juice for? does it feature a lot in your meals? i have never used lemon except for when baking biscuits

Fair point. I don't bake (yet) but I always seem to be running out of the stuff.

I do also have Worcestershire sauce and cornflour.

I'm currently working on a recipe for Five Spice Powder from just the five traditional ingredients and whole ones, so it's always fresh. Fascinating stuff, especially the Sichuan pepper. Watch this space.