Dry goods
- Grains: long-grain rice, a short pasta and a long pasta, rolled oats.
- Flour and baking: plain (all-purpose) flour, baking powder, bicarbonate of soda (baking soda), granulated and light brown sugar.
- Pulses: red lentils (they cook in 20 minutes with no soaking).
- Stock: cubes, pots or concentrate. Choose a lower-salt version so you control the seasoning.
Cans and jars
- Chopped tomatoes and tomato paste
- Chickpeas and black beans
- Coconut milk
- Soy sauce and Dijon mustard
- Honey or maple syrup
With these and an onion you can make the chickpea curry, the lentil soup or a quick tomato pasta sauce.
Oils and vinegars
- Olive oil for general cooking and dressing.
- A neutral oil such as sunflower or rapeseed (canola) for high-heat frying and baking.
- One vinegar: red wine, cider or balsamic. A spoonful brightens soups, stews and tray bakes.
Seasonings
Start with a short list and add as recipes call for more. Ground spices fade over time, so buy small jars.
- Fine salt and a pepper grinder
- Ground cumin, paprika (sweet or smoked) and chilli flakes
- Mild curry powder
- Dried oregano and dried thyme
- Bay leaves
Fridge and fresh basics
- Onions and garlic (store in a cool, dark, dry place, not the fridge)
- Lemons
- Butter, eggs and milk
- Plain yogurt and a hard cheese for grating
- Carrots, which keep for weeks in the fridge drawer
Freezer basics
- Frozen peas and spinach
- Chicken thighs, frozen flat in portions so they thaw quickly
- Bread, sliced before freezing so you can toast it straight from frozen
- Overripe bananas for banana bread
Storing and rotating
| Item | Where to store | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Flour | Airtight container, cool and dry | Whole-grain flours go stale faster than white; check the best-before date. |
| Rice, pasta, dried lentils | Airtight container | Keep well beyond a year, but older lentils can take longer to soften. |
| Ground spices | Away from the hob and sunlight | Smell them. If the aroma is faint, they will add little flavour. |
| Opened jars and sauces | Follow the label; many need the fridge | Write the opening date on the lid. |
| Oils | Cool, dark cupboard | Oil that smells of crayons or old paint has gone rancid. |
Put new purchases at the back and move older ones forward. It is the simplest way to stop forgotten tins and packets going out of date.