The basic building blocks of a meal plan are staples you should never be without. These ingredients will turn practically nothing into a delicious meal, from eggs to a hearty frittata. Rice and pasta will also help you create delicious quick meals. These items also make the most basic recipes easy to modify to suit different taste preferences and dietary restrictions. Here are five essential ingredients you should always have in your kitchen:
Stock or broth
While stock or broth are the basic ingredients in many meals, they can also be frozen and used later for fast cooking. To make the most flavorful stock, roast bones over 450 degrees and keep the carcass in the fridge. Then, place the bones in the jars and cover them with water. You can also use ice cube trays. In order to store your stock for later use, you must leave about one inch of space at the top of the jar.
Flour
While all-purpose flour is essential for baking, there are other types of flour to keep on hand, too. Bread flour, for example, is a great alternative to all-purpose flour and has higher protein content. Cake flour, on the other hand, is finer than AP flour but produces a superior crumb. There are also gluten-free options such as Cup4Cup, so you can always choose a flour based on your own dietary needs. And if you’re into specialty grains or pastas, then it’s worth investing in specialty flour.
Sugar
Almost every recipe calls for sugar. Whether you are caramelizing vegetables or marinating steaks, sugar is a key ingredient. A basic white sugar is all you need for versatility in the kitchen. You may even be asked to bring it to a cute neighbor’s house, just in case. Luckily, sugar is incredibly versatile and a staple in almost every kitchen. And don’t worry if you’re not a great cook – a pinch goes a long way!
Oils
There are certain essential oils you should keep in your kitchen, particularly if you like to make quick meals on a regular basis. These oils can be substituted for many ingredients, such as fresh herbs and citrus juice. They can also be used as flavors in recipes. Here are a few of the most useful ones:
Vinegars
Vinegars are the basic ingredient of a quick meal, and they can help make any dish more flavorful. This cooking liquid is generally made from grapes, grains, or sugar, and the fermentation process creates acetic acid. It is often used to enhance flavors, cut salt, balance fat, and tone down heat. It can also be used to preserve foods. Listed below are some of the most common types of vinegar.
Greek yogurt
While it is a common ingredient for quick breakfasts, Greek yogurt has many health benefits. It also goes well with a variety of recipes. Read on to learn about the many ways to prepare this delicious dairy product! Here are some of the most common uses for yogurt. Listed below are some of our favourite recipes using yogurt! Also, don’t forget to check out our list of the health benefits of yogurt!