Kitchen Food Basics

There are a few items that should always be in full stock in your kitchen ... well in my kitchen.

Onions
I don't really think there is much need for explanation other then onions simply make

everything better. Sauteing at the beginning adds a great flavor to kick off the meal.
Garlic

Garlic goes hand in hand with onions and adds depth to the meal. Caution should always be used however, because to much garlic can lead to issues later on.
Olive oil

A great many uses for this item. I don't think much explanation needs to be given when it

comes to the use of this except for the fact that it can be expensive and I tend to see

people use olive oil in situations when a cheaper oil can be used.
Vegetable oil

Vegetable oil is one substitute for olive oil that is at a cheaper cost. This is a better use if

frying food rather then olive oil.
Rice

Rice goes with any thing, in every culture. (period)
Tomato Paste

Sauces and soups are two very common and important components of a meal, and tomato

paste is very commonly used in both of them. By simply having a few small cans lying

around the house can bring your meal up to the next level.

Butter

I could go on for days about this ingredient, but I won't, so I will sum it up with one simple

thing. Three main ingredients in French cooking; 1. Butter 2. Butter 3. Butter.
Salt & Pepper

Probably one of the most basic ingredients around. As long as you are using Salt & Pepper

it's safe to say you are off to a good start. Remember though that it should be used with

caution. To much cannot necessarily be fixed, however not enough can typically be fixed

every time.
(dried) Oregano

Another simple ingredient that provides good flavor without any extra additives.
(dried) Basil

Same as Oregano. Though this ingredient is commonly used in both it's dry form and fresh

form. I put down dried simply cause it will last longer.
Flour

Flour is the base ingredient for so many things that I would be surprised not to see it in a

kitchen. Bread, noodles, sauces; so many things. Bread and noodles obviously require it

however sauces can be thickened with just a little flour to help attain that consistency that

you may have been looking for.
Eggs

Eggs, just like flour have a limitless amount of possibilities. A simple egg can be cooked so

many ways by itself. There are also so many types of meals: stir fry's, burger patties,

noodles, burgers themselves, appetizers, etc.

Everything else beyond these ingredients are typically best if bought fresh during the week or weekend before.