Kitchen Tip: Pantry Basics

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Photo: Container Store

Photo: Container Store

Stocking your kitchen with pantry basics is not an easy task, especially if you’re still in the apartment rental stage in your life where you move every couple of years.

Photo: Container Store

Photo: Container Store

Every time I’ve ever moved into a new apartment, I’ve accompanied the move with a rather pricey grocery shop because I was never properly stocking my kitchen with pantry basics.

When you move from one apartment to the other, even if you try hard to take your non-perishables with you, you will still have plenty on your shopping list.

If you’re moving into your first place, your list will be even longer.

And finally, if you aren’t moving but have decided to do something about the embarrassingly bare cupboards in your kitchen, you will definitely have your work cut out for you.

Photo: Container Store

Photo: Container Store

Stock your pantry with the basics first, the extras second. 

So you might be wondering now: what are pantry basics?

Do I mean things like cereal, frozen bagels and Lean Cuisines?

Absolutely not.

If you don’t like to cook, those might be your pantry basics.

But if you don’t like to cook or even want to learn,  you probably wouldn’t be reading this in the first place.

Pantry basics, in my expert-but-humble opinion, are the raw ingredients that you can use to create frequent, tasty breakfasts, lunches and dinners.

We’re talking the no-frills stuff you buy when they’re on sale regardless of whether you need them right now because you know you will again – and soon.

Canned Beans

Regardless of what type of beans you like, canned beans are cheap, easy to cook in soups, stews or on their own atop salads.

At any given time I typically have garbanzo beans, black beans and white beans in my pantry, with pinto beans and red kidney beans frequently appearing for chili or Mexican-style recipes.

Butter

Even if you eat lightly most of the time, butter is one of those things that I only seem to need when I don’t have it.

So, I try to always keep a package of salted and unsalted butter frozen.

It thaws relatively quickly once you remove it from the freezer so you’ll never be without it if the mood to bake should strike.

Chicken/Vegetable/Beef Stock

Here is the thing.

A lot of people sing the praises of homemade stock.

And I agree that it is ten times better than store bought. But that doesn’t make the store bought version bad.

Look for a brand that doesn’t use any artificial chemicals or additives and keep some type of stock on hand at all times. You can use it for cooking rice, vegetables or as a low-calorie base for soups and sauces.

Tomato paste

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve passed tomato paste in the grocery store only to get home and realize I had a recipe that called for it and none on my shelves.

It costs less than a dollar  a can – easy to stock up on.

If you don’t use it often, opt for tomato paste in a tube so you can recap it and store in the fridge between recipes.

Assorted Vinegars

White wine vinegar is a staple in my kitchen for salad dressings and sauces – it can brighten up a dish without adding a heavy flavor.

I also like balsamic vinegar, but recommend a higher quality one.

Balsamic vinegar is potent and flavorful so a little bit goes a long way no matter how you use it.

Canned Tomatoes

I know that there are a lot of studies out there that will tell you canned tomatoes have all sorts of toxins that will give you cancer and kill you.

But, there are also studies that deem them safe and they sure are convenient for soups, sauces, stews and more during the tomato off-season.

I like Muir Glen and San Marzano and try to always keep a can or two of diced, crushed and whole tomatoes on hand for pasta sauces, lasagnas and more.

Eggs

When in doubt. yes, making eggs qualifies as cooking.

I know many people who think they can’t cook when they can, in fact, make a killer omelet with a few eggs and whatever veggies happen to be in the fridge.

Keep a carton on hand at all times and you’ll never be without a meal.

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Olive Oil

When I asked for your favorite pantry staples on Twitter, almost everyone said that olive oil was one of the most important parts of their kitchen.

Olive oil is true to its name – oil obtained from pressed olives – and is used primarily for sautéing and in salad dressings.

Olive oils have a smoke point of 350 F, which means if it’s heated higher than that, it will burn.

It has a pronounced taste and choosing an olive oil can be similar to selecting a wine – the flavor of the many different varieties vary considerably.

Which brings me to our giveaway…

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Giveaway (NOW CLOSED)

To help you stock up on pantry basics, I’m giving away one of Nudo’s Colosseum Collection (pictured above, ARV: $30) – a set of three herbed olive oils.  They are all made from 100% natural, high quality, locally sourced ingredients – no artificial flavors or anything like that.

The Rules:

  • Leave a comment here that answers the following questions: what is your favorite way to use olive oil?
  • Anonymous comments: leave your email address in the comment field so I can reach you.
  • 1 random winner will be chosen by Friday, April 15 at 11:59PM CST and announced by Monday, April 18. I will notify you via email and you will have 72 hours to respond before I choose a new winner.
  • Contest open to US & Canada Residents only.

For Additional Entries:

  • Re-tweet the following message: Want to win a set of Nudo olive oils from In Good Taste today? (cc @mariscallahan). Share your favorite recipe here: http://bit.ly/azhGY2.
  • Become a fan of In Good Taste on Facebook.
  • Suggest that your friends become a fan of In Good Taste on Facebook.
  • Please leave one comment for each entry.

Disclosure: This giveaway is sponsored by Nudo. I was not provided with complimentary product or compensation of any kind. The words and opinions expressed here are my own.

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81 Comments

  • Reply
    rhonda
    June 24, 2013 at 5:09 pm

    I use olive oil a lot when I roast vegetables…Yummy, it’s my favorite and is definitely a must have in my kitchen, it works so well with so many dishes.

  • Reply
    Lemon Cake Pops Recipe + Babycakes Cake Pop Maker Giveaway
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  • Reply
    Cooking for Two: Thai Curry with Basmati Rice
    June 10, 2011 at 4:41 am

    […] that your pantry is really a plastic bin under the table is even better: more counter space! When stocking your pantry, you’ll be told to buy the basics: pasta, rice, a few spices and oils, vinegar for dressings, […]

  • Reply
    Olive Oil Lemon Cake
    May 8, 2011 at 6:44 pm

    […] I never exaggerate, why do you ask?Ever since my post about pantry basics that featured a Nudo olive oil giveaway, I’ve been thinking about making this cake. I actually had it saved on my bookmarks bar and […]

  • Reply
    Sario
    April 27, 2011 at 5:54 pm

    I’d have to say, drizzled over a light soup. Really perks up the flavor!

  • Reply
    brandi
    April 26, 2011 at 7:41 pm

    I “like” you on FB – I was sure I already had! 🙂

  • Reply
    brandi
    April 26, 2011 at 7:40 pm

    That’s a great starter list for a pantry – all things I use on a regular basis!

    My favorite way to use olive oil (lately) is drizzled on homemade popcorn on the stove top and sprinkled with salt.

    I also love to make salad dressings with it. They’re so much tastier than bottled!

  • Reply
    Pistachio-Goat Cheese Stuffed Dates
    April 18, 2011 at 2:36 am

    […] GIVEAWAY WINNER: Congratulations to Lisa from The Dishes of Mrs. Fish! Thanks to everyone who entered to win a set f Nudo olive oils. […]

  • Reply
    Georgia @ The Comfort of Cooking
    April 15, 2011 at 9:05 pm

    Great list of basics, Maris! What a smart and useful article. Let’s see… My favorite way to use olive oil is any way I can actually taste it distinctly, like in bruschetta or a salad. Thanks for sharing. I hope you have a great weekend!

  • Reply
    Gabe
    April 15, 2011 at 3:47 pm

    Making crispy roast potatoes. They are one of my favorite foods.

  • Reply
    Miss @ Miss in the Kitchen
    April 15, 2011 at 3:06 pm

    I love to coat steaks with olive oil before grilling.

  • Reply
    Sommer@ASpicyPerspective
    April 15, 2011 at 12:57 pm

    I like to drizzle olive oil over everything to finish it!

  • Reply
    Baking Serendipity
    April 15, 2011 at 2:55 am

    Olive oil is definitely one of my pantry staples. My easy go-to weeknight meal is roasted veggies tossed with pasta, olive oil and freshly grated parmesan cheese. I rely on it more than I should admit 🙂 The herb flavors in this oil sound great!

  • Reply
    Vivienne
    April 15, 2011 at 1:00 am

    great pantry tips 🙂 such a bummer when you’re cooking to find out you’re missing the staple/basics like butter haha! the only thing i dont keep in my pantry are canned beans…i don’t know what to do with them as didn’t grow up eating beans. I must get me some to try soon as im sure they make hearty and healthy meals!

    aww wish i was in the US or Canada! i think i use olive oil is almost every meal – love them in my baking too in place of some of the butter!

  • Reply
    MegSmith @ Cooking.In.College
    April 14, 2011 at 8:57 pm

    Couldn’t agree more! This post was great, reminded me I needed to stock up on a few things. Awesome giveaway too!

    My favorite use of olive oil has to be simply dipping warm salty bread into it 🙂

  • Reply
    Cassie
    April 14, 2011 at 6:41 pm

    I use olive oil in almost all of my cooking and sauteeing, and all of my salad dressings (hot and cold salads). Olive oil is also the best for bread dips and drizzling over finished pastas. One of the best pasta sauces is olive oil, butter, garlic and crushed red peppers 🙂

  • Reply
    Samantha Angela @ Bikini Birthday
    April 14, 2011 at 2:36 pm

    I like to dip homemade ciabatta in olive oil.

  • Reply
    Barbara
    April 14, 2011 at 11:10 am

    Super pantry tips, Maris. A must-copy for anyone starting out in the kitchen.
    Don’t quite know where to start out with uses for olive oil….every day, every way, But if I have to pick a favorite, it’s when I roast vegetables. I toss them in olive oil and then roast in a hot oven.
    Nice giveaway!

  • Reply
    polwig
    April 13, 2011 at 10:46 pm

    I love olive oil infused with herbs and dipped in bread… or bread dipped in olive oil with parmesan and splash of balsamic… Bread and olive oil= heaven

  • Reply
    Olga @ MangoTomato
    April 14, 2011 at 2:12 am

    completely agree with you on always have canned beans and fresh eggs on hand. I feel the same way about tuna and canned tomatoes.

    Olive oil: love it in salads, for sauteeing and just to dip pieces of bread.

  • Reply
    Reeni
    April 14, 2011 at 1:15 am

    What great tips! Olive oil would be at the top of my list – I can’t go a day without using it. I love it to make salad dressings!

  • Reply
    Allison @ Running With Mascara
    April 13, 2011 at 8:28 pm

    Just “liked” your FB page!

  • Reply
    Allison @ Running With Mascara
    April 13, 2011 at 8:25 pm

    I love using olive oil to make crispy tofu!

  • Reply
    Susan
    April 13, 2011 at 7:57 pm

    I just Liked you on Facebook too.

  • Reply
    Susan
    April 13, 2011 at 7:55 pm

    I use olive oil almost every day! My favorite use is to lightly coat some veggies or potatoes with olive oil and roast them in the oven. Great pantry list and great giveaway!

  • Reply
    Dmarie
    April 13, 2011 at 7:45 pm

    favorite way that is perhaps unconventional is to drizzle a little olive oil atop a grocery-bought pizza. gives commercially prepared pizzas a little extra Italian oomph in flavor but also makes it a little healthier by adding healthy monounsaturated fat.

    thanks for this chance to win!

  • Reply
    Cookin' Canuck
    April 13, 2011 at 6:28 pm

    This is a great series, Maris! I have yet to try the Nudo olive oils, but did the adopt-a-tree program for my mum for Christmas. My favorite way to use a good, fruity olive oil is over sun-warmed tomatoes and basil from our garden. It makes me yearn for our summer crop.

  • Reply
    Deeba
    April 13, 2011 at 2:24 pm

    Agree a 100% about tomato paste, eggs and olive oil. I make my own veggie stock and store it in the fridge. Love the giveaway. Do throw my name in the hat if a US address works. Thank you!

  • Reply
    marla
    April 13, 2011 at 12:49 pm

    Maris, excellent tips for a well stocked pantry. I have never seen that olive oil before & would love to be included in this awesome giveaway. I use OO all the time in my cooking & baking.

  • Reply
    Blond Duck
    April 13, 2011 at 10:54 am

    Happy Wednesday!

  • Reply
    Roz
    April 13, 2011 at 3:47 am

    LOVE this list of basics! I like to drizzle olive oil on fresh picked tomatoes in the summer, and top it with a bit of salt and fresh basil. Hurry up summer!!!

  • Reply
    Kate@Diethood.com
    April 13, 2011 at 3:53 am

    That is one great list… thank you for posting!
    I use olive oil to dress my salads on a daily basis… I can’t live without my ten or twelve different olive oil bottles. 🙂

  • Reply
    Serena
    April 12, 2011 at 11:43 pm

    I so agree with the tomato paste and canned beans! My mother can’t live without those two and frankly, I can’t either.
    I love to drizzle olive oil on homemade whole-wheat pizza or on a piece of fresh baked french bread from the bakery near us… sigh. So yummy!

  • Reply
    Karen
    April 12, 2011 at 11:28 pm

    Your blog is wonderful and I love this post– it rings true all around! Olive oil is definitely a staple in my apartment (#2 and I’m in my late 20’s, so don’t feel bad!) and I use it ALL the time for just about everything! My favorite way to use it is as a dipping oil with salt and pepper and parmesean and my favorite baguette 🙂 Thanks for the chance to win your lovely prize!

  • Reply
    lisa keys
    April 12, 2011 at 10:54 pm

    I drizzle olive oil on just about everything but especially love it in a lemon cake that I bake from time to time

    • Reply
      Daryl
      April 13, 2011 at 12:45 pm

      You must share this lemon cake recipe. Perhaps a guest post on In Good Taste!

  • Reply
    Tara
    April 12, 2011 at 10:50 pm

    I became a fan on FB

  • Reply
    Tara
    April 12, 2011 at 10:49 pm

    I tweeted!

  • Reply
    Tara
    April 12, 2011 at 10:46 pm

    My favorite way to use olive oil is just mixed with balsamic and dipping warm, fresh bread into it. Deeelish.

  • Reply
    Anne
    April 12, 2011 at 9:39 pm

    I have been planning on trying the olive oil cake that’s been circling the blogosphere…I have a feeling that could be a new favorite! But until then, I love it in marinades for meat or as a way to roast vegetables by drizzling it all over the veggies.

  • Reply
    Stephanie
    April 12, 2011 at 9:22 pm

    Great post on pantry basics! I use olive oil all the time for sauteing. I guess my favorite use would be good quality olive oil eaten just plain on good bread!

  • Reply
    mzt1
    April 12, 2011 at 8:11 pm

    I love to use a good quality olive oil in small amounts for salads as well as for cooking sauteed baby spinach with fresh garlic!

  • Reply
    Jennifer
    April 12, 2011 at 8:05 pm

    Right now it’s fresh arugula and mache from the garden drizzled with Extra Virgin olive oil and fresh lemon juice and sprinkled with peccorino and sea salt. It will be something different when the summer veggies come in. Mmmmm……

  • Reply
    lynn @ the actor's diet
    April 12, 2011 at 7:35 pm

    a good olive oil can make all the difference in a salad – i love using it to dress greens!

  • Reply
    John
    April 12, 2011 at 7:07 pm

    Best way to use olive oil – pour it in a plate, add salt and pepper and dip fresh warm Italian bread in it. Not much of a recipe, but sure is quick…as long as you can find someone to make the bread.

  • Reply
    Kate
    April 12, 2011 at 6:47 pm

    Such a great call regarding the commandments. I have now had to re-stock twice (New York and Charlottesville). My husband and I are moving to North Carolina this summer (once he graduates business school) and we will be stocking our pantry yet again…might need to print our your list 🙂

    I use olive oil almost everyday in the kitchen from pastas, to dips and for sauteing…but my favorite way to use olive oil is for beauty! I oftentime use it as an eye make-up remover if I have run out or to condition my cuticles if I am long overdue for a manicure 🙂

  • Reply
    5 Star foodie
    April 12, 2011 at 12:27 pm

    Great tips for the pantry and a great giveaway. I like to make an olive oil balsamic vinegar dip for the freshly baked bread.

  • Reply
    Barbara @ Modern Comfort Food
    April 12, 2011 at 5:25 pm

    What a genius idea for a food blog, and your 10 commandments are totally on target. Where were you when I needed you… oh, about 38 year ago? Really (really) well done, Maris!

  • Reply
    Rosa
    April 12, 2011 at 5:18 pm

    Great tips! I am a real squirrel when it comes to stocking food. My pantry is explosing.

    Cheers,

    Rosa

  • Reply
    Hannah Q.
    April 12, 2011 at 4:53 pm

    I use olive oil just about everyday, but my favorite use lately is in an orange zest olive oil cake! So divine.

  • Reply
    Megan
    April 12, 2011 at 4:38 pm

    I’m a FB fan!

  • Reply
    Emily
    April 12, 2011 at 4:36 pm

    We use olive oil in a lot of our cooking, but my favorite way is for roasting veggies – especially when they need to be used ASAP. I’ll roast them and then snack on them. They don’t last long after that 🙂

  • Reply
    Megan
    April 12, 2011 at 4:35 pm

    My favorite way to use olive oil is to pour a little puddle on a saucer and to dip a piece of bread right in. Love it with a balsamic drizzle in the middle of the puddle and some pistachios pieces on top.

  • Reply
    Gen
    April 12, 2011 at 4:08 pm

    What an awesome post! Those are all great pantry staples! 😀

  • Reply
    emily (a nutritionist eats)
    April 12, 2011 at 4:08 pm

    I go through a TON of olive oil – but I think my favorite is just with some good bread – I could eat that every day!
    I love your list of pantry staples!

  • Reply
    Rachel W.
    April 12, 2011 at 3:30 pm

    AND I’m a fb fan!

  • Reply
    Rachel W.
    April 12, 2011 at 3:29 pm

    I re-tweeted!

  • Reply
    Rachel W.
    April 12, 2011 at 3:28 pm

    My pre-vegan favorite use of olive oil is mixing it up with fresh cracked black pepper and fresh parmesan cheese, then of course dunking some bread in that bad boy. This mixture is probably due to the fact that I have yet to truly experience really GOOD olive oil…

  • Reply
    Mary
    April 12, 2011 at 3:02 pm

    This is a really helpful post for folks just starting out or infrequent movers. Have a great day. Blessings…MaryI

  • Reply
    Megan
    April 12, 2011 at 2:35 pm

    I love to add seasonings to it and dip bread! Yum!

  • Reply
    Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella
    April 12, 2011 at 2:21 pm

    These are great pantry staples and I definitely agree with them. I have all of these in my pantry now and couldn’t live without them!

  • Reply
    Laura
    April 12, 2011 at 1:52 pm

    Thanks for all the pantry basics tips! And as for my favorite way to use olive oil, I’d have to say as a real simple dressing for some lightly sauteed vegetables. It’s such a flavorful and delicious oil, I like to use it with gorgeous, fresh vegetables to let both of the flavors shine! And thanks for hosting this great giveaway!

  • Reply
    alyssa - fashion fitness foodie
    April 12, 2011 at 11:15 am

    I like to use olive oil in making my own dressings!

  • Reply
    Blond Duck
    April 12, 2011 at 10:53 am

    I’m so glad you included canned beans. So many people over look them!

  • Reply
    Angie@Angiesrecipes
    April 12, 2011 at 4:50 am

    Olive oil is definitely a MUST have in the pantry. Thanks for sharing the tips.

  • Reply
    Sophia @ Raven Waves
    April 12, 2011 at 4:13 am

    Awesome giveaway! My favorite way to use olive oil is drizzled on top of a Greek pasta, with a bit of feta cheese on top!

  • Reply
    Simply Life
    April 11, 2011 at 9:56 pm

    My favorite way to use olive oil is as a light sauce for pasta with a little lemon and parmesan cheese. It’s so simple but always so perfect. And I totally need this – I move WAY TOO MUCH and going through olive oil like water 🙂

  • Reply
    Amanda
    April 12, 2011 at 1:31 am

    My favorite way to enjoy olive oil is in an Insalata Caprese or on roasted sweet potatoes.

  • Reply
    Dishes of Mrs. Fish
    April 12, 2011 at 1:29 am

    Eggs and I are BFFs. Tasty, delicious, and easy. Perfect for midweek dinners.

    This a great informative post, one I’ll have to forward to my soon to be married on her own for the first time cousin.

  • Reply
    Sarah Caron
    April 12, 2011 at 1:04 am

    I adore olive oil and use it on salad (with a little balsamic vinegar), tossed in pastas, and drizzled on roasted veggies.

  • Reply
    NancyC
    April 12, 2011 at 1:04 am

    I became a FB of fan of In Good Taste 🙂

  • Reply
    rebecca
    April 12, 2011 at 12:56 am

    great idea for a post

  • Reply
    NancyC
    April 12, 2011 at 12:56 am

    Those are great pantry-stocking tips! My favorite way to use olive oil is when I make homemade pesto in the summer with basil from my garden. I eat that all summer long!

  • Reply
    Autumn @ Good Eats Girl
    April 12, 2011 at 12:44 am

    Oh, how fun! I’ve been looking for flavored olive oils to try!

    I agree…making eggs is definitely cooking! 🙂

  • Reply
    Adrienne
    April 12, 2011 at 12:36 am

    Yummy bread, balsamic vinegar and olive oil, then I just dunk away:-)

  • Reply
    Dewi
    April 12, 2011 at 12:29 am

    definitely! I always have olive oil in my pantry as I use it a lot for my cooking.

  • Reply
    Katrina @ In Katrina's Kitchen
    April 12, 2011 at 12:07 am

    Thanks for stopping by! I’m glad you liked the Easter egg cereal treats!

    I use olive oil just about every day. My favorite way to use it roght now is drizzled on noodles for my son since he odesn’t like pasta sauce. 🙂

  • Reply
    Ellisha Caplan
    April 12, 2011 at 12:06 am

    I love using olive oil in my challah recipe — it gives it a richer, warmer flavor than plain ol’ vegetable oil. Yum!

  • Reply
    Jessica
    April 12, 2011 at 12:05 am

    Great giveaway! My favorite way to use olive oil is to infuse it with herbs or garlic or even lemOn. It saves time in the lOng run when I am I’m a hurry to sauté something and it pairs perfect with pasta!

  • Reply
    Erica
    April 11, 2011 at 11:05 pm

    What a great post! Having moved wayyyy too many times- I’ve definitely played the restocking games SO many times. I can’t tell you how often I’ve gone to cook for the first time and been like…hmmm where IS the salt & pepper…oh right, you must buy that stuff ;). This olive oil sounds fabulous. I’ve been making these pumpkin bars with olive oil lately and they are AMAZING

  • Reply
    Daryl
    April 11, 2011 at 10:06 pm

    I actually use it for just about everything that calls for oil due to the health benefits

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