In this post, I thought I would take a moment to list a few items that I feel are essential foods that any good home cook should keep in the kitchen. Foods included on this list are good for cooking everyday meals and desserts. This list is based on my African American experience in the kitchen. However, I tried to create a list that is pretty universal for American kitchens.
This list is not in any particular order. Let’s take a look.
1. Sugar
Sugar imparts sweetness. It is needed for baked goods and beverages. It can be used in sweet or savory foods. It balances out the flavor.
2. Flour
Flour can be used in both baked goods and savory foods. It’s used as a thickening agent when cooking foods such as sauces, gravies, and soups. It is also good for coating foods that are being fried.
3. Ketchup
This condiment can add flavor to any dish. It has a variety of uses. It’s most commonly used a dipping sauce. However, it can also be used as an ingredient in many recipes. For example, ketchup can be used to make salad dressing, cocktail sauce, and sweet and sour sauce.
4. Mustard
Mustard is a condiment that can also be used to make sauces and to season meet. There are a variety of mustards available. Choose your favorite to keep in your kitchen.
5. Mayonnaise
Mayonnaise is a versatile condiment. It can be used for cooking and baking. For instance, it can be added to cake batter for additional moisture. It can also be brushed on bread instead of butter to make an excellent grilled cheese sandwich.
6. Cereal (Hot or Cold)
Keeping cereal of any kind is important because it can be used to make a quick meal, especially in the morning before work or school. Also, hot cereals such as oatmeal can be used as an ingredient for baking and making smoothies.
7. Broth
This item is definitely a kitchen essential because it has many uses in a lot of recipes. It can also be used as a replacement for water when cooking rice and vegetable dishes.
8. Bread
Bread is a staple that should be kept in your kitchen on a weekly basis. It can be used for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. It can be eaten alone or used with other ingredients to make a meal.
9. Rice
Rice can be either a side dish or a main dish. Just add your favorite meat, vegetable, seasoning, or sauce and you have an instant meal.
10. Beans
My mother and grandmother always kept a bag of beans on hand just in case we hit hard times (they also saved the ham bone from Thanksgiving in the freezer to season the beans). Beans can be a side or main dish.
11. Cooking Oil
Oil is an ingredient used in a multitude of recipes. It can be used to add fat and flavor. It is also used for frying and sauteing food. Therefore, it’s important to at least keep a basic cooking oil (like a vegetable oil) in the kitchen for everyday cooking.
12. Corn Starch
This is a good thickening agent like flour.
13. Baking Soda
This item is on the list because it is good for baking. It can also be used as an air freshener in the refrigerator.
14. Honey
It’s a natural sweetener and a good alternative to granulated white sugar.
15. Hot/Cold Beverages
Tea or coffee are good to keep on hand to fix a beverage for yourself or a guest any time of the year.
16. Baking Powder
This is an essential ingredient used in baked goods. If you are a baking, this one is a good item to keep on your shelf. Many of my favorite dessert recipes require this ingredient.
17. Eggs
Eggs are not only a good source of protein, but they are used all of the time as an ingredient or part of a meal.
18. Milk
This beverage is good by itself. However, it can be added to other dishes (both savory and sweet).
19. Butter/Margarine
This item is essential because it is an ingredient that is added to many recipes. It’s also good for sauteing meats and vegetables.
20. Onion
This vegetable is used in many recipes in order to add fragrance and flavor. It’s good with meat and other vegetables.
21. Green Pepper
This is another vegetable that is fragrant and flavorful and used in a lot of recipes. Green peppers can be used with meat and other vegetables. It can also be a good healthy snack.
22. Vegetables (Fresh or Frozen)
Vegetables are a healthy food and an essential part of your diet. They are also used to make many side dishes and are an essential part of many meals.
23. Fruit
Fruit is an essential item because it’s part of a healthy diet. Plus, they can be used in a variety of dishes.
24. Chicken
Chicken seems to be a universal meat to keep on hand. It’s versatile and can be used in a variety of ways in order to make a tasty meal.
25. Cheese
This kitchen essential is a good snack and can be used to enhance a variety of dishes.
ESSENTIAL FOOD HONORABLE MENTIONS
– Peanut Butter and Jelly
– Cake Mix and Icing
– Pancake Mix and Maple Syrup
– Pasta
– Cornmeal
– Jiffy Mix
– Soy Sauce
Now that we have come to the end of my list, what do you think? Which foods do you feel are essentials in your kitchen? Leave a comment below.
