A well-stocked kitchen allows you to make healthy meals at home. If you have the basic ingredients in your kitchen and you restock as needed, you won’t be tempted to frequently order out or pick up fast food on the way home. For quick meals, there are some basics that you can keep on hand when you want to make an easy homecooked meal. Consider stocking up on some of these items so that you’re always prepared to make a quick dinner that doesn’t require a lot of planning or prep work.
Pantry staples
A stocked pantry makes it easy to cook fresh meals in little time. Keep a variety of spice blends, seasonings and marinades to flavor meats and vegetables. Consider having different types of grains like quinoa, rice and various types of pasta. Don’t forget the sauces. While jarred sauces may not be as good as homemade, they are a great timesaver on a busy night. It’s also a good idea to have a few different types of cooking oils, as some work better at different temperatures for frying, baking or roasting.
Baking basics
Not everyone enjoys baking or has the inclination to try it. But there are some shortcuts you can take if you want fresh baked goods without the hassle. Check your store’s baking aisle for premade mixes for biscuits, cornbread, cakes and cookies. These usually require you to add only a few additional ingredients before baking. For scratch baking, most things can be made using basic ingredients like flour, sugar, yeast, salt, eggs, butter, baking powder and baking soda.
Meals with few ingredients
One-pot meals and sheet pan dinners are quick and easy to cook and clean up. There are many different tried-and-true recipes available online that show you how to use a few ingredients to make quick meals in little time. Pick a few of your favorites and keep those ingredients stocked. A sheet pan dinner can be as simple as roasting your favorite veggies with a protein in some oil and seasonings. Pasta and rice dishes are perfect for creating one-skillet meals from what you have on hand.
A well-stocked kitchen of simple ingredients can help you get dinner on the table in little time. Experimenting with new dishes can be fun, but it’s also a good idea to have some simple favorites that you can turn to when you don’t have time or energy to be creative. Keep the basics on hand so you’re ready to prepare simple meals without spending hours in the kitchen.
