Below are 40 essential ingredients—organized by pantry, fridge, and freezer—that put in major overtime, along with 20 easy recipes you can make with them. If you spot an ingredient you’re lacking (or that the grocery store is sold out of), don’t sweat it. You can either omit it, or find a substitute in one of our guides.
Pantry Staples
Brown rice, quinoa, farro, and/or barleyLentilsPastaPolentaPotatoes, sweet potatoesOnions and garlicCanned beansCanned brothBread crumbsRed or white wineJarred marinara sauceCanned tomatoesNuts and nut butterBalsamic vinegarNutritional yeastOlive oilSalt, pepper, and spices
Refrigerator Staples
Fresh herbs of choice Mixed greens and/or kale Cabbage Mushrooms Ginger Carrots Beets Lemons, limes, and other citrus fruits Parmesan Butter Hummus Sour cream Eggs Dijon mustard Milk or non-dairy milk alternatives Cheeses of choice
Freezer Staples
Mixed berriesFrozen vegetables (broccoli, peas, spinach, cauliflower)TortillasBreadShrimpSalmonChicken breasts, thighs, and/or whole chicken
20 easy recipes you can make using these ingredients.
Soups
Red Lentil Squash Soup With Lemon Curried Cauliflower Soup Whole-Grain Minestrone With Parmesan Crisps Red Cabbage and Beet Borscht Peruvian-Style Chicken Soup With Cilantro and Lime
High-Protein Mains
Slow-Roasted Citrus Salmon Greek Chicken and Potatoes Slow Cooker Coq au Vin Vegetarian Tacos With Sweet Potatoes and Corn Crunchy Skillet Eggs With Herbs Mole-Spiced Black Bean and Quinoa Bowl
Pasta and Rice Dishes
Shrimp Linguine With Chorizo Roasted Broccoli Pesto Pasta Barley Risotto and Purple Slaw
Sides
Creamy One-Pot Mashed Potatoes Root Vegetable Latkes Spinach and Parmesan Dutch Baby Cheesy Baked Beans and Tomatoes Deeply Caramelized Onion Dip Kale and Cheddar Flatbread
