Most of us have been in this situation: We buy a nice cut of meat and some robust veggies, get it all home, and then feel at a loss as to what we can do with it. To remedy this problem, you do not need to become a master chef; all you need to do is keep your kitchen stocked with a few, basic ingredients. Below are the 10 staple ingredients you should always keep in your kitchen.

Chicken Broth

Why chicken broth? With this on hand, you can make soups, throw dinner into the crock pot, add flavor to casseroles, and more. With this on hand, cooking gets a lot easier. And if you don’t mind adding another staple to your list, chicken bouillon cubes are another great item to keep on hand for when you need the flavor, but not as much moisture.

 

Tomato Paste

Like chicken broth, this is a very versatile item. You can use it to make sauces, add flavor to other dishes, or as a topping on items such as meatloaf. As an ingredient, it forces you to be a bit adventurous as you will want to make sure you season it when you use it.

 

Soy Sauce

When a dish needs a bit of umami added to it, you cannot do better than soy sauce. It also works great with Asian inspired dishes and makes the perfect base for meat marinades. This one is simply a must.

 

Flour

No, you don’t need to be a baker to have flour on hand. This ingredient is helpful when cooking a variety of dishes, especially fried ones. And even if you never turn on your oven, it can help you satisfy your sweet tooth in the form of mug cakes.

Eggs

On their own or as part of a larger recipe, eggs are vital. And they are quick to cook. Perfect for meals on the go and adding a kick of protein to whatever you have planned, you should make sure you always have a few in the fridge.

Garlic

Okay, so not everyone is crazy about garlic, but if you enjoy the flavor, it makes for the perfect touch on so many dishes. Garlic is a great way to invigorate your standard recipes and is a vital ingredient in most ethnic dishes, so you need this on hand to keep you from falling into a rut.

A Real Spice Collection

This might be cheating a little since this is a list of 10 ingredients, but it is important. Without spices, all you will be eating is bland food. Make sure you have your standard spices, such as cumin and oregano, but pass through the spice isle during your weekly grocery trip and grab a few unusual mixes to give a try. You might be surprised by what you like.

Olive Oil

A lot of recipes will call for the use of oil, either as a cooking agent or for flavor. A quality olive oil works well for both, and will help keep your meals healthier.

Balsamic Vinegar

Every kitchen needs a flavored vinegar, and balsamic vinegar is very versatile. It is great for salads, meats, and pretty much anything that could use a bit of tanginess.

Sea Salt

Finally, salt is a must have, so why not go for sea salt? Packing plenty of flavor as well as health benefits, it is the ideal salt to keep in your kitchen

 

What are your kitchen staple items?