[ EVERYDAY ESSENTIALS ]
The Art of the Pantry Staple
We believe in the art of a well-stocked pantry. Imagine flipping through a cookbook, a recipe catches your eye, and you realize—you've already got everything you need right at your fingertips. While you might need to grab a few fresh items, having a pantry stocked with both specialty finds and everyday essentials streamlines your cooking experience. It's about embracing convenience without compromising on quality and taste. Explore our pantry staples—a blend of specialty items that add flair to dishes and everyday essentials for effortless, inspired cooking. These are some of the pantry staples in Lauren’s kitchen at all times.
Try your darndest to find a local neighborhood market or grocer. If you’re in Nashville, we recommend Spread Market.
None of these links are affiliate links, they’re truly our favorites.
Olive Oil
Quality olive oil serves as a cornerstone in the kitchen, elevating dishes with its rich flavor and versatile uses. Beyond its taste, it adds depth and complexity to meals, be it a simple salad or a hearty stew. Choosing high-quality olive oil isn't just about taste; it's about authenticity. We’re huge fans of the FLAMINGO ESTATE EVOO and GRAZA.
Finishing Salt
We cherish the importance of this simple yet impactful ingredient. Whether it's sprinkled over a freshly baked loaf, a batch of cookies, or a sizzling steak, this salt enhances the flavors, bringing a new dimension to your meals. Investing in quality finishing flaky sea salt is a game-changer in the kitchen. We love MALDONS SEA SALT.
Moroccan Harissa or Calabrian Chilis
Enhance your meals with a spicy kick! Calabrian chilis or Moroccan harissa bring vibrant, bold flavors that elevate any dish. Whether you prefer the smoky tones of harissa or the lively heat of Calabrian chilis, these ingredients are a surefire way to spice up your meals and create unforgettable flavors. This is by far my favorite HARISSA.
Anchovies, Olives, Salami, etc.
Having a stock of anchovies, olives, salami, and canned tuna in your pantry can instantly elevate your culinary creations. Anchovies bring a savory depth to sauces and dressings. Salami provides a versatile option for charcuterie boards or quick flavor boosts, while canned tuna serves as a convenient protein source for salads, sandwiches, or pasta dishes. These pantry heroes are indispensable for adding richness and depth to your meals at a moment's notice. We’re huge fans of FISH WIFE for tinned fish.
Briny Additions
Always keep a backup jar of your favorite briny snacks like capers, pickles, or olives. I've learned the hard way that I go through capers and cornichons quicker than expected, so having an extra jar on hand has been a game-changer. These FILTHY CORNICHON STUFFED OLIVES are my personal favorite snack.
Vinegars
A diverse selection of vinegars in your pantry opens up a world of flavor possibilities. From balsamic's rich and sweet profile to the tangy punch of apple cider vinegar, each variety adds its own unique taste to dishes. Red wine vinegar offers robustness, while white wine vinegar provides a lighter touch. Rice vinegar introduces a delicate acidity, perfect for Asian-inspired recipes. ACID LEAGUE has an awesome selection of vinegar variations.
Hot Sauce
Having a trusty bottle of hot sauce in your pantry is like having a secret flavor enhancer at your fingertips. Whether it's the fiery kick of habanero or the tangy zest of Tabasco, hot sauce can transform any dish into a flavor adventure. A dash or drizzle can breathe life into soups, stews, tacos, or even morning eggs. It's the versatile touch that elevates the mundane and adds a layer of excitement to your palate. We’re loving ZAB’S lately.
Chili Oil
Chili oil, a pantry staple with a punch! While not as chunky as harissa or as fiery as Calabrian chilis, chili oil adds a unique depth of flavor and a hint of heat to your dishes. It's incredibly versatile, perfect for drizzling over pizzas, pastas, roasted veggies, or even a simple avocado toast. We can’t get enough of BOON these days.
Miso
This traditional Japanese seasoning adds a unique depth to your meals, providing a savory richness that enhances the overall taste experience. Not only does miso bring a complex umami flavor, but it also offers a range of health benefits, including digestive support and a source of essential nutrients. Whether you're using it as a marinade, soup base, or flavor enhancer in dressings and sauces, miso is a pantry staple that can take your cooking to the next level. Try this organic non-gmao brand, KYOTO SHIRO.
Truffle Oil
This decadent pantry staple adds a touch of gourmet sophistication to any meal. Made from infusing high-quality olive oil with the essence of truffles, this oil boasts a rich, earthy flavor that enhances everything from pasta to popcorn. Just a few drops can transform a simple dish into a culinary masterpiece. Drizzle it over risotto, pizza, or mashed potatoes for a luxurious finish, or use it to add depth to vinaigrettes and marinades.
OTHER PANTRY STAPLES TO STOCK UP ON:
Dried Herbs and Spices: Including a variety of dried herbs and spices like basil, oregano, thyme, cinnamon, cumin, and paprika can significantly enhance the flavor profile of your dishes.
Grains and Legumes: Items like rice, quinoa, lentils, and beans serve as versatile ingredients and can be the base for a variety of dishes, from salads to soups.
Canned Tomatoes: Having canned tomatoes on hand offers convenience when preparing sauces, stews, or soups, providing a quick and tasty base for many recipes.
Nuts and Seeds: Stocking almonds, walnuts, pine nuts, chia seeds, or sesame seeds can add texture, protein, and flavor to meals or serve as toppings for salads or yogurt.
Dried Pasta and Rice: Keeping a variety of pasta shapes and rice types ensures you're always prepared for a quick, comforting meal.
Honey or Maple Syrup: Having a natural sweetener available is perfect for baking, marinades, dressings, or sweetening beverages.
Coconut Milk or Cream: This versatile ingredient is handy for both sweet and savory recipes, from curries to desserts.
Pantry Staples Recipes
Mediterranean Couscous Salad
1 cup couscous
1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
1/2 cup Castelvetrano olives, chopped
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped
1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
1/4 cup olive oil
3 tablespoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1 teaspoon honey
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Salt and pepper, to taste
Cook the couscous according to package instructions. Fluff with a fork and let cool to room temperature.
In a large bowl, combine the cooked couscous, chickpeas, sun-dried tomatoes, Calestavo olives, parsley, mint, red onion, and feta cheese.
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Pour the dressing over the couscous mixture and toss to combine.
Cover and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve chilled, and enjoy as a refreshing and flavorful side dish or light meal.
Pasta with Preserved Lemons and Anchovies
8 oz pasta of your choice
2-3 preserved lemons, pulp removed, rind thinly sliced
4-6 anchovy fillets, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup olive oil
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and black pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Handful of walnuts (optional)
Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant.
Add the chopped anchovies and preserved lemon slices to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes, or until the anchovies have dissolved into the oil and the lemon slices have softened.
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to combine, adding reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce. Season the pasta with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to heat through.
Remove the skillet from the heat and garnish with chopped parsley.
*ADD CHILI OIL OR TRUFFLE OIL DRIZZLE
