Top 10 Ingredients to Have on Hand

Keeping healthy ingredients in your kitchen makes it easier to prepare meals that are good for you (and will give you less of an excuse for resorting to takeout!). To help you get started on stocking your kitchen, here are 10 types of ingredients you may want to keep on hand:

1. Dry pasta is a great main ingredient that can be combined with vegetables and sauces in a wide variety of delicious dishes—plus, it’s easy to store and not expensive to buy.
2. Frozen vegetables are a quick and easy way to store and prepare vegetables when you don’t have too much time on your hands.
3. Grains like rice or quinoa are another type of ingredient that are versatile and easy to store.
4. Frozen proteins like chicken breasts, hamburgers, or even tofu is a good way of keeping your proteins on hand without worrying that they might go bad. Can’t figure out what to cook for dinner? Just check the freezer!
5. Fresh bread, whether baked at home or picked up from the bakery, makes it easy to grab a quick bite when you need it. Make sandwiches, toast, or enjoy with dip for a quick snack.
6. Salad greens can be found at the local grocery store or farmer’s market and can be combined in all kinds of delicious and nutritious salads.
7. Condiments like mustard or hot sauce are a perfect addition to a variety of dishes, whether you simply want some extra flavour or are looking to add some heat.
8. Favourite seasonings from salt to red-pepper flakes, cayenne to cumin, thyme to oregano, spices and dried herbs are a key ingredient to preparing delicious meals.
9. Eggs are not only needed in many baking recipes but can also be prepared in several different ways for any meal of the day.
10. Milk, cream or dairy alternatives such as soy or almond milk are often called for in baking recipes and creamy dishes. Even if you’re not a milk drinker, you may like to add a splash in your coffee or tea.