Basics: Essential Ingredients

Every cook should have these ingredients in their kitchen:

Oils, Vinegars and Condiments
Oils: canola oil, extra-virgin olive oil, toasted sesame
Vinegars: balsamic, distilled white, red wine, rice
Ketchup
Mayonnaise
Dijon mustard
Soy sauce
Chili paste
Hot sauce
Worcestershire

Seasonings
Kosher salt
Black peppercorns
Dried herbs and spices: bay leaves, cayenne pepper, crushed red pepper, cumin, ground coriander, oregano, paprika, rosemary, thyme leaves, cinnamon, cloves, allspice, ginger, nutmeg
Spice blends: chili powder, curry powder, Italian seasoning
Vanilla extract

Canned Goods and Bottled Items
Canned beans: black, cannellini, chickpeas, kidney
Capers
Olives
Peanut butter
Preserves or jelly
Low-sodium stock or broth
Canned tomatoes
Tomatoes, canned and paste
Salsa
Tuna fish

Grains and Legumes
Breadcrumbs: regular, panko
Couscous
Dried lentils
Pasta: regular, whole wheat
Rice
Rolled oats
One other dried grain: try barley, millet, quinoa or wheatberries

Baking Products
Baking powder
Baking soda
Brown sugar
Cornstarch
All-purpose flour
Granulated sugar
Honey

Refrigerator Basics
Butter
Cheese: sharp cheddar, feta, Parmesan, mozzarella
Large eggs
Milk
Plain yogurt
Corn tortillas

Freezer Basics
Frozen fruit: blackberries, blueberries, peaches, strawberries
Frozen vegetables: broccoli, bell pepper and onion mix, corn, edamame, peas, spinach

Storage Produce
Garlic
Onions (red, yellow)
Potatoes
Dried fruit: raisins, apples, apricots
Nuts or seeds: almonds, peanuts, sunflower