NYT Cooking - How to Stock a Modern Pantry

September 19,2024

“Pantry” is an antique word with an eternal logic: Cooking is simpler and faster when you already have the ingredients. We’ve identified three levels of pantries among our readers — essential, expanded and expert — so whether you’re beginning to cook, stretching toward new flavors or an old hand with wide-ranging tastes, you’ll be prepared. Our definition of pantry encompasses refrigerator, freezer and cupboard, so you can make entire meals with “pantry” items. We know that no two people will agree on a list of staples — one cook’s go-to ingredient may be new ground for another — but this is the stuff we believe you should keep on hand. For the most part, they’re ingredients that last. When you run low on potatoes or lemons, don’t wait to restock. Instead, put them on the shopping list so they’re always at the ready..
Cooking is simpler and faster when you have already have the ingredients. Be prepared. Let Julia Moskin show you how.