Kitchen Staples for the Minimalist Cook

By Food & Wine
Updated March 08, 2017
Photo courtesy of All-Clad
From spices to skillets, here are some non-negotiables for any home cook.
Start Slideshow

1 of 11

Spices: Coriander

Credit: Photo © Kate Mathis
Go to Recipe

Use along with salt and pepper for seasoning everything from roasted chicken to grilled vegetables.

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 11

Spices: Cumin

Credit: Photo © Kate Mathis
Go to Recipe

Mix with ginger and garlic to add Indian flavor, with oregano and cilantro for Mexican flavor.

3 of 11

Spices: Smoked Paprika

Credit: Photo © Kate Mathis
Go to Recipe

Add to any vegetarian dish to give it a meaty flavor, or blend with ketchup to serve on grilled burgers.

Advertisement

4 of 11

Spices: Cinnamon

Credit: Photo © Kate Mathis
Go to Recipe

Add to pancakes and baked goods or blend with cumin and coriander to make an exotic spice rub.

5 of 11

Spices: Chile Flakes

Credit: Photo © Kate Mathis
Go to Recipe

Sprinkle in sautéed greens, pasta dishes and nut mixes. Use in place of dried chiles in Asian cooking.

6 of 11

Condiments: Soy Sauce

Credit: Photo © Kate Mathis
Go to Recipe

Add a few drops to brothy soups or steamed vegetables. Stir into mayonnaise for sandwiches.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 11

Condiments: Tomato

Credit: Photo © Kate Mathis
Go to Recipe

Squeeze into sautéed onions and cook for 30 seconds before adding the other ingredients to a stew.

8 of 11

Condiments: Harissa

Credit: Photo © Kate Mathis
Go to Recipe

Rub this fiery Tunisian chile paste over meat before roasting, spread on grilled cheese or stir into seafood stews.

9 of 11

Cookware: Nonstick Pan

Credit: Photo courtesy of Bialetti
Go to Recipe

Even eggs don't stick to Bialetti's "Aeternum" scratch-resistant ceramic coating. From $20; bialettishop.com.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 11

Cookware: Pasta Pot

Credit: Photo courtesy of Calphalon
Go to Recipe

Calphalon's hard-anodized aluminum pasta pot comes with two strainers. $100; pans.com.

11 of 11

Cookware: 12-Inch Skillet

Credit: Photo courtesy of All-Clad
Go to Recipe

All-Clad's kitchen-workhorse skillets can be used on the stovetop or in the oven. $140; metrokitchen.com.

Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Up Next

By Food & Wine