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.
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Spices: Coriander

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

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Spices: Cumin

Photo © Kate Mathis
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Mix with ginger and garlic to add Indian flavor, with oregano and cilantro for Mexican flavor.

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Spices: Smoked Paprika

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

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Spices: Cinnamon

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

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Spices: Chile Flakes

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

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Condiments: Soy Sauce

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

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Condiments: Tomato

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

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Condiments: Harissa

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

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Cookware: Nonstick Pan

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

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Cookware: Pasta Pot

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

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Cookware: 12-Inch Skillet

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

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