How to Cook Dinner From a Basic Pantry

A practical guide to turning a few staple ingredients into a meal.

A stocked pantry does not need dozens of products. A few staples can give you a base for many meals if you know how to combine them.

Build around five basics

• A grain such as rice, couscous or pasta
• A protein such as beans, chickpeas, eggs or canned fish
• A vegetable, fresh or frozen
• A flavor base such as onion, garlic or tomato
• An ingredient that adds richness such as olive oil, yogurt or cheese

Use a simple sequence

1. Choose the main ingredient and cooking method.
2. Start the flavor base in oil.
3. Add spices before liquid so they have time to release their aroma.
4. Add the main ingredients and cook until tender.
5. Taste before serving. Add salt, acid or herbs as needed.

Three combinations to try

Rice + chickpeas + tomato + cumin. Pasta + canned tomatoes + butter + Parmesan. Couscous + roasted vegetables + yogurt + lemon.

The best pantry habit

Write down three meals you can make with what you already own. When shopping, replace only the ingredients that those meals depend on. This reduces forgotten food and makes weeknight cooking easier.