INGREDIENTS TO STOCK AN ITALIAN PANTRY

Whether you’re Italian, love Italian food, or just want to keep your pantry up to date, it’s important to have the basic Italian cooking staples in your kitchen. When you cook Italian food, you cook from the heart and soul, so it’s important to not skimp on any important ingredients that a recipe may call for.

Italian Herbs & Spices

First things first, herbs! Spices and herbs are very important when it comes to cooking in general, as they elevate any dish and enhance flavor. Italian dishes rely on specific herbs to distinguish their classics – think basil in a basil pesto, and crispy sage with brown butter gnocchi. Other must-have herbs and spices to include in your Italian pantry are bay leaves, parsley, oregano, hot chili, thyme, black pepper, and rosemary.

Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Pour olive oil on everything to make any dish instantly better – think tomatoes, salads, seafood, pasta, the list goes on! You can never go wrong with buying a good quality, cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil; it’s the most natural and highest quality oil. Remember to always keep it stored in a cool spot, away from the sun, in order for it to keep its fresh flavor. We cannot stress enough how important olive oil is for a classic Italian pantry, and there are so many incredible and globally award-winning local extra virgin olive oils to choose from.

Balsamic Vinegar

We know we went on a whole spiel about how olive oil is the “it” condiment in an Italian pantry, but we are here to open your minds… balsamic vinegar is just as important. Adding this to salads – game-changer; adding to risotto – out of this world. In Venice, they even add aged balsamic vinegar to their gelato. In order to get the wonderful flavors that balsamic vinegar has to offer, make sure to buy the traditional option.

Tomatoes

It’s no secret that tomatoes are a staple in Italian cooking. From classic tomato sauces to caprese salads, tomatoes are used in a variety of dishes. When it comes to stocking your Italian pantry, it’s important to have both canned tomatoes and fresh tomatoes on hand. Canned tomatoes are great for making sauces and soups, while fresh tomatoes are perfect for salads and bruschetta. Make sure to choose ripe and flavorful tomatoes for the best results.

Pasta

No Italian pantry is complete without a selection of pasta. From spaghetti to penne to linguine, there are so many different types of pasta to choose from. It’s always a good idea to have a variety of shapes and sizes on hand, as different sauces and dishes call for different types of pasta. Opt for high-quality pasta made from durum wheat for the best flavor and texture.

Cheese

Cheese plays a crucial role in Italian cuisine, and no Italian pantry is complete without a selection of cheeses. Parmigiano-Reggiano, mozzarella, and pecorino are all must-haves. Parmigiano-Reggiano is perfect for grating over pasta dishes, while mozzarella is essential for caprese salads and pizza. Pecorino, a sheep’s milk cheese, adds a distinctive flavor to pasta dishes and salads.

Rice

While pasta is the most commonly used starch in Italian cuisine, rice also plays an important role. Risotto, a creamy rice dish, is a classic Italian dish that requires arborio rice. Arborio rice has a high starch content, which gives risotto its signature creamy texture. Make sure to have arborio rice on hand if you plan on making this delicious dish.

Beans

Beans are a staple in Italian cooking, and having a variety of canned beans in your pantry is essential. Cannellini beans, chickpeas, and lentils are all great options. Cannellini beans are commonly used in soups and salads, while chickpeas are used in dishes like hummus and pasta e ceci. Lentils are a great pantry staple as they are versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes.

Anchovies

Anchovies may not be everyone’s favorite ingredient, but they are a must-have in Italian cooking. Anchovies add a deep, savory flavor to dishes like pasta puttanesca and Caesar salad dressing. You can buy them canned or in jars, and they are typically packed in oil or salt. If you’re not a fan of whole anchovies, you can also find anchovy paste, which is a convenient option for adding their umami flavor to your dishes.

Garlic

Garlic is a key ingredient in Italian cooking, and it’s an essential part of any Italian pantry. It adds a pungent, aromatic flavor to dishes and is used in everything from pasta sauces to marinades. Fresh garlic is preferable, but you can also keep minced garlic or garlic powder on hand for convenience.

Onions

Onions are another essential ingredient in Italian cuisine. They add depth and flavor to sauces, soups, and stews. Yellow onions are the most commonly used variety, but you can also keep red onions or shallots on hand for different dishes. Make sure to store your onions in a cool, dry place to ensure they stay fresh.

Wine

Wine is not only for drinking but also plays a crucial role in Italian cooking. Red wine is commonly used in meat sauces and stews, while white wine is used in pasta sauces and risottos. It’s important to choose a wine that you enjoy drinking, as the flavor will be infused into your dishes. If you don’t want to open a bottle of wine every time you cook, you can also keep a bottle of cooking wine on hand.

These are just a few of the essential ingredients to stock an Italian pantry. Of course, there are many more ingredients and specialty items that can be added depending on your personal preferences and the types of dishes you enjoy cooking. The key is to have a variety of high-quality ingredients on hand so that you can create delicious and authentic Italian dishes whenever the craving strikes. So, go ahead and stock up your pantry and get ready to cook up a storm of Italian flavors!