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10 Pantry Staples That Make Dinner Easy

The best weeknight cooks are not the ones with the most skill. They are the ones with a well-stocked pantry. When your cupboard has the basics, a delicious dinner is always about 20 minutes away. Here are the ten items we never run out of, and what we make with them.

  1. 1Pasta

    pasta dinner plate

    Spaghetti, penne and one short shape cover nearly every sauce. Cooked with garlic, oil and chili, it is dinner in 12 minutes.

  2. 2Canned tomatoes

    Whole peeled tomatoes are the base of sauces, soups, stews and shakshuka. Buy good ones, because the flavor shows.

  3. 3Rice

    Long-grain and basmati rice keep for years and turn leftovers into a meal.

  4. 4Canned beans and chickpeas

    Rinse, season and eat. They are protein, fiber and comfort in a can.

  5. 5Olive oil

    One good bottle for finishing, one cheaper for cooking.

  6. 6Garlic and onions

    The start of almost every savory recipe in the world. Store them in a cool, dark place.

  7. 7Spices

    spices jars kitchen

    Start with cumin, paprika, oregano, chili flakes and black pepper. Buy small amounts and replace them yearly.

  8. 8Stock cubes or concentrate

    Instant depth for soups, rice dishes and sauces.

  9. 9Eggs

    The most versatile emergency dinner: omelet, fried rice, frittata.

  10. 10Soy sauce

    Salt and savory flavor for stir-fries, marinades and even tomato sauce.

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