Milk Street
MUST-HAVES

At Milk Street, our basic pantry staples are similar to those of most home cooks. We always keep canned tomatoes, beans and tuna on our shelves, along with a variety of grains, noodles and broth. We also make sure to have go-to spices and seasonings that are one-stop shopping for big flavor, fast, such as chili and curry powders. And, of course, we always have hot sauce, vinegars and a few dried herbs, as well as potatoes and alliums stored somewhere cool and dark. In the refrigerator, we have relatively sturdy dairy products, such as yogurt and cheese, and in the freezer we keep the basic meats and vegetables.

But while those pantry staples are an excellent place to start for getting supper on the table without a fuss, sometimes even those heroes need a little help. We get that by way of what we consider our high-impact must-haves, bold ingredients that effortlessly deliver tons of flavor and texture.

HERE ARE OUR TOP 25 MUST-HAVES AND WHY WE LOVE THEM.

ANCHOVIES PACKED IN OIL

These tiny, salt-cured and oil-packed fish are intensely savory and lend depth to sauces, pastas, braises and dressings. Look for large, meaty fillets from Spain, Portugal and Italy. Jarred anchovies tend to be fuller flavored and easier to store once opened than flat-packed cans. We don’t recommend anchovy paste; it can be too salty.

BACON

Bacon adds sweet smoky depth to all types of dishes. It stores well in the freezer, and can be cooked without defrosting, so we always keep it on hand for quick meals. In some instances, we’ll render the fat and crisp the bacon, then remove that to serve as a crispy garnish. Save the rendered fat for flavoring beans and potatoes, or adding to fried rice or noodles for its trademark smokiness and lush texture.

CAPERS

The cured buds of the caper plant (Capparis spinosa), which grows throughout the Mediterranean, capers are piquant and herbal and can add a pop of flavor to pastas, sauces, relishes and more. The most common variety is bottled in brine, though capers also are packed in coarse salt (these taste stronger and should be rinsed before use). Refrigerate once opened.