Life is absurdly busy, and it's only fair to pile shopping carts, both online and in-store, with the tried-and-true, familiar groceries that get us through a week of home-cooked meals. However, for those looking to enhance their favorite recipes, there are a handful of underappreciated pantry items that should also find permanent spots on their kitchen shelves.
We interviewed a dozen top chefs from around the country for their expert recommendations, from dish stars to supporting roles. These are the eight products to consider before checkout.
Clam juice
No, this is not some call to chug a bottle due to a current health fad. Clam juice is one of the most versatile ingredients that money can buy, adding a whisper of oceanic flavors to everything from sauces, soups and even Bloody Marys.
"You can also use it to make a wonderful sauce for pan-seared fish," says Rodney Freidank, executive chef at Lefty's West End Tavern in Greenville, South Carolina. "First, sear the fish in olive oil, remove it and [then] add some garlic, fresh or dried thyme and white wine. Reduce the mixture by half, then add the bottle of clam juice and reduce it by half again. Turn off the heat and whisk in some butter. Return the fish to the pan and gently finish cooking."
Anchovies
Chefs build entire recipes around a tin of anchovies. duckycards/Getty
It's time to tackle America's bizarre aversion to the salty fish and make it a mealtime staple. Aside from providing a salty, umami bite, anchovies are packed with omega-3s, proteins, and minerals that make it a certified superfood.
"Anchovies give an instant hit of umami without ever announcing itself. They can also be plated outright for a visual element or hidden in sauces or dressings," says Mireya Ryan, executive sous chef of T. Cook's at Royal Palms Resort and Spa in Scottsdale, Arizona.
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