Modern life moves at a relentless pace, which explains why we tend to stock up on the same reliable staples. Whether clicking through checkout screens or pushing carts down familiar aisles, we rely on these ingredients to carry us through another week of cooking without much thought.
For home cooks eager to elevate their everyday dishes, though, there's a collection of overlooked pantry essentials that deserve a permanent place in the cupboard. If you've grown weary of even your favorite recipes, a small spice adjustment or aromatic addition can give them a second life. And the right pantry items can inspire new and exciting recipes.
I interviewed a dozen top chefs from around the country for their expert recommendations, from dish stars to supporting roles.
Here are eight pantry ingredients to consider before checkout.
1. Clam juice
Add an ocean brine to sauces, soups and Bloody Marys. Bar Harbor
No, this is not a call to chug a bottle because of 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 clam juice bottle 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."
2. Anchovies
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