Busy weeks breed autopilot grocery runs. We grab the same staples, cook the same meals and move on. There's no shame in falling back on the familiar, but a handful of underrated pantry additions can quietly transform the way you cook -- giving worn-out recipes a second wind and sparking new cooking projects worth getting excited about.
If you're looking to add panache to your pantry, try adding some more obscure ingredients to have on hand when the going gets dull. 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
Chefs build entire recipes around a tin of anchovies. duckycards/Getty Images
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