Real Food, Real Fast: Pantry Staples

I’m highlighting some of the everyday heroes in my kitchen this week. I use them almost daily to create simple, delicious, nourishing food for my family. If you have theses on hand, you can make an infinite amount of yumminess.

• olive oil

• salt

• fresh cracked black pepper

• garlic (fresh or powder)

• onion (usually fresh, but powder works too)

• smoked paprika

This is a shoutout to simplicity. I know there are 50 spices in my cabinet, but they are there to support me, not to overwhelm me. This list is like my right arm - invaluable. I can roast, sauté, purée. I make sides and mains. With just these six things.

Roast: Garlic roasts on it own to toss into any dish. Use olive oil to toss with your asparagus (I add sliced garlic here), brussel sprouts, or sweet potatoes and roast. Salt and pepper.

Sauté: I use fresh garlic and/or onions (powder is also an option) as a base when I sauté spinach, mushrooms, kale, etc. Toss them with some beans for a complete meal. Sprinkle in some smoked paprika for a more complex flavor. Salt and pepper.

Purée: Take your sautéd onion, garlic and spinach mixture and blend it for some creamed spinach. (thanks mom!) Salt and pepper.

Main dish: Sauté onions and toss in some black and aduki beans with canned crushed tomatoes, vegetable stock, salt, pepper, smoked paprika and voila - chili!

I bet you’ve got your own must-haves! What makes the cut for your list?