There are so many great ingredients that can be used in harmony to create delicious meals. Hazelview Properties has picked five essential ingredients out of the plethora of ingredients available to kick-start your first kitchen.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Extra Virgin Olive Oil or EVOO as it is commonly called is heavily used in many cuisines, especially Italian and Spanish. EVOO truly is the lifeblood of many cuisines and dishes, commonly used for such things as making marinades, salad dressings, sautéing vegetables and meats, or simply as a dipping oil for fresh bread. For best results, store your extra virgin olive oil in a cool, dark and dry place in order to preserve its great flavour and character.
Herbs
Herbs are the fastest and easiest way to transform bland meals into culinary masterpieces full of flavour. They are also easy to grow, and can be planted in containers right in your kitchen. Some popular examples include basil, thyme, oregano, rosemary and sage. With their vast variety and flavour profiles, experimenting with different herbs can be a fun culinary adventure. Herbs can easily be used in dressings, on meats and protein and even as garnishes for your favourite pasta.
Chicken Stock
Chicken stock is a common kitchen and flavor-enhancing essential that is easy to make right at home. It is used for so much more than just soup bases, including braising vegetables, adding flavour to rice dishes, as a base for delicious sauces and more. It is also low in fat, full of flavour and can even be frozen for up to a year. Metro grocery is within close walking distance of our 34 Maitland Street apartments, and has all the necessary ingredients you will need for a flavourful chicken stock.
Garlic
Who doesn’t like garlic? It’s such a distinct and unique flavour that can be used raw, cooked, or even in its powder form for delicious cooking. Besides adding a great taste to almost any food, Garlic is also thought of by many herbalists and naturopaths as being a ‘miracle food’ that can be used as a natural remedy for many complaints, ranging from asthma to arthritis.
Cheese
There are literally hundreds of different types of cheeses available. From soft ripened to uncooked pressed, cheese is one of the most commonly used ingredients in cuisines worldwide. There are so many different types of textures and flavours associated with cheese, that it is often used for sweet, savory, salty, and even sour dishes. Great health conscious cheese options include feta, goat, or light cheddar varieties. For a great selection in cheeses, try heading out to Kings Food Market, located less than a five-minute walk away from our 200 Dufferin Street community.
With the five staple ingredients mentioned above in your possession, you will be well on your way to master chef in no time. These ingredients are incredibly versatile, flavourful and best of all, easy to cook with.