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**Title: Everybody Had One of These in the Cabinet: Classic Recipes and the Forgotten Ingredients We All Have at Home**
There are certain ingredients that seem to be present in almost every household pantry, tucked away in cabinets and forgotten corners, waiting to be rediscovered. These ingredients are often versatile, affordable, and reliable in recipes that have been passed down through generations. Yet, despite their widespread availability, many of us don’t fully appreciate or understand the potential of these items. They’ve been sitting there for so long that we’ve forgotten just how integral they once were to our daily meals.
In this article, we’ll explore a handful of these pantry staples—ingredients that practically every kitchen has at one time or another—and offer classic recipes that showcase their versatility. From canned tomatoes to dried pasta, and from peanut butter to flour, these are the humble pantry items that have stood the test of time. By bringing these familiar ingredients back into the spotlight, we’ll rediscover some old favorites and maybe even introduce a few new ideas for the kitchen.
So let’s dive in and take a closer look at these ingredients that everybody had one of in their cabinets, and rediscover why they’ve remained pantry essentials for so long.
### 1. **Canned Tomatoes: The Versatile Pantry Powerhouse**
Canned tomatoes are one of those pantry items that practically everyone has in their cabinet. Whether you’ve got a few cans of diced tomatoes, crushed tomatoes, or tomato paste, this ingredient can be the base for a vast number of dishes. From sauces to stews, soups, and casseroles, canned tomatoes have been the cornerstone of cooking for decades.
**Classic Recipe: Hearty Tomato Soup**
This classic tomato soup recipe is both comforting and easy to make, using only a few ingredients you likely already have in your pantry. It’s the perfect example of how canned tomatoes can transform into a delicious meal with minimal effort.
**Ingredients**:
– 2 cans of whole or diced tomatoes (28 oz each)
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 cups vegetable broth
– 1 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp dried basil
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional)
**Instructions**:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and garlic and sauté for about 5 minutes, until softened.
3. Add the canned tomatoes (with their juices), vegetable broth, basil, and oregano to the pot. Stir to combine.
4. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Use an immersion blender or regular blender to puree the soup until smooth. (Be careful with hot liquids if using a regular blender.)
6. Return the soup to the heat and stir in the heavy cream, if using. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve hot, with a side of grilled cheese for the ultimate comfort meal.
This simple yet satisfying tomato soup is proof that with just a can of tomatoes, you can create a dish that feels homemade and comforting. The canned tomatoes provide a rich, tangy base for the soup, and with just a few seasonings, you have a soup that rivals those from any restaurant.
### 2. **Dried Pasta: The Foundation of Quick and Easy Meals**
Dried pasta is another pantry staple that’s always on hand in many homes. Whether it’s spaghetti, penne, fusilli, or macaroni, pasta can be used to make a wide variety of dishes that are both satisfying and quick. Pasta’s versatility makes it a go-to meal base, and it’s perfect for everything from weeknight dinners to family gatherings.
**Classic Recipe: Pasta Aglio e Olio (Pasta with Garlic and Oil)**
Pasta Aglio e Olio is a simple yet flavorful Italian dish that comes together in just a few minutes using dried pasta, olive oil, garlic, and red pepper flakes. It’s the perfect example of how pasta can be transformed into a delicious meal with just a handful of pantry ingredients.
**Ingredients**:
– 1 lb spaghetti or your favorite pasta
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
– 1 tsp red pepper flakes
– 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)
**Instructions**:
1. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions, ensuring it’s al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
3. Add the garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 2 minutes, until it’s golden brown and fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
4. Add the red pepper flakes and sauté for another 30 seconds.
5. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, along with the reserved pasta water. Toss everything together to coat the pasta with the garlic oil.
6. Stir in the fresh parsley, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve with grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.
This simple pasta dish shows how dried pasta can easily be transformed into something extraordinary with just a few pantry items. The garlic and olive oil create a rich, aromatic sauce that pairs perfectly with the pasta, making it a go-to meal for busy nights.
### 3. **Peanut Butter: The Sweet and Savory Pantry Hero**
Peanut butter is a pantry classic that almost every household has. It’s a versatile ingredient that works in both sweet and savory dishes. Whether you’re spreading it on toast, using it as a dip, or adding it to baked goods, peanut butter has earned its place as a pantry staple.
**Classic Recipe: Peanut Butter Cookies**
Peanut butter cookies are a beloved treat, and with just a few ingredients, you can make a batch in no time. These cookies are crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside, with that irresistible peanut flavor that everyone loves.
**Ingredients**:
– 1 cup peanut butter (smooth or crunchy)
– 1 cup sugar (or a mix of white and brown sugar)
– 1 large egg
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 1/2 tsp baking soda
– Pinch of salt
**Instructions**:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, combine the peanut butter, sugar, egg, vanilla extract, baking soda, and salt. Stir until the dough comes together.
3. Roll the dough into tablespoon-sized balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Use a fork to press down on each ball of dough, creating a crisscross pattern.
5. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
6. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
These peanut butter cookies are simple to make and full of flavor. The combination of peanut butter and sugar creates a rich, sweet treat that’s perfect for dessert or a snack. They also make a great gift when packaged in a jar or tin.
### 4. **Flour: The Backbone of Baking and Cooking**
Flour is a pantry staple that’s fundamental to baking and cooking. Whether you’re making bread, pancakes, cakes, or sauces, flour plays a crucial role in creating the structure and texture of the final dish. Despite being so common, many people overlook the many ways flour can be used in their cooking.
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