Top 10 Essential Foods for the Spanish Pantry
The Spanish cook makes sure that her (or his) pantry is well-stocked with the essential food items used on a daily basis. Check this list against the contents of your pantry. If you are missing anything, better go to the store!
Make sure that you have at least 2 heads of garlic on hand at all times. If you do not normally cook with garlic, make sure to store it in a cool, dry place and before you start any recipe that calls for it, check to make sure it is not dried out or sprouting. If it is, toss it and buy fresh heads. When buying garlic, look for solid, firm heads, not light-feeling or hollow ones. Learn more about garlic and "garlicky" Spanish recipes!
Sweet Spanish paprika can be found in ethnic food stores. If you cannot find it in your area, check online sources, like La Española Meats. Using regular paprika that you buy in any grocery store will alter the flavor.
1. Olive oil
You?ll need at least 1 liter of extra virgin oil. If you prefer a lighter taste, try "ordinary virgin olive oil", but skip bottles labeled "blended" or "light.? They won't have much flavor and you cannot be sure of the quality you are buying because those terms are not regulated. In addition to olive oil, make sure to have some lighter tasting oil on hand like Canola oil, in case you want a flavor that is not as strong.2. Garlic
Make sure that you have at least 2 heads of garlic on hand at all times. If you do not normally cook with garlic, make sure to store it in a cool, dry place and before you start any recipe that calls for it, check to make sure it is not dried out or sprouting. If it is, toss it and buy fresh heads. When buying garlic, look for solid, firm heads, not light-feeling or hollow ones. Learn more about garlic and "garlicky" Spanish recipes!
3. Milk
At least a quart of whole or 2% milk should be on hand at all times. Spanish soups and many desserts call for it. Don?t forget that you?ll need it for the café con leche or latte in the morning and the hot Spanish chocolate on cold nights.4. Parsley
Parsley is used so much in Spanish food that butchers give it away! Buy the Italian parsley in the grocery store. It?s the type with the flat leaves, rather than curly ones. If the parsley in your refrigerator has wilted a bit, freshen it up: Cut the bottoms and place in a tall glass of water in the refrigerator for an hour.5. Onions
Keep 3-4 onions on hand - preferably yellow onions. They are used in Spanish omelets and most main and side dishes.6. Paprika
Sweet Spanish paprika can be found in ethnic food stores. If you cannot find it in your area, check online sources, like La Española Meats. Using regular paprika that you buy in any grocery store will alter the flavor.
7. Rosemary, Thyme, Oregano and Saffron
Rosemary, thyme and oregano are the three main spices that you?ll find in most Spanish recipes. Be sure to have a supply on hand of - fresh or dried. If you buy dried spices, be sure to use them within a year. If you don't, toss them and buy fresh bottles. Saffron is exotic and slightly pricey and it is the spice that turns the rice in paella a beautiful yellow. Saffron is actually a tiny part of the crocus flower and must be harvested by hand. Most supermarkets carry it in the spice isle.8. French-style Bread
Several baguettes should be on hand at all times. French-style bread is essential to a Spanish meal. We suggest you freeze 2-3 baguettes and take them out as you need them. If you need less than a whole loaf, frozen baguettes are easy to break in two by a quick whack against the counter?s edge.9. Eggs
Keep a dozen large eggs on hand. A typical omelet takes 5-6 eggs by itself.10. Wine
A bottle of red and one of white, both for cooking. If your kitchen is hot or you live in a warmer climate, store any open wine in the fridge. It won?t effect the taste if you are cooking with it.
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