There are a few items that we don’t include in our five-ingredient counts. They’re the essential ingredients that every kitchen should always have on hand, so they shouldn’t need to be on your shopping list.
• WATER
• SALT
Both traditional table salt and kosher salt are fine for cooking. Coarser kosher salt gives a more predictable and consistent “pinch” measure; fine-grained table salt is better for passing around at the table.
• PEPPER
Black pepper is the go-to kitchen staple. For the freshest flavor, get a pepper grinder and crack the pepper as you go.
• OIL
It’s a great idea to always have both extra virgin olive oil and vegetable (or canola) oil in your pantry.
We also don’t include optional items when counting ingredients. We’ll give you ideas for garnishes, but they aren’t necessary to make the recipe. And you can always swap them out for your own preferred finishing touches!
5 TIPS FOR MAKING THE MOST OF 5 INGREDIENTS
1. Think fresh. Many classic dishes have short ingredient lists. Start with good-quality ingredients, and you won’t need a lot of extras.
2. Consider ingredients that pile on the flavor. Jarred sauces, packaged rice mixes, seasoning blends, tomatoes with herbs, and canned soups let you get a head start.
3. Use mixes in new ways. Cookies and bars made from cake mix can be just the beginning. Biscuit, cake and cookie mixes all can provide inspiration for a new recipe.
4. Check out prepared foods at the store. Just because food is already cooked doesn’t mean you need to serve it as is. Cakes from the bakery section, rotisserie chicken from the deli—use these as a starting point.
5. Make convenience products—rice, stuffing, pasta mixes—your own with a handful of fresh ingredients. Try adding chopped fresh apple, celery and onion to a stuffing mix, or grilled chicken or shrimp to a rice mix.