You can do a few things to fill your pantry with both the basics and a few restaurant-style secret weapons to take your home cooking to the next level.

However, there is no one-size-fits-all shopping list. Think about how you really eat and your cooking plans and ability. Are you enjoying s...

• If a store doesn't have what you need, be flexible and try something you wouldn't have picked up before.
• If you can't get to a store, consider online grocery options such as Amazon and Shipt.
• Many restaurants are selling pantry items ...

• Pasta: Any pasta you can get - long, short, and tubular.
• Grains: Rice (short and long grain, all colours), whole and ancient grains like farro, barley, bulgur freekeh, and quinoa.
• Beans can be eaten on their own or added to s...

Canned and jarred goods

• Canned tomatoes
• Coconut milk for enhancing soups and curries
• Stock/broth (you can also make your own)
• Jarred salsas/simmer sauces (good for combining with refrigerator loose ends in a pot.)
• Nut butters
• Pic...

Baking supplies

• Flour
• Sugar (brown, white, confectioners)
• Baking soda and powder
• Yeast for that bread you’re going to make

Bread

• Homemade or not, it can be pre-sliced and frozen.

Produce

• Lemons, limes, onions, garlic, and root vegetables: (potatoes, squash, carrots, beets) last a long time.
• Hearty greens: kale and collards will keep for a week, as will most uncut fruit.
• Frozen fruit an...

Texture

• Fried shallots add crunch to rice and noodles, salads, and baked pasta or casseroles.
• Chile oil/chile crisp add a spicy, crunchy kick to everything.

Fermented/pickled