Or how to stock your pantry and fridge so you can properly adult

Starting out cooking can be overwhelming. I know the temptation to throw on your sweats, open up a frozen food package, and veg out while binging Netflix.

I basically had to learn how to cook when I moved abroad (to Prague, Czech Republic) for school. Because a) it was expensive for a broke ass student to eat out all the time and b) traditional Czech food involves pork, dumplings,  and potatoes, which while very delish, I was also not trying to have a heart attack by the age of like 30.

What do you really need in order to be able to start making basic recipes? What should you always have on hand in order to make a simple, affordable home cooked meal?

The reality is that you can start really simple and slowly add to your fridge and pantry. You’re just not going to need every spice (I’m looking at you- recipes that call for celery salt) and vegetable right away and you can slowly add to your collection as you continue on.

Here is my list of 20 essentials to have in your first home kitchen.

1. Spices: salt, pepper, oregano, red pepper chili flakes, herbes de Provence

2. Oils and vinegars: Olive oil and vegetable oil, balsamic vinegar

3. Grains: pasta, rice (can be wholewheat or regular, there are also some great gluten free pasta options out there), flour

4. Canned foods: whole San Marzano tomatoes (Yes, specifically these tomatoes, they really do make a difference for pasta sauce), diced tomatoes, tomato paste (also comes in a tube), chickpeas or white beans

5. Fresh foods: eggs, butter, garlic, onions, lemons,

Starting out can be tough, but having these ingredients on hand and then adding to the list can make it much simpler. Now you can spare the Uber eats driver the pleasure of seeing who look like a whole mess on Monday nights and actually (try) to convince your parents that you are capable of being a real adult.