Olive oil
Vinegar – wine vinegar and balsamic
Packets of dried pasta in various shapes
Rice, plain long-grained rice and maybe a packet of Arborio or Carnaroli rice
Potatoes
Passata
Dried herbs – parsley, sage, rosemary, thyme, basil and oregano
Chillis, either whole or powdered
Black pepper corns
Dried mushrooms
Garlic and onions in strings
Tins of tuna
Stock cubes
Breadcrumbs
Anchovies
Olives
Capers
Mustard
Worcester sauce
Parmesan
Jars of roasted aubergines and courgettes packed in oil
Prosciutto and sausages. These last will be the dried variety, either hanging up for early consumption, or packed in jars and covered in olive oil to preserve them for later.
Eggs, flour and cheeses – the hard kind that will keep – complete the basic larder.
When you look at that list, you can see at once that even with these few ingredients there are many dishes that can be made. And that’s the point, even with unexpected guests, you can cook a meal.
