olive oils, salt and pepper in cupboard

Jamie’s new book is about to hit the shelves, and we’re pretty excited!
5 Ingredients Quick & Easy Food is all about genius combinations of just five ingredients that deliver an utterly delicious result. You can buy it here.

In the book, Jamie also shares his five essential store cupboard staples. These are: olive oil, extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, sea salt and black pepper. To celebrate the new book, we asked which five ingredients you couldn’t live without. Check out our five favourite replies:

THE FRAGRANT ONE

We love the sound of @ThaddeusArjuna’s cupboard. The classic combo of coconut milk and lemongrass forms the base of so many incredible dishes, such as this Thai green curry; while warming paprika and chipotle are lovely in earthy, dishes like these Sizzling chicken fajitas. And finally, rice vinegar, a staple in Japanese cooking, makes us think of salty-sweet miso soups. @ThaddeusArjuna, when can we come to dinner?

THE SPICY ONE

Garam masala is a blend of beautiful flavours (but we’ll let it count as just one ingredient!). The actual make-up can vary, but it will often include black and white peppercorns, cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, nutmeg, bay leaf, cumin and coriander. For us, it instantly evokes classic Tikka masala recipes, but it also works brilliantly in meat dishes like these beef koftas. @ReikiMAster007 ups the heat with the addition of chilli powder and warming turmeric. We think these all add up to something super-delicious!

THE ECLECTIC ONE

It’s hard to pin down @ARTbyDaveInchey’s interesting store cupboard… but it sounds really good! Coconut oil has a sweet, nutty flavour and is a brilliant choice for dairy-free desserts. And we love the trio of Greek yoghurt, balsamic and lemons – sweet, tangy, bitter and creamy, what a killer combo! You could certainly rustle up some gorgeous dressings with this store cupboard. We’d love to hear what you like to cook @ARTbyDaveInchey.

THE ITALIAN ONE

@Deane_inge’s store cupboard instantly jumped out to us with its classic Italian combo of fresh herbs, olive oil and rich, reduced tomato purée. You can take these sunny gems in so many delicious directions: think basic pizza, classic pasta dishes (this one’s a wood pigeon ragu), or beautiful sauces. @Deane_inge, we love your flavours.

THE SWEET ONE

 

Store cupboards aren’t all about savoury! @SweetGod_Ve’s choice is a great reminder of all the gorgeous sweet bakes and creations that rely on a good pantry. Cinnamon is fantastically versatile, and works brilliantly with fruit and sweet flavours like maple. Vanilla is a really heady spice, also delicious with fruit. Plus, we love @SweetGod_Ve’s inclusion of salt – a really useful ingredient that highlights sweetness in chocolate brownies or dark chocolate tarts. Oh yeah!