5 Things Every Kitchen Needs

Maybe one of the most essential factors to be able to prepare a cheap and last minute meal is keeping some key items in your kitchen. This simple list will provide you with enough basic ingredients to complete a full course meal any night of the week.

1. Couscous - A cheap an easy alternative to pasta and rice, couscous is one of those basic ingredients that is cheap in bulk and goes with anything. It also can be found in a wide variety of flavors, too.
2. Spices - I can't express this one enough!! Spices are essential, especially when you can't afford a lot of fresh ingredients. Spices are cheap and easy to find; I like to check out local Asian and Hispanic grocers for spices because they usually have the same products (if not better) as the larger chain markets, but at a more reasonable price. Some basic spices? Try oregano, basil, paprika, cinnamon, lemon pepper, and rosemary.
3. Root Vegetables - Cheap, filling, and can be dressed up a million ways. Root veggies can last for months in the fridge without going bad. They are also full of vitamins and nutrients, and fill you up fast making them last longer. A bag of carrots and potatoes can last a group of two about 2 months for under $5.
4. Oil - Vegetable oil, olive oil, canola oil, whatever you prefer, it's always good to keep it on hand.  Tons of recipes usually call for oil for frying, basting, or greasing. 
5. Frozen Fruit/Vegetables - Just as good as fresh produce, but 1/2 the cost! Plus, frozen fruits and veggies won't mold and rot if you don't use them right away. 

These are just some of the things I try to always keep in my kitchen, you might find you use all of these, or sometimes none at all. Keep an eye on what you use most, and you'll start saving money.

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