Seasonings, spices, oils and such

[zeakez]

I'm working on making a list of must have seasonings, spices, oils and those such things so that I can start making some different (better) recipes. What should I have??

[bryzee86]

Olive Oil
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Sunflower Oil/Rapeseed (Canola) Oil
For asian cuisine: peanut and/or sesame oil

In terms of spices, I always have:
Cumin
coriander
Cinnamon
allspice
nutmeg (whole)
garam masala
cardamom pods
asafoetida
fenugreek
mustard seeds
turmeric
chilli powder
hungarian paprika
black peppercorns (in grinder)
salt

herbs:
Basil
oregano
dill
mint
tarragon
thyme
rosemary
marjoram

some others that have slipped my mind too. My cupboard is chockablock.

[Stine]

Under "such", i will sugest:
Nutritional yeast
mustard
Veg oystersauce
soysauce
appelcider vinegar
sweet chili sauce
balsamic vinegar

[rantipole]

The easiest way to do this is to find some recipes you know you like and keep those spices/herbs/oils on hand. Then as you delve into new recipes, you can add the seasonings from those recipes. This way you aren't overwhelmed and you'll actually use the ones you buy.

This is my short list of must haves:

Extra virgin olive oil
Peanut oil
Sesame oil

Basil
Coriander
Curry powder
Chili powder
Ginger powder
Turmeric
Rosemary
Black pepper
Salt
Cinnamon

I use a lot of other stuff beside those, but those are the bare basics that I can't live without. Also, having lemons, limes, and some different vinegars on hand is really helpful.

Cheers,
rant

[harpy]

In addition to what's already been mentioned, how about a hot sauce, such as Tabasco? I also like vegan Worcester(shire) Sauce, but I'm not sure if you can get that where you are?

Bay leaves are good for soups and rice, and if you get a plant you can have fresh ones all the year round.

[Aurore]

it depends on what recipes you have in mind, i found indian recipes i want to try but i don't own all the spices i need for them.

i second the previous posts. here's what i consider essential :
olive oil
sunflower oil or rapeseed/canola oil
sesame oil

can't go wrong with soysauce

apple cider vinegar
balsamic vinegar (great for salads)


herbs:
basil
oregano
thyme
rosemary
mint
chive
parsley

spices:
cinnamon
nutmeg (whole)
curry
salt
pepper (whole in a grinder)
saffron
coriander
cardamom
cloves
ginger

[Astrid]

In addition to what's already been mentioned, how about a hot sauce, such as Tabasco?

Yes, the green jalapeno one! <3 I love it on everything.