The ten basics to always have in your fridge
With this selection of basic products, you’ll never be caught short. For those moments when you come home late from work in the evening without having done any shopping. Or for that unexpected guest you don’t want to send away hungry.
Eggs
Preferably organic, large and, of course, fresh. For the soft-cooked omelet with mushrooms or scrambled eggs with salmon. Add a glass of chilled Riesling and your TV dinner is complete.
Mayonnaise
A jar of your favorite high-quality mayonnaise. From the much-lauded Hellmann’s—the original from the US—to the creamier, fresh and tangy mayo from Tons Mayonaise (our favorite is the fresh and tangy Belze Majoneis). Not only a must for fries with mayo, but also for homemade tuna salad or deviled eggs.
Parmesan
It turns simple pasta aglio e olio into a celebration. Or shave it into thin slices over a salad. Never skimp on it! Leave the pre-packaged version on the shelf and choose a large, freshly cut piece.
Cream
An indispensable base for your mushroom cream or pepper sauce (because you always make that yourself, right?) to serve with that perfect steak.
Salmon
For example, Bawykov salmon from salmon smoker Rien Heemskerk in Nieuwe Wetering, a favorite of many star chefs. Superior Norwegian quality, smoked flat. Once you’ve tasted this, you’ll never want any other salmon again.
Anchovies
Buy the best you can find, from a quality importer of Mediterranean products. Anchovies in a jar are more tender than those in a tin. Always keep them chilled; that way they stay delicious for the longest time. The same applies to the tins.
Butter
Butter from the farm. For frying or spread thickly on fresh, crusty wholemeal bread. With a pinch of coarsely ground sea salt. Nothing more needed.
White wine
A lovely Riesling, for example. To drink or cook with. And while you’re at it—simply because you can—get a bottle of your favorite Champagne.
Parsley
For every occasion: pasta, omelet, fish or salad. Buy flat-leaf parsley rather than curly parsley; the former has the most flavor. Put the bunch in a glass of water in the fridge, covered with plastic wrap. Change the water daily and it will stay good for weeks.
Bacon
With bacon (or the Italian version, pancetta), almost everything tastes better. Indispensable in pasta carbonara. Also delicious in a salad or simply eaten fresh out of hand.
Also read:
