Exploring international cuisines is a delicious adventure for any home cook. To embark on a culinary journey around the world, stock your pantry with a few essential ingredients from global cuisines.

A well-stocked spice cabinet is key. Dried spices have a long shelf life and are essential for adding authentic flavor to dishes from Asia, the Middle East, and beyond. Some must-haves include cumin, coriander, turmeric, cinnamon, chili peppers, and cardamom. Fresh ginger and garlic are also staples in many cuisines.

Coconut milk and chili pastes are essential for Thai and other Southeast Asian cuisines. Fish sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil are key for East Asian cooking. Harissa paste, preserved lemons, olive oil, and za’atar are staples of North African and Middle Eastern pantries.

Beans and lentils like chickpeas, black beans, and red lentils are versatile ingredients found in many global cuisines. Rice, in varieties like jasmine, basmati, and arborio, is a staple grain for much of the world. Couscous, polenta, and breads like naan, lavash, and pita are other popular options.

Noodles, in varieties like udon, ramen, soba, and rice noodles, are essential for Asian cuisines. Pasta like orecchiette, farfalle, and penne are staples of Italian cooking.

Dried fruits like apricots, dates, and raisins are common in Middle Eastern and North African cooking. Olives, capers, sun-dried tomatoes, and jarred peppers add flavor to Mediterranean and European cooking.

A well-stocked pantry with ingredients from around the globe allows you to whip up an impromptu curry, stir fry, tagine, or pasta without a trip to the grocery store. Exploring world cuisines is an adventure that starts right in your own kitchen. With a few essentials on hand, home cooks can embark on a delicious culinary journey.