Essential Italian Ingredients

Keep these ingredients handy so you’re ready when inspiration strikes.

Tomatoes

Cans

  • Tomato sauce and paste
  • Whole and crushed tomatoes
  • Diced tomatoes
  • Tomato puree
  • Italian style stewed tomatoes
  • Mushrooms
  • Canned fish/meats
  • Cannelini beans

Dry

  • Flour/semolina
  • Quick-rise yeast
  • Sea salt
  • Extra virgin olive oil
  • Virgin olive oil
  • Canola oil
  • Olive oil cooking spray
  • Spices (home grown, fresh organic and/or store-bought)
  • Cornmeal
  • Breadcrumbs
  • Broths/stocks
  • Sundried tomatoes
  • Dried porcinis
  • Balsamic vinegar
  • Dried pastas
  • Onions
  • Garlic
  • Rice
  • Anchovies

Jars

  • Pesto
  • Minced garlic
  • Artichoke hearts
  • Olives
  • Sun dried tomatoes
  • Pepperoncini
  • Gairdiniera
  • Vinegar – red, white wine and balsamic
  • Red and white wine for cooking
  • Dried pastas
  • Capers

Refrigerator Items

  • Parmesan cheese
  • Mozzarella cheese
  • Sausage
  • Salami
  • Pancetta
  • Prosciutto
  • Dried Porcini mushrooms
  • Tomatoes

Freezer

  • Frozen vegetables
  • Meats
  • Seafood
  • Homemade stocks (in containers and cubes)
  • Pesto cubes
  • Compound butter
  • Pre-made sauces
  • Cheese (if vacuum-sealed)
  • Vacuum-sealed meals (lasagna, etc.)
  • Homemade frozen pizzas