1. Olive oil
Olive oil is one of the most versatile oils for cooking. Just a teaspoon or two is enough to add flavor when sautéing.

2. Canned diced tomatoes
Canned tomatoes, in all their forms, provide a consistency of flavor and texture that is sometimes difficult to obtain from their fresh counterparts. You’ll find these gems faster to use and perhaps even tastier!

3. Fresh garlic
This redolent bulb has multiple personalities: pungent and assertive when raw; mellow and sweet when cooked; and nutty and rich when caramelized or cooked at length. The flavor depends on how it’s used. Crushed, minced, or finely chopped garlic releases pungent juices and is more potent than garlic that is halved, sliced, or left whole.

4. Low-sodium soy sauce
This important ingredient in Asian recipes has gone worldwide. Stir it into soups, sauces, and marinades; sprinkle it on meat, fish, chicken, and vegetables; or use it like they do in Asia, as a table condiment.

5. Basmati rice
You’ll enjoy the fresh popcorn aroma as this rice cooks, but its nutty flavor and firm texture will score high ratings on your plate.

6. Roasted red peppers
When time is short or there are no red peppers in the fridge, pull out a jar of these roasted treasures. Toss with pasta or puree them for sauces for an easy meal.

7. Chickpeas
Also known as garbanzo beans, these round legumes have a firm texture and a nutlike flavor. They’re common in Mediterranean, Indian, and Middle Eastern cuisines, but they’re also found in Spanish, Italian, and Mexican dishes. Favorites to toss into salads, soups, and stews, they’re packed with protein, a bonus for meatless dishes.

8. Fat-free, less-sodium chicken broth
Canned chicken broth can be your culinary secret. Use it as the foundation for soups and sauces, and you’ll have a dish ready in just minutes. Be sure to read the nutrition label as the sodium and fat contents vary among brands.

9. Balsamic vinegar
Zip up sautéed vegetables, splash it on salad greens, sprinkle it over grilled chicken or fresh berries. Balsamic vinegar’s versatility is endless, and its full-bodied flavor is slightly sweet with a hint of tartness.

10. Dried pasta
Long, short, curly, twisted, hollow, or flat, pasta’s versatility is limited only by your imagination. Substitute similar shapes if you don’t have the type specified in a recipe. Be creative and experiment with your favorites!