Homemade kitchen staples

I have selected a few homemade kitchen staples including sauces, seasoning blends and preserves which are simple to prepare.

By making your own sauces you will know exactly what you are eating. No preservatives, flavourings or other unnecessary ingredients.

And in some cases by making your own pantry staples you can save you money. Cheaper ready made sauces and condiments may be made using low quality ingredients while better quality brands can be expensive. A batch of homemade tomato sauce made using fresh tomatoes and herbs will be far superior to any premium brand and will probably be cheaper too.

Caster sugar is sometimes more expensive than granulated sugar an is not always as widely available. If you don't have caster sugar it is useful to know how you can quickly and easily make a caster sugar substitute using granulated sugar.

Some homemade kitchen staples can also double up as a useful homemade gift. If you have a selection of homemade preserves in your cupboard you will always have something ready to share with family or friends.

1

Tomato sauce for pasta (using tinned tomatoes)

Make you own pasta sauce using canned tomatoes. This easy pasta sauce recipe does not contain any unnecessary ingredients and will save you money compared to using a mass produced tomato sauce.

Check out this recipe

2

Fresh tomato sauce for pasta

If you have a good supply of tomatoes what better way to use them than to make a batch of homemade tomato sauce.

Check out this recipe

3

Spicy arrabbiata sauce

Use this homemade arrabbiata sauce to make penne arrabbiata or to add heat to other pasta dishes.

Check out this recipe

4

How to make caster sugar from granulated sugar

While you are not actually making your own sugar, you can easily make a substitute for caster sugar from granulated sugar which can be useful if you run out.

Check out this recipe

5

Homemade chilli seasoning

Blend your own chilli seasoning to use in place of a sachet of mass produced seasoning. It is perfect for chilli con carne, veggie chilli and other chilli dishes and you can easily adjust the ingredients to suit you own taste.

Check out this recipe

6

Homemade mixed spice for baking

Blend you own spices to recreate this popular British spice mix. Use it for cakes, biscuits, puddings and preserves. It can also be used as a substitute for American pumpkin spice.

Check out this recipe

7

Pilau rice seasoning

Make your own pilau rice using this blend of fragrant spices. Use it to season rice to serve with a wide range of Indian dishes with no need to order a take out!

Check out this recipe

8

Pasta sauce seasoning mix

Blend your own seasoning mix for adding to pasta sauce. It can be used for homemade tomato sauce or to enhance shop bought pasta sauces.

Check out this recipe

9

Strawberry chia compote

Make your own strawberry compote in minutes. This homemade compote is perfect for serving with scones and cream or as a topping for cheesecakes or ice cream. It is made using real foods and does not contain any unnecessary ingredients.

Check out this recipe

10

Oven baked croutons

You can make your own croutons quickly and easily using old bread. They are perfect for adding to soups and salads, are suitable for freezing and are a good way to avoid waste.

Check out this recipe

11

Fruit chutney

This easy chutney recipe is flexible and can be made using a variety of fruits including apples, plums, rhubarb, gooseberries, peaches or pears. It will keep for several months or years in sterilised jars and is a perfect way to use a glut of garden fruits.

Check out this recipe

12

Red onion chutney (onion relish)

Caramelised red onion chutney can be made at any time of the year and is suitable for long storage. It is a tasty condiment for for adding to sandwiches, burgers, to serve alongside a roast dinner or with a cheeseboard.

Check out this recipe

13

Red tomato chutney

Red tomato chutney is a great way to make use of a glut of tomatoes in the summer or autumn. Stock your cupboards with this homemade preserve to keep yourself in a good supply over the months ahead.

Check out this recipe

14

Red pepper chutney

Red pepper chutney is easy to make. There is no need to roast the peppers first or remove the skins. Simply cook everything in one pan and transfer to sterilised jars. This chutney is also suitable for long storage.

Check out this recipe