Cooks Essentials - French Cooking Pantry Staples

French food doesn't have to be fussy, complicated, or full of creamy rich sauces that require hours of time and attention. The core of the French cooking philosophy is to simply accent fresh, quality ingredients so that their essential flavors and textures stand out. Home cooks can create delicious French meals by stocking up on some essential ingredients that capture the scents, tastes, and colors of French cuisine.

Herbes de Provence is one of the staples of French country cooking. It's composed of thyme, marjoram, rosemary, basil, bay leaf, and lavender. They are usually packaged in bags and if you can't find them in the store they're easy enough to find online. Another essential spice is fleur de sel, a French sea salt with delicate flavor and finish. It's more expensive than kosher salt, but use it as a finishing touch for its unique and subtle taste.

Beef and chicken stock are used often in French foods such as soups, sauces, cassoulets, and more. While the French method advises making your own stocks, in this fast paced American life it's just not always possible. There are several good stocks available in grocery and specialty stores, and online. You can also purchase low sodium varieties in order to control the salt in your diet.

French lentils are used often in salads, main courses, casseroles and purees. They are similar to other lentils except they are darker, firmer, and take a little longer to cook. Like any bean they have a unique texture and taste, but they also absorb other spices, oils, and flavors easily.

You may think that potatoes are an American staple, but the French love them too. Where do you think French fries come from? The ever popular steak frites, which is a seasoned filet, medium rare, is served with fried potato wedges; crisp, hot and salty. No wonder Americans fell in love with them. Potatoes also keep well in the pantry and are used in many French dishes. The most popular ones combine potatoes in some form with cream, butter, garlic, salt, pepper and other sharper ingredients such as anchovies or capers.

You can't mention French cuisine without mustard. Of course Dijon mustard with white wine is the standard, but there are other varieties that can add so much flavor and texture to vinaigrettes, sauces, steaks, pork, seafood, veggies, and anything else under the sun. Try stocking up on some good quality coarse grained mustard, cognac mustard, or herbed mustard.

These essential French pantry ingredients will help you create a delicious French meal, whether it's simply appetizers for a weekend treat or a full fledged meal for family and friends. You don't have to buy them all at one, just purchase one or two ingredients each time you shop and before you know it you'll have a French pantry.