From Around The World
lynnescountrykitchen.net

I think of my pantry as the "global" pantry...a cupboard in which I can always find an ingredient from world cuisines. Keeping a supply of staple ingredients used in these cuisines will allow you to prepare a variety of interesting dishes. You should be able to find these ingredients in most supermarkets today. Now you can change just a few ingredients and experience world class cuisine in the comfort of your kitchen. By keeping these ingredients on hand my family has had the wonderful experience of tasting foods of different ethnic cuisines and have a broad base of tastes.

ASIAN PANTRY - The more common ingredients are long-grain rice, sushi rice, soy sauce, sesame oil, rice wine vinegar, hoisin sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, plum sauce, hot chili sauce, black bean sauce, rice noodles, nori (seaweed), wasabi (Japanese horseradish), canned baby corn, canned water chestnuts, canned mandarin oranges, ginger root, garlic, and sesame seeds.

MEDITERRANEAN PANTRY - A Mediterranean pantry should be stocked with canned tomatoes, tomato paste, black and green olives, roasted red peppers packed in water, anchovies, Dijon mustard, seasoned bread crumbs, cornmeal, Arborio rice, sun-dried tomatoes, basil, oregano, bay leaves, a variety of canned beans, olive oil and balsamic vinegar.

MEXICAN OR LATIN AMERICAN PANTRY - Having on hand a variety of canned beans, as well as jalapeno peppers, baked tortilla chips, avocado, salsa, light sour cream, flour tortillas, rice and lower-fat cheeses, will enable you to make some interesting and easy dishes.

MIDDLE EASTERN PANTRY - Healthy and interesting dishes are easy to make if you have available chick-peas, tahini (sesame paste), bulgur, cous cous, brown rice, pitas, cumin, and fresh coriander.

NORTH AMERICAN PANTRY - Basic ingredients include different kinds of pasta, lower-fat cheeses, pasta sauce, lean meats, and condiments such as mustard, ketchup, sweet chili sauce, mayonnaise and sour cream.

VEGETARIAN PANTRY - I try to prepare vegetarian meals for my family at least once a week. You don't have to be a vegetarian to enjoy a meatless meal. Having a variety of grains, vegetables, sauces and soy products in your pantry allows you to produce excellent vegetarian meals. Some useful ingredients for vegetarian cooking include firm and soft tofu; ground soy to substitute for ground meat; soy products, such as soy bacon, hot dogs, hamburgers and pepperoni slices; and, soy milk, yogurt, cheese, sour cream and cream cheese to substitute for dairy products.