Every kitchen should have a base range of spices that can be used in a variety of cuisines and dishes. These are the ones that get used the most.

I ask my students to bring me their spices so that I can educate them about their purchases. Even the novice cook should have a base range of spices that they can use. Below I have listed what I would say are the essentials for your pantry – these are the spices and ingredients that I think you will be using the most, they are versatile and the least intimidating! You would have heard of them already and possibly used them already.