Start with ingredients you use regularly. You can expand your pantry as you try new recipes instead of buying everything at once.
Rice is useful for everyday meals, pulao, biryani and fried rice. Whole wheat flour is essential for making roti and paratha, while besan (gram flour) is used in pakoras, chillas and other snacks. Sooji (semolina) is useful for dishes such as halwa and upma.
Getting started: Choose the rice and flour varieties you use most often. You don’t need every type in your pantry from day one.
Masoor dal and moong dal are useful options for everyday meals, while chana dal can be used in curries and other dishes. Dried chickpeas are also worth keeping if you regularly make chana masala or chana chaat.
Different pulses have different cooking times, so check the recipe before preparing them. Some dried pulses need soaking before cooking.
A basic spice collection can include cumin, coriander powder, turmeric, red chilli powder and garam masala. Ginger, garlic and green chillies are also commonly used in desi cooking.
Whole spices such as cinnamon, cloves, cardamom and black pepper are useful for selected rice dishes, curries and other recipes.
Buying tip: Start with spices used in your regular meals. Add less frequently used spices when a recipe calls for them.
Keep a cooking oil that suits the dishes you prepare most often. Ghee can be useful for selected curries, rice dishes and parathas. Other helpful pantry items may include salt, vinegar, tamarind, jaggery and pickles, depending on your cooking habits.
Cooking pot: For boiling rice, preparing dal and cooking curries.
Frying pan or karahi: For sautéing vegetables, frying eggs and preparing many desi dishes.
Tawa: Useful for making roti, paratha and other flatbreads.
Pressure cooker: Can reduce cooking time for suitable lentils, beans and other foods when used according to its instructions.
Choose cookware that suits your stove, available space and usual portion sizes.
Knife: For chopping vegetables and preparing ingredients.
Chopping board: Provides a stable surface for food preparation.
Spatula and cooking spoon: For stirring, mixing and turning food.
Ladle: Useful for serving dal, curry and other liquid dishes.
Rolling pin and board: Helpful if you regularly make roti or paratha.
Measuring cups and spoons: Useful when following recipes with specific quantities.
Add more utensils as your cooking needs grow.
Airtight containers are useful for storing dry ingredients such as rice, flour, lentils and spices. Choose containers that are clean, dry and easy to close securely.
Label containers when ingredients look similar, and keep them away from moisture and direct heat. Store opened packages properly and check for signs of pests or spoilage before use.
Think about the dishes you make most often. If you regularly cook rice, dal, eggs and vegetable curries, begin with the ingredients those meals require.
If you’re trying an unfamiliar spice or ingredient, buy a small quantity before purchasing a large pack. This helps reduce waste if you use it only occasionally.
A cooking pot, frying pan, knife and chopping board can handle many everyday tasks. Consider specialised tools only when you know you’ll use them regularly.
Keep grains and lentils together, group spices in one place and store frequently used items where they’re easy to reach. A simple arrangement can make meal preparation quicker and help you notice what needs replenishing.
EatsFromHere shares desi recipes and practical cooking guidance for home cooks of different experience levels. Our aim is to help you understand ingredients, follow cooking steps and prepare homemade meals with the equipment available to you.
Whether you’re setting up your first kitchen, cooking in a hostel or looking for ideas for everyday meals, start with the essentials and build your pantry around the dishes you enjoy making.
Explore our recipes to find dishes that suit your ingredients, cooking skills and kitchen setup.
Have a question about pantry ingredients or kitchen tools? Visit our Contact Us page to get in touch.