Cans, tubes, jars, etc

Now for the real “store cupboard” items, the things that are so convenient for putting together quick meals. Always have several cans of chopped tomatoes, which are handy for all sorts of things, from stews to pasta sauces. Go for Italian brands that use plum tomatoes, as these often have a better flavour than many of the fresh tomatoes you can buy in this country. Canned pulses are also always useful, especially butter beans, cannellini beans, red kidney beans and chickpeas. Coconut milk is useful for Thai and other Asian dishes – if you let the can settle for a week or two, the thick top layer that forms inside can be used as coconut cream.