Down to Earth

These are the solid, earthy cupboard foods that are always on hand, the farinaceous foods, the starches. They are filling, they can be made in quantity, and they are inexpensive. Like soups and stews, they keep well and their flavors often improve with time. They tend to be very comforting foods too—soft, bland until seasoned, easy to eat.

Rice, like pasta, can be cooked quickly. Rice dishes are often perfect for late-night suppers—easy to put together, filling but light. Leftovers are great in scrambled eggs, too. Beans require the forethought of soaking and a long cooking time, but the resulting rich and flavorful broth gives body to other dishes, especially soups and stews. Many bean dishes improve as they sit in the refrigerator, so it’s worth making enough to have for a while or even to freeze, especially if you’ve taken the time to cook your own beans. Canned beans can also be used, although their broth is usually a little too salty.