A Pantry Worth Keeping Stocked

A well-stocked pantry isn't about having everything — it's about having the handful of things that turn a weeknight dinner into something worth sitting down for, without a special trip to the shops.

Keep a rub for whatever's defrosting

A good spice rub does in thirty seconds what a marinade does in three hours. The NOMU Moroccan Rub works on almost anything — meat, poultry, seafood or vegetables — which makes it the one to keep within reach.

Have one built specifically for lamb

Lamb takes rosemary, garlic and mustard particularly well, and having a rub built for exactly that removes the guesswork. The NOMU Lamb Rub works equally well roasted, grilled, or stirred into a slow-cooked stew.

Keep something with real heat in reserve

For the nights that call for more character, a smoky, chilli-forward blend changes the whole dish. The NOMU Spanish Rub brings paprika, chilli and cumin to anything that needs waking up.

Always have a jar of something to finish with

Breakfast pantry staples matter just as much as dinner ones. A jar of Cinnamon-Infused Honey or Vanilla-Infused Honey turns porridge, toast or a cheeseboard into something that feels considered.

The short list

• One all-purpose rub, one built for a specific meat, one with real heat
• A flavoured honey or similar finishing ingredient for breakfast and cheese boards
• Keep it to a handful of jars — a pantry that's actually used beats one that's impressively full

None of this needs a recipe. Rub it on, cook it as you normally would, and let the jar do the work.