The best store cupboard ingredients

Want an easy way to elevate your midweek meals? M&S chef Russell chooses his top five go-to Foodhall flavour-boosting ingredients to add to your pantry, plus quick and easy recipe ideas for how to use them.

Senior Food Editor

Heather Taylor

Your midweek meal must-haves

On busy weeknights, getting dinner on the table can feel like a daily battle. But a cupboard kept stocked with ingredients designed to add instant flavour, without the fuss, is one way of winning the war against mundane midweek meals. From fiery harissa paste to expertly balanced spice blends, we asked M&S chef Russell Goad to share his essential store cupboard ingredients available exclusively in our Foodhall, plus chef-approved tips and recipe ideas.

Rose Harissa

This little jar packs a proper flavour punch. "With mint, red chillies and rose petals, the Middle Eastern spice paste will bring instant flavour to marinades, soups and sauces (try adding a little to your spag bol – trust me, it takes it to the next level!)," says Russell. "It’s also great swirled through yogurt as a quick dip, or shaken in a jar with olive oil, lemon juice and honey to create an intensely flavoured dressing to drizzle over grilled veg or fish. Or try combining it with mince in these easy beef koftes."

See the recipe

Pickled Red Onions

Adding a punch of acidity will massively elevate your dish. "I always have a jar of these pickled red onions on hand," says Russell. "They’re great to scatter over tacos, salads or even to finish a bowl of gazpacho. I’d also put some out at my barbecue – they’re great for topping hot dogs and burgers. Or make like Tom Kerridge and add some to an epic cheese and ham toastie."

Get in a pickle

Fajita Seasoning

Are you guilty of stock-piling loads of spices which gather dust in the cupboard? A seasoning blend is a great alternative. "The balance will be spot on, and they reduce waste (spices go out of date pretty quickly – within a month or two). The sweet, spicy and smoky M&S Fajita Seasoning is my pick. Of course, it’s great for chicken fajitas, but you can also use it in marinades or chilli con carne. Or try rubbing it over a whole chicken before roasting," says Russell.

Spice it up

Thai Green Curry Paste

Stocking up on flavour-packed curry pastes means your midweek meals will never be dull. "The M&S Thai Green Curry Paste is one of my most-used," agrees Russell. "Of course, it makes a great curry, but you can also use it to roast sweet potato wedges, or turn the end of the jar into a flavour-packed marinade by combining with a little oil and lime juice. Or try combining with coconut milk and veggies in this easy salmon and veg traybake recipe.

Get cooking

Classic Tomato Everything Sauce

"I’m never without a jar of this sauce in the cupboard," says Russell. "It’s a classic tomato sauce, made just like Nonna would – with a slow-cooked sofrito base and rich Italian tomatoes. Use it for everything from baked eggs and spaghetti bolognese to pasta bakes, homemade pizza toppings, soups, ratatouille and chilli – you name it!"

Midweek ideas