Essentials

[starry]

I am learning to cook (cheaply [disgust])

I have gone from buy it readymade to starting from scratch, not always succesfully lol !

Anyway what should I have in the cupboard at all times ?

[skinnydog]

Depends but you should not be without plain flour, lentils, rice, pasta, tomato puree, tins of tomatoes, tins of tuna, stock cubes and I would never be without a jar or two of pesto. You would easily feed yourself on that lot but then you can become more confident and start using herbs and spices. Basic ones would be curry powder, chilli powder, dried mixed herbs. Good luck!

[alanatkie]

I agree with skinny dog. other things i wouldn't be without are eggs, cheese, frozen veg (sweetcorn/carrots) & tatties.

[hotrod4]

A useful tip is if your making something why not make double,that way if you like it you can have another portion in the freezer to save you time.