The things on my 'basics' list are:
* Whole chickens (either for whole roasting, or for portioning up)
* Rump steaks
* Extra lean mince
* Salmon steaks
* Smoked salmon
* Prawns
* Tesco light choices cottage cheese
* Quark
* Total 0% Greek yogurt
* Tesco fat free Normandy Fromage Frais
* Spinach
* Pak Choi
* Fresh ginger
* Red chilis
* Onions & garlic
* Spring onions
* Free range eggs
* Skimmed milk
* Diet coke
* Oatbran
* Fine green beans
* Splenda
* Tinned tuna in brine
* Broccoli
* Mushrooms
I have a massive store cupboard which has useful stuff in such as:
- Low sodium soy
- Fish sauce (Nam Pla)
- Worcester sauce
- Curry spice mixes (tandoori, dopiaza, roghan josh, bhuna, madras etc)
- Ground spices (cumin, coriander, paprika and smoked paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, garam masala, red chili, cayenne, mustard, black peppercorns, saffron)
- Herbs (rosemary, thyme, sage, tarragon, dill, carroway, black onion seeds, poppy seeds, yellow/black mustard seeds, bay leaves, mixed herbs, cardamon, cloves etc)
- Tobasco
- Vinegars (red wine, white wine, cider, balsamic, Chinese, Mirin, Sherry)
- Thai red and green curry pastes
- Nori (Japanese seaweed)
- Bonito flakes (dried Japanese tuna flakes)
- White miso paste (white soya bean paste)
- Wasabi
- Horseradish
- Mustards (English, Dijon & wholegrain)