The secret ingredient

The secret ingredient

Want to know what foodie professionals keep in their kitchens?

Stylist discovers the staples we should all have in our cupboards...

Words: Amy Grier, illustrations: Harry Malt

Tom Aikens, chef

Monti Sabini Olive Oil, £19.95 “I use this at… More details
Tom Aikens, chef

Monti Sabini Olive Oil, £19.95

“I use this at home and in all my restaurants. It’s smooth, intense and slightly peppery – perfect on salads, for cooking or just on fresh bread.” Luigismailorder.com
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Russell Norman, restaurateur

A Vogel Herbamare, £7.86 “I use this organic… More details
Russell Norman, restaurateur

A Vogel Herbamare, £7.86

“I use this organic kosher Swiss herb seasoning instead of salt to transform sauces and stews – it even lifts a standard spag bol.” Amazon.co.uk
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Marina O’Loughlin, food c…

Merchant Gourmet lentils, £1.79 “Just squidge… More details
Marina O’Loughlin, food critic

Merchant Gourmet lentils, £1.79

“Just squidge the puy lentils out of the pack and add herbs or chilli – wonderful with good sausages or meaty fish.” Merchant-gourmet.com
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Yotam Ottolenghi, chef

Al Wadi tahini paste, £3 “Lebanese tahini… More details
Yotam Ottolenghi, chef

Al Wadi tahini paste, £3

“Lebanese tahini paste makes fantastic dressings for roasted vegetables or lamb. Mix it with water, lemon juice and garlic.” Available from any good Middle Eastern food shop
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Diana Henry, food writer

Ortiz tinned anchovies, £3.79 “This brand… More details
Diana Henry, food writer

Ortiz tinned anchovies, £3.79

“This brand blasts the tastebuds. Serve with tomatoes and pepper on bread or purée with pine nuts, garlic, oil and lemon to make a pesto.” Melburyandappleton.co.uk
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Thomasina Miers, chef and o…

Tabasco sauce, from £2 “I use this in a Bloody… More details
Thomasina Miers, chef and owner of Wahaca

Tabasco sauce, from £2

“I use this in a Bloody Mary, to pep up ceviche and to add fire to cheese on toast. I couldn’t live without it.” Available from your local supermarket
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Lily Vanilli, baker

Visciole A Mollo cherries, £28.95 “These… More details
Lily Vanilli, baker

Visciole A Mollo cherries, £28.95

“These pitted sour cherries steeped in cherry wine are great on cheesecakes, in cocktails or just on their own with yoghurt or ice cream.” Thewhiskyexchange.com
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Theo Randall, chef

De Cecco spaghetti, £1.56 “The best dried… More details
Theo Randall, chef

De Cecco spaghetti, £1.56

“The best dried pasta. Cook and mix it with four anchovy fillets, 150g chopped mozzarella, 100g rocket, black pepper and a splash of olive oil.” Ocado.com
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Nigella Lawson, cook and fo…

Colman's Mustard, £1.21 “I am never without a… More details
Nigella Lawson, cook and food writer

Colman's Mustard, £1.21

“I am never without a jar. I add it, along with fresh dill, to chicken soup or heat in a pan with saké and soy to make a sauce for steak.” Ocado.com
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Theo Randall, chef

Ferron Carnaroli rice, £6.50 "People love… More details
Theo Randall, chef

Ferron Carnaroli rice, £6.50

"People love Arborio, but the best risotto is made with Carnaroli rice – just add onion, garlic, white wine and any vegetable to turn it into a hearty meal." luigismailorder.com
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Rachel O’Sullivan, head c…

Giuliano Tartufi truffle oil, £15 "This… More details
Rachel O’Sullivan, head chef at Spuntino

Giuliano Tartufi truffle oil, £15

"This pungent oil is perfect for giving pasta, risottos and salad dressings a kick but I use it to make truffled egg toast too." giulianotartufi.it
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Yotam Ottolenghi, chef

Clearspring Marukura Sweet White Miso,… More details
Yotam Ottolenghi, chef

Clearspring Marukura Sweet White Miso, £5.29

"Iadd this to soups and it’s also great for marinating chicken, quail or duck or mixing with vinegar and mirin to brush over aubergine before roasting." japanesefoodshop.co.uk
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Tom Aikens, chef

Waitrose Pure Canadian Maple Syrup,… More details
Tom Aikens, chef

Waitrose Pure Canadian Maple Syrup, £4.59

"For pancakes, making maple glazed ham or just pouring over ice cream, this brand is perfect – ant it’s not too sweet, so particularly nice with bacon." waitrose.com
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Lily Vanilli, baker

Marraiges Flour, around £10 "Marriages are… More details
Lily Vanilli, baker

Marraiges Flour, around £10

"Marriages are a sixth generation millers in Chelmsford that do great strong white or wholemeal flour for bread making, plus plain and self raising for cakes." amazon.co.uk
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William Drew, editor of Res…

Fresh parmesan, prices vary "Call me an… More details
William Drew, editor of Restaurant Magazine

Fresh parmesan, prices vary

"Call me an stereotypical food snob, but there is little better than proper fresh parmigiano – whether grated on top of pretty much anything or scoffed somewhat guiltily in chunks on its own. It also lasts for months and gets better with age. I get mine from the Whole Foods cheese counter." wholefoodsmarket.com
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