Being a true BrokeAss Gourmand is kind of like being a Boy Scout in that you have to be prepared so you can go out into the wilderness and have a good time (insert dirty joke here). Having a well-stocked pantry means that you are better able to follow recipes and create new ones because you’ll have most of the required non-perishables and dry goods already on-hand. The following is a list of staple ingredients frequently called-for in recipes.

All of these items can be found inexpensively at Trader Joe’s or your local discount supermarket. Having a well-stocked pantry makes shopping less expensive, since these ingredients last a long time and are used in a lot of different recipes. As a bonus, there are plenty of dishes that can be constructed almost entirely from pantry ingredients, which means you’re eating well while saving money—like a true BrokeAss Gourmet boss. When I refer to a “pantry” item in a recipe, it means you should already have it on hand. The below prices are approximate, rounded up and based on Trader Joe’s prices in San Francisco, CA.