Good olive oil and flaky salt: the two things that make everything else taste like you tried. Never run out.

Tinned tomatoes and dried pasta: fifteen minutes from cupboard to comfort, and endlessly adaptable with whatever else you've got.

Stock cubes or paste: instant depth for soups, risottos and sauces when there's no time to simmer bones all afternoon.

Eggs and a lemon: a frittata, a quick carbonara, a bright dressing — proof that a full meal rarely needs a full shop.