Why fewer, better ingredients matter and how to cook like an Italian at home
The Secret? Simplicity Done Well
If there’s one lesson we’ve learned from time spent in Italian kitchens, it’s this: quality always wins. Italians know that cooking isn’t about doing more, it’s about starting with better. A good olive oil. A rich tomato passata. A block of Parmigiano you’ll grate fresh at the table. The real magic of an Italian pantry is that it works with you, not against you, helping you create delicious meals with very little fuss.
At Angela Reed, we believe your pantry should feel just like that: considered, comforting, and filled with ingredients that inspire. Our Italian Pantry collection is a curated edit of everyday essentials elevated.
Why Fewer, Better Ingredients Matter
An Italian home cook doesn’t reach for twenty things when five will do. Instead, they trust in ingredients with depth and character. That’s why everything in our collection is handpicked, from small-batch oils to artisanal pasta, so you can stock your shelves with flavour and soul.
Not only does this make cooking easier, it makes it more joyful. You’re not reinventing dinner every night, you’re creating simple, satisfying rituals.
5 Italian Pantry Essentials from Angela Reed
Here’s where to start if you’re building your pantry from scratch (or just want a reset):
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- A staple for drizzling, dipping, dressing. Our small-batch oils are cold-pressed and beautifully bottled - a joy to use and display.
- Artisan Pasta
- Dried slowly, bronze-cut for texture, and made with just two ingredients: durum wheat and water. It makes all the difference.
- Tomato Passata or Sauce
- Rich, velvety, and ready to simmer with garlic, olive oil and fresh basil. Dinner in under 15 minutes.
- Crackers or Taralli
- A crunchy aperitivo essential - perfect with cheese, olives or a glass of something chilled.
- Something Sweet
- From chocolate to biscotti, every Italian pantry has a treat tucked away. Serve with coffee or enjoy at the end of a long lunch.
Quick Meal Idea: Pantry Pasta (Italian Style)
You don’t need a recipe, just a rhythm. Try this for a weeknight that feels like a weekend:
- Boil your Angela Reed artisan pasta in salted water.
- In a pan, warm your olive oil, garlic, and chilli flakes.
- Add your tomato passata and simmer.
- Toss the drained pasta into the sauce with a splash of cooking water.
- Finish with grated parmesan and torn basil.
- Optional: glass of red wine. Highly recommended.
Storage That Looks as Good as It Cooks
Italian kitchens are made to be lived in, practical, warm, and full of heart. Display your pantry essentials with care, and you’ll find yourself reaching for them more often.
- Olive Oil: Keep it close to the cooker, ideally in a dark glass bottle or a ceramic dispenser.
- Bread Boards & Bowls: Use olive wood or marble as display pieces, beautiful and useful.
- Baskets: Great for grouping snacks, napkins or linens. Choose natural materials for a rustic finish.
- Open Shelves: Let your pantry breathe. Stack pasta, preserves, and biscuits in plain sight, because food should feel like decor.
Ready to Cook Like an Italian?
Explore our handpicked selection of Italian pantry staples, serveware and styling pieces to bring slow food and soulful cooking into your home.
