NOTE: Total amounts needed for certain ingredients are stated in parentheses, just in case you already have these items in your kitchen and do not need to buy them.
STAPLE PANTRY ITEMS (Always make sure you have these staples on hand - these are essential ingredients you should always need.)
Salt, preferably kosher
Ground black pepper
Oils (extra-virgin or virgin olive oil, corn, vegetable)
All-purpose flour
Granulated sugar
Jar preminced garlic
Cooking spray
Unsalted butter
PRODUCE
1 large eggplant
2 red bell peppers
3 carrots
1 large or 2 small fresh beefsteak tomatoes (1 cup diced)
1 large (or 2 medium) yellow squash
1 bunch fresh cilantro (1/2 cup chopped)
1 bunch fresh parsley (2 tablespoons chopped)
1 bunch scallions (8 to 12)
1 (1-inch) piece fresh ginger OR ground ginger (1 teaspoon)
MEATS, POULTRY & SEAFOOD
2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced crosswise into 1/2-inch thick slices
PANTRY GOODS (herbs, spices, breadcrumbs, seeds, oils, nuts, canned goods, etc)
4 cups reduced-sodium vegetable broth
1 (28-ounce) can diced tomatoes
1 (15-ounce) can chick peas
Ground cumin (2 teaspoons)
Dried thyme (1 teaspoon)
Ground cinnamon (1 1/4 teaspoon)
Garlic powder (1/4 teaspoon)
Curry powder (1 teaspoon)
Ground cardamom (1 teaspoon)
Sesame seeds (1/4 teaspoon)
3 cups quick cooking rice
Reduced-sodium soy sauce (1/4 cup)
Honey (1 tablespoon)
Dark sesame oil (2 teaspoons)
Pitted kalamata olives (1/2 cup diced)
1 cup couscous
1/2 cup dried apricots (minced)
1/4 cup dried blueberries
Wooden picks
CHEESE & DAIRY
1 (8-ounce) container plain yogurt
Milk (1 cup)
