Using just a few key ingredients—Parmesan cheese, truffle vinaigrette and the freshest spring asparagus—Executive Chef John Broening of Duo restaurant creates a stunningly simple first course.
Food
20 Essentials
Craving simple, elegant meals that don’t take all day to make? Stock up on these indispensable ingredients and utensils for a kitchen that really cooks.
BY
Kate Bailey; Recipes provided by Duo restaurant
PHOTOGRAPHY
Martin Crabb

More essentials:
Kitchen Essentials
Essential Ingredients

Recipes:

Asparagus with Truffle Vinaigrette and Parmesan Cheese
Chocolate Mousse
Fava Beans with Mint, Pecorino Cheese and Olive Oil
La Fiorentina--Steak Broiled the Florentine Way
Porcini Risotto
Rice Pudding
It is difficult to say what exactly constitutes a kitchen essential—a basic, indispensable ingredient or tool that your cooking repertoire should not be without. Though “essential” is entirely subjective to each cook, there are a few key foods and utensils that can help you create an easy, yet fabulous, meal in minutes.

Few people understand the power of kitchen essentials better than Executive Chef John Broening of the recently opened Duo restaurant. His elegant and understated creations are what attracted owners Stephanie Bonin and Keith Arnold to hire Broening to helm the kitchen at this charming Highlands establishment. “We share the same philosophies,” says Bonin. “John wanted a seasonal menu that was approachable, but not boring. He makes familiar food that is simple and traditional, yet fresh and engaging.”

The secret to Broening’s style of cooking is to use the best produce, meats and dairy, cook them to perfection, then add a subtle layer of flavor with an exceptional ingredient, such as a pungent drizzle of truffle oil. For example, in his recipe for Fava Beans with Mint, Pecorino Cheese and Olive Oil, Broening relies on just six elements. The final touches—fleur de sel and a fresh-tasting olive oil—are essential to creating a memorable dish.

Though our list of ingredients and tools is not definitive, it helps to have them on hand to whip up a last-minute dinner party or a relaxed Sunday meal. The best part? Most of the food items will keep for weeks, if not months or years in your pantry, when stored properly. Refrigerate oils and store long-lasting foodstuffs—chocolate, dried fruits, spices, grains, etc.—in dark, cool conditions.

This list of 20 essentials is by no means cast in stone. Feel free to create your own set and let it morph and change as you discover new tastes. The possibilities are truly endless.

Duo, 2413 West 32nd Ave., Denver, (303) 477-4141