This time most of us now face at home, while of course frustrating and uncertain, presents opportunities too, and cooking something nourishing, sustaining and perhaps a little more challenging than a standard weeknight meal is certainly one way to make the most of things. In this isolation edition of our food series, we visit the kitchen of cook Anna Barnett (who we previously met at her last place, a shared house in a converted pub in east London) to get her store cupboard essentials and a recipe for homemade tagliatelle with braised fennel and peas. Making this at home? Show us the results using the hashtag #themodernmenu on Instagram.Anna, what are your store cupboard essentials?
“Great sea salt flakes are an absolute staple in our household. A good stockpile of black peppercorns is also essential, I use endless amounts in every meal.
“Anchovies, eaten straight from the jar (my preference) or used as the base to a great pasta sauce, in stews and pretty much everything else.
“Tinned cherry tomatoes are definitely my preference over the regular plum tomatoes. They are super sweet, so no sugar is needed when cooking with them.
“Butterbeans and chickpeas. These are so great for everything from salads to stews and even snacks (roast them up with herbs and spices for a crunchy snack).
“‘00’ flour. There’s nothing more brilliant than making your own pasta so this has to be included. ‘00’ (double zero) flour is finer that normal flour, making it suitable for fresh pasta making.
“I’m a big fan of rice dishes and can often be found cooking up congees, biryanis as well as the humble but brilliant egg fried rice. These are all super simple recipes but so delicious.
“Chilli flakes. An incredible easy way to add spice to your cooking and can be used in pretty much any dish. They’re a must have.
“Capers. A great way to add a bit of salty seasoning to your dish. Fry them up until crisp and use in salads, stews and rice dishes. They’re delish.
“Dried, Greek-style oregano. After holidaying in Greece, I can’t get enough of dried oregano. It’s delicious in salads and soups and is great for seasoning meats and vegetables. Throw it in everything!”
What’s always in your fridge? 
“I like to make sure I always have a good selection of fresh herbs. Parsley, dill, sage and coriander are my go-tos. You can liven up any dish with a hit of fresh herbs.
“Condiments too; my fridge is packed full of them, Dijon, harissa, an array of chilli sauces, pickled and fermented veg, kimchi – all are brilliant additions to any dish or great when whipping up a marinade or sauce.”
And what can’t you ever go without? 
“A good loaf of sourdough and great coffee are probably mainstays in our kitchen…you’ve got to the start the day right!”