American food writer and cookbook author Alison Roman opens her Brooklyn fridge to reveal a mix of order, preparation, and fun. The fridge contains fillet of arctic char, kimchi, eggs, frozen chicken broth, cooked orzo, unsweetened cranberry juice, tomato paste, anchovies, crème fraîche, and iced coffee.
Arctic Char and Kimchi Staples
Roman bought the fillet of arctic char at the fish market the day before to cook for her 15-month-old son, Charlie. She dresses it with soy sauce and lemon juice, and notes that Charlie loves it, including the crispy skin. Kimchi is always in her fridge for snacking, eating with steak or rice, and adding to soups or stews. She has a recipe for tomato-kimchi soup with rice in her book Something from Nothing. Roman explores different varieties but prefers classic napa cabbage kimchi, and she drinks the liquid afterward, saving the jar as a leftovers container.
Eggs and Chicken Broth
The household goes through many eggs, mostly sunny-side up or turned into a thick, sliceable omelette with kale and rice. Charlie eats at least two eggs a day, sourced from the farmers' market every Sunday. Roman makes her own chicken broth from roast chicken leftovers or saved backs, and always has some in the fridge or freezer. She uses it for drinking straight with spring onion and lemon juice, or as a shortcut to chicken noodle soup.
Prepared Orzo and Cranberry Juice
Before a recent work trip, Roman cooked an entire box of orzo in a panic, worried her family wouldn't know what to do without her. The orzo can be sautéed in butter with greens, tossed in roast chicken juices, or added to broth for soup. She also keeps unsweetened cranberry juice, which she became addicted to during pregnancy. She drinks it daily mixed with sparkling water and lemon.
Tomato Paste, Anchovies, and More
Roman uses whole cans of tomato paste when possible, but always has an opened tube in the fridge for small amounts. Anchovies are stored in the pantry and fridge; opened jars are kept in the fridge covered with oil. Crème fraîche was brought over for a dinner party but forgotten, still sitting in the fridge. Her husband is addicted to iced coffee made from hot-brewed coffee chilled, not cold brew, so a large container is always ready.
