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10 Ingredients Every Pantry Should Have
Here are the top ingredients every home should have to prepare a delicious and nutritious meal any day of the week.
It’s Monday, and you have no desire to go to the grocery store. You open up your pantry and realize it has everything but the essentials to make a healthy meal, so you resort to the unhealthy options you can find. If this has ever happened to you, it’s time to make a change. A well-stocked pantry is the key to preparing delicious and nutritious meals at home. It’s essential to have a variety of ingredients on hand to ensure that you can make a range of dishes without having to run to the grocery store every time you cook. Using what you have in the pantry also allows for more open-minded, creative meals, making cooking fun! Here are the top ingredients our pantry could never go without.
- Rice/Grains
Rice is a staple food in many parts of the world and an essential ingredient in many dishes. Whether you prefer long-grain, short-grain, or brown rice, having a bag of rice in your pantry is a must. Not into rice? Quinoa, barley, and farro are wonderful options as well. - Pasta
Pasta is another versatile ingredient that can be used in various dishes. It’s a great way to stretch a meal. Pair pasta with sauces, vegetables, or meat to make a hearty dinner. - Canned Tomatoes
Canned tomatoes are essential in many recipes, from soups and stews to pasta sauces and chili. Use them to add flavor and acidity to a variety of dishes. - Beans/Legumes
Whether you prefer black beans, kidney beans, lentils, or chickpeas, having a variety of canned or dried beans in your pantry is essential. They are a great source of protein and can be used in soups, stews, salads, and more. - Flour
Flour is an essential ingredient for baking and can also be used as a thickener in sauces and gravies. All-purpose flour is the most versatile. However, depending on your dietary needs, you may also want to stock up on specialty flour like whole wheat, spelt, or coconut flour. - Cooking Oils
Having a variety of cooking oils on hand is important for different cooking methods and flavor preferences. Olive oil, vegetable oil, and coconut oil are great choices to have in your pantry. - Spices/Herbs
Spices and herbs can take a dish from bland to flavorful in seconds. Some essential spices to have in your pantry include salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, chili powder, paprika, rosemary, and oregano. - Stock/Broth
Stock or broth is a flavorful liquid that can be used as a base for soups, stews, and gravies. Whether you prefer chicken, beef, or vegetable, keeping a carton or two in your pantry is always helpful. - Vinegar
Vinegar is an acid that can add flavor and balance to a dish. Having a variety of vinegar in your pantry, such as red wine vinegar, apple cider vinegar, and balsamic vinegar, can add depth and complexity to your dishes. - Sweeteners
Whether you prefer sugar, honey, or maple syrup, keeping a sweetener in your pantry is essential for baking and adding sweetness to dishes. Other sweeteners to consider include agave nectar, stevia, and molasses.
Can you see why having a well-stocked pantry is essential for cooking and preparing meals at home? The ingredients listed above are versatile, making them great staples to always have on hand. By stocking up on these ingredients, you can ensure that you always have the tools you need to make delicious and nutritious meals for yourself and your family.
If you’d like to see more insight into what we like to stock our kitchen with, check out our blog post on what you’ll always find in our grocery carts.
