It’s time to have a very serious conversation. What’s in your pantry?
Living in a small house, our storage is very limited. While most people dream of a walk in closet, I dream of a walk in pantry. But for now my corner cabinet will have to do.
Even though we don’t have the most storage space, we try to make the most of what we have.
The pantry is so important because it’s more than likely going to be your white knight on those nights when you have no idea what to eat. Guys, I meal plan so carefully, but there’s still nights when I rummaging through the pantry trying to create a meal out of thin air.
Either the veggies have gone bad, we didn’t have as much meat as I thought, or we are just too tired to make what I previously planned. In these moments a well stocked pantry will save the day.
Every time I go to the grocery store I try to grab three extra things – 1 produce, 1 pantry & 1 freezer. This is such a help to keep the kitchen fully stocked & that feeling of “there’s nothing to eat” far, far away.
Here are the things I always have in our pantry..
For the base of a meal:
• beans – mainly black beans, but I usually keep a can of chickpeas & kidney beans in there too. These are perfect for so many different meals. • pasta – I usually have a few different shapes, size & kinds. I always have a regular spaghetti or fettuccini. I also love having Banza chickpea pasta & a brown rice pasta on hand.
• grains – especially jasmine rice, short grain brown rice & quinoa.
• couscous – my preference is Israeli – it’s larger & amazing.
• canned soup – This one’s pretty obvious. Amy’s is my favorite. Their lentil soup is amazing.
To take the meal over the top:
• sundried tomatoes
• roasted red peppers
• diced tomatoes • tomato paste
• rotel
• chicken/beef stock
• coconut milk
• pasta sauce – I always have a simple marinara & I like to have something more interesting like a vodka sauce.
• panko- this is always a game changer. It’s perfect for adding crunch to chicken or on top of a casserole. • taco shells
• vinegars – balsamic, red wine & rice wine. Almost every dish needs a hit of acid & vinegar is a great way to get that.
• garlic
• shallots
For on the side..
I’m not sure if this is technically pantry food, but it’s not in the fridge or freezer so I suppose it qualifies.
• potatoes – I always keep a bag of Yukon gold because they are the best everyday potato. I also like to have a couple sweet potatoes & lately a bag of Japanese sweet potatoes.
• bag of onions – both red & yellow.
• avocados – I will usually get 4-6 for a week. I will put avocado on almost anything. It’s such a convenient & delicious source of fat.
• citrus – always, always limes & lemons. We will usually have an orange in there too. A squeeze of citrus can totally transform a meal & make it feel alive.
For quick snacks..
It is so important for me to have healthy, delicious things to grab when I’m starving. It helps me make good choices for myself when they are already there & ready to go.
• dried fruit – I love dates, yellow raisins & apricots. But I always have blueberries & bananas too.
• bananas
• nuts – I eat cashews, almonds & walnuts daily!
• wasabi peas
• applesauce – I always have NSA pouch for a quick carb intake before a run or if I start feeling like I’m loosing steam during the day.
• siete tortilla chips – listen, we all need tortilla chips in our lives. These are the best!
• simple mills – Just like we all need tortilla chips, we all need crackers. There’s always that moment when you need a pre-dinner snack. These crackers are amazing. They also have great flavors. I love the sun dried tomato!
I think that pretty much covers almost everything in that tiny little cabinet! Honestly, few things make me as satisfied as stocking that baby.
Here are a few ideas on how to actually use all of these things to create a quick & easy meal.
- Grain bowls – these are the best pantry meal because it’s basically taking everything you have & putting it into a bowl! Start with any grain you have ( rice, quinoa or even couscous which isn’t a grain but still delicious! ), then you can really build whatever you like. Add beans, roasted red peppers, tomatoes, onions, avocado, cashews, citrus, whatever! That’s why I love these, anything goes!
- Quick pastas – this is pretty self-explanatory, but man there is nothing like just being tired, hungry & making a delicious bowl of pasta.
- Curry – so easy & you really don’t need that many ingredients. A can of coconut milk, onions, peppers, potatoes, chickpeas & you’re there!
- Veggie tacos – I mean, hello! All tacos are accepted here. Give me a crunchy shell with some beans, peppers, avocado & onions. I’m good to go.
I hope these posts are helpful to you to get some ideas on how to always be prepared in your kitchen.
xx,
ellyn
