A stocked pantry means you’ll never be without something to whip up a nutritious meal the whole family will love, without having to open the fridge. It’s a great back up when you can’t make your grocery run or when the unexpected happens.
The first step to making sure your pantry has all the basics is keeping it sorted and taking a regular inventory. Next, check out our list below to make sure you’ve got everything covered!
Canned tomatoes
As a sauce or paste, diced or crushed—there’s no shortage of types of canned tomatoes out there. That’s why they’re so handy for making delicious, quick and easy pasta dishes, chicken dishes or even homemade pizza.
Canned veggies
Canned veggies have a long shelf life, which makes them a convenient choice to give your meals the vitamin boost they need. Serve your favourite protein with green beans, peas or even a veggie mix, and ideally opt for products that are low in sodium.
Canned fruits
When it comes to canned fruit, choose those canned in their own juice as opposed to syrup—or choose compotes with no added sugar. That way, you’ll always have a healthy serving of fruit on hand.
Canned fish
Tuna, salmon, sardines, smoked mussels and other canned fish and seafood are a sure-fire way to include a good source of protein and omega-3 into your meals, all at a great price. Use them to make sandwiches, nuggets or salads.
Canned legumes
Legumes are an excellent source of fibre and protein and are much easier to prepare from the can since they require no soaking. Use them in salads, soups and chili to quash your hunger.
Pasta, rice and other grains
Pasta of all shapes and sizes, white or brown rice, quinoa, couscous, barley—the list goes on. All these grains can be prepared in large quantities and even frozen, making them a quick and easy solution to side with your favourite dishes.
Nuts, seeds and nut butters
Rich in protein and healthy fat, nuts, seeds and their spread derivatives are the perfect snack to have on hand in the pantry. Take a walk on the wild side and try almond butter as a dip for veggies or add nuts to a salad.
Ready-to-eat foods
Because sometimes you just don’t have time, there’s no shame in having a few canned meals on hand that take only minutes to prepare. Examples include soups, sauces, rice or pasta-based meals, and even prepared cakes.
Herbs and spices
When it comes to dry herbs, parsley, thyme, dill and oregano are classics you can’t do without. For ground spices, the most popular include curry, cumin, chili, cinnamon and paprika. With these on hand, you’ve got flavour at your fingertips.
Baking ingredients
For delicious homemade breads or desserts, basics include flour, sugar and sweeteners, baking powder, yeast, corn starch, baking soda, cocoa, vanilla extract, dry fruit, etc.
Condiments
The key to hassle-free cooking is always having a few basic condiments and other products in the pantry: oil (olive, canola and sesame), vinegar (wine, balsamic, white), broth (chicken, beef and vegetable), salt and pepper.
Some tips for a picture-perfect pantry!
Follow these tips to make sure your pantry is well organized and optimal for storing your non-perishable foods.
– Clear glass or plastic containers are your best allies for a tidy pantry. They help you see the contents and keep your products fresher, longer.
– Cans should not be damaged and keep in a cool dry place for up to five years.
– Once opened, however, transfer contents into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to five days, depending on the type of food.
– If using dry legumes, store in clear containers instead of plastic bags or original packaging.
– Nuts and seeds last three months at room temperature, six months in the fridge and one year in the freezer.
– Oil and vinegar must be stored in a cool, dark place. Don’t store them near the stovetop or a window where heat and light could affect their quality.
– Dry herbs and spices can be kept for several months away from moisture and heat, but their flavour deteriorates over time.
– Keep soft brown sugar in a sealed bag and add a slice of bread.
Now that your pantry is stocked with nutritious and filling basics, all you have to do is organize it as you see fit to ensure your food has a longer shelf life. You’ll be all set for whenever life throws you a curve ball!
