A well stocked pantry is essential to cooking with ease. With basic ingredients and supplies available at home, you can easily put together a budget friendly or last minute meal with little to no effort. Cooking is simpler and faster when you already have the ingredients.
Below is a comprehensive list of pantry essentials that make cooking efficient for me. Consider the list as a guide. Only you can determine your true pantry essentials based on your unique preferences and needs.
The idea is to ensure you have enough ingredients (proteins, sturdy vegetables, condiments, and seasonings) to make meals that are interesting, satisfying, and nourishing. Be sure to replenish items when you’re running low. The premise of a well stocked pantry is: “stay ready so you don’t have to get ready.”
OILS & VINEGARS
- avocado oil
- extra virgin olive oil
- apple cider vinegar
- balsamic vinegar
- rice wine vinegar
CANNED & JARRED
- beans (canned black eyed peas, chickpeas, black)
- diced tomatoes
- tomato sauce
- tomato paste
- coconut milk, reduced fat
- tuna, in water
RICE, PASTAS, AND GRAINS
- rice (parboiled, basmati, jasmine)
- long pasta (spaghetti)
- short pasta (penne or farfalle)
- oats (steel-cut or rolled)
- bread, tortillas, wraps
DRY HERBS & SPICES
- kosher salt
- ground black peppercorns
- ground cayenne or Cameroon pepper
- garlic powder
- onion powder
- ground cumin
- Herbs de Provence (or Italian seasoning)
- thyme
- dry bay leaves
- curry powder
- red pepper flakes
- chicken bouillon (I like Knorr)
- smoked paprika
- cinnamon
BASIC CONDIMENTS
- hot sauce
- ketchup
- mustard (dijon or yellow)
- soy sauce (or liquid aminos)
- bbq sauce
- avocados
- honey/ maple syrup/ agave
- nut butter (peanut butter)
NUTS, SEEDS, & DRY FRUIT
- almonds, cashews, walnuts, etc
- dry fruit (cranberries, raisins, etc)
PANTRY PRODUCE
- garlic, onions
- potatoes (Yukon gold, red, or sweet potatoes)
- plantain
- lemons, limes
BAKING
- all purpose flour (white-wheat flour)
- sugar (granulated, brown)
- leaveners (baking soda, baking powder)
- vanilla extract
- cornstarch
REFRIGERATOR STAPLES
- eggs, egg whites
- milk
- plain greek yogurt or regular yogurt
- unsalted butter
FREEZER STAPLES
- frozen fruit (strawberries, blueberries, etc)
- spinach
- vegetable medley (avoid high moisture vegetables like bell peppers and asparagus)
- turkey bacon
- chicken
- extra large shrimp