Cooking can be much less stressful and faster when your cupboard is well-stocked. You’ll always be able to quickly prepare a tasty supper if you have a few basic components on hand. The following three pantry categories are crucial, along with advice on what to stock:
1. Dry Staples
Dry staples are the backbone of most recipes. These items last a long time and provide the base for many dishes.
- Grains: Keep a variety like rice, quinoa, pasta, and oats. They’re perfect for quick meals, from stir-fries to breakfast bowls.
- Legumes: Stock canned or dried lentils, chickpeas, and beans. They’re protein-packed and work well in soups, salads, or side dishes.
- Flour and Baking Essentials: All-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and sugar are essential for baking and cooking.
With these dry staples, you can create hearty meals like pasta dishes, grain bowls, or even quick baked goods.
2. Canned and Jarred Goods
Canned and jarred ingredients are lifesavers when you’re short on time or fresh produce.
- Tomatoes: Keep diced, crushed, or pureed tomatoes for soups, stews, and sauces.
- Broth or Stock: A good-quality chicken, beef, or vegetable broth adds flavor to soups, rice dishes, and sauces.
- Canned Fish: Tuna or salmon can be used in salads, sandwiches, or pasta for a protein boost.
- Condiments: Soy sauce, vinegar, mustard, and hot sauce are perfect for seasoning and marinades.
These items are versatile and make it easy to create flavorful meals in minutes.
3. Spices and Seasonings
A good spice rack can transform even the simplest ingredients into something extraordinary.
- Everyday Spices: Salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika are must-haves.
- Herbs: Keep dried basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary on hand for pasta sauces and roasted dishes.
- Flavor Boosters: Spices like cumin, chili powder, or curry powder are great for ethnic dishes like tacos, curries, or stews.
You can experiment with different cuisines and enhance any dish with the correct spices.
You’ll have the ingredients for a ton of quick and simple dinners at your fingertips if you fill your cupboard with these necessities!
