Over the years I have become a better grocery shopper. There are certain rules you have to abide by- like don’t shop when hungry. You have no idea how much junk food and unnecessary items have ended up in my cart because I was in dire need of a snack. Other important things to remember: always have a shopping list and keep an inventory of your pantry.
With kids back in school and schedules about to get hectic and overwhelming with the holidays, dinner often gets pushed aside and becomes a last minute rush. I’ve put together a list of 10 non-perishable pantry staples that I always have in my kitchen.
A well-stocked pantry means you’ll always have ingredients to put together a homemade meal. Asides from salt, black pepper, and sugar, here is my go-to pantry list.
10 Pantry Essentials
1. Dried pasta
Pasta makes the easiest meals. Not only is dried pasta very inexpensive, it is simple to prepare and spans different cuisines. From the classical Italian foods to more exotic Asian inspired dishes, pasta helps solve what’s for dinner.
Whenever boxed pasta is on sale, I am sure to stock up because they last indefinitely. There are all sorts of pasta varieties to keep you interested- from fettuccine to elbow pasta to colorful fusilli.
recipe ideas: Penne with Pancetta and Peas, Brown Butter Spaghetti, One Pot Tomato Basil Pasta
2. Canned whole tomatoes
There is nothing subpar about canned fruits and vegetables. Canned tomatoes are picked at their peak and preserved to keep them at their best. With canned tomatoes, you can have ripe summer tomatoes even during the coldest of winter nights.
I prefer canned whole tomatoes because of their flavor and versatility. I also stick to the low sodium or no-salt added varieties because I like to be in control of my salt. From chili, pasta sauce, or soups, canned tomato is my friend.
recipe ideas: Garlic Tomato Sauce, Eggs Poached in Tomato Sauce, Creamy Tomato Soup
3. Olive oil
Extra-virgin olive oil is a heart-healthy fat that can be used to cook, bake, and make sauces and dressings. There are many different types of olive oil sold at the market. I prefer extra-virgin olive oil because it is the most flavorful as it is derived from the first pressing of olives. Cold-pressed olive oil is also a good choice because olive oil made with heat is often weaker in flavor and lower in nutrients.
Beyond cooking, olive oil also serves purposes outside of the kitchen. Brandee, our Self Editor, mentions 7 kitchen condiments to incorporate into your beauty regime. Olive oil soften hands and cuticles and works as a base for homemade body scrubs.
4. Vinegar
There are many vinegars to choose from: balsamic, apple cider, white wine. Vinegar is essential in cooking because it provides much needed acidity and balance to foods. Use it to pickle and preserve foods or make the easiest of salad dressings. Vinegars have the ability to add a lot of flavor without much fat or added calories. Drizzle balsamic vinegar over sweet strawberries. Apple cider vinegar makes for a tasty barbecue sauce. Distilled white vinegar is great for kitchen and bathroom cleaning.
recipes ideas: Balsamic Pot Roast, Overnight Sweet Pickles, Apple Cider Baked Chicken
5. Dried spices and herbs
The spice aisle at the market can be intimidating. There are so many options and varieties to choose from. No need to stock your pantry with every dried spice and herb available. I stick to 5 staples that I use most often: cinnamon, garlic powder, rosemary, oregano, and chili powder.
Its best to buy the smallest containers because spices do not last forever. They lose flavor over time. Be sure to check your pantry every other month or so to check expiration dates.
6. Canned beans, or dried beans
Beans, beans, the magical fruit! The more you eat…
I’m sure we all know how that song ends. But in all reality, beans are packed with nutrients. Although high in starch, beans are high in fiber, protein, and flavor. Its a great meatless dish alternative.
Dried beans are cheaper and taste better, but can be quite daunting and time-consuming to prepare. I stick to canned beans. Just be sure to rinse and drain them before using. Beans can be added to soups, stews, salads, and even brownies! I like to keep black beans, garbanzo beans (aka chickpeas), and kidney beans on stock.
recipe ideas: Kitchen Sink Stew, Turkey Chili, Black Bean Brownies
7. Dijon mustard
Mustard is not just a condiment for hamburgers and hot dogs. It makes the for the best marinades, sauces, and salad dressings. Instead of adding raw eggs to homemade mayo, adding a little Dijon acts as an emulsifying agent. A creamy Dijion mustard sauce is perfect for salmon, chicken or roasted potatoes. Its also a secret ingredient in my homemade mac-n-cheese.
recipe ideas: Honey Mustard Chicken, Balsamic Vinaigrette, Potato Salad
8. Peanut Butter
I used to think I could live off of PB and J sandwiches. Not the case. However, I could eat peanut butter every day without growing tired of it. Peanut butter is more versatile than you’d think. It works for breakfast, lunch,dinner, and dessert. Use it for dips, sauces, and smoothies. I’ve even heard that peanut butter can be used to remove chewing gum from hair.
Peanut butter is popular world wide. It is often used in many Southeast Asian dishes.
There are also many alternatives to those with peanut allergies that provide the same versatile options: sunflower butter, almond butter, and cashew butter.
recipe ideas: Peanut Butter Burrito, Peanut Butter Hoisin Sauce, Thai Peanut Chicken Pasta
9. Canned chicken broth, or vegetable broth
While homemade stocks are more flavorful and richer, who really has the time to spend hours making it? Next best option, canned chicken broth (or vegetable broth). It is always ready to go for soups, sauces, and casseroles. Try cooking rice, beans, or lentils with broth for a bolder flavor. Like other canned goods, I look for low sodium or no-salt added.
recipe ideas: Creamy Chicken Rice, Lentils cooked in Chicken Stock, Chicken Spaghetti Casserole
10. Wine
I saved the best for last, wine! Wine is great for deglazing pans for sauces. It works for marinades and braising meats. Most of all, wine is excellent for general drinking and merriment.
recipe ideas: Brown Sugar Mulled Wine, Stone Fruit Sangria, Fillet Mignon with Red Wine Sauce
I have a couple extra staples that have permenent homes in my kitchen: soy sauce, fish sauce, rice, honey, and dark chocolate.
I’ve shared my kitchen pantry essentials. Now it’s your turn. Did I forget anything?
What are your must-have pantry staples? Share with me in the comments section below!
