Stock up on pantry staples to prepare a healthy meal in a pinch

shutterstock_63329143Whether you enjoy a plant-based diet for ethical or health reasons, or because of food allergies, a well-stocked pantry is an essential ingredient for any household with dietary restrictions.

Stocking up on staples allows you to prepare meals in a pinch, and can also help you avoid falling into the trap of eating the same meal over again. A stocked supply of essentials is also key to a well-balanced and nutrient-rich regimen, which can often be a challenge for people with dietary limitations or intolerances.

With a kitchen that’s fully equipped with non-perishables, you can prepare nutritious and delicious meals on the fly, without having to run to the grocery store. Moreover, you can enhance your recipe repertoire to cook a range of exciting meals from other cultures.

If you’re not exactly sure what your pantry should look like, a fridge full of your favourite Tofutti products coupled with the below list will give you a good base of wholesome ingredients, including grains, spices and legumes.

Grains

Barley

Buckwheat

Millet

Rice (wild, jasmine, brown)

Farro

Kamut

Oats

Quinoa

Wheat berries

Whole-grain pastas

A variety of flours, including oat, wheat, brown rice, spelt, almond meal

Beans/legumes

Lentils (French, green and red varieties)

Chickpeas

Black beans

Black-eyed peas

Split peas

Red kidney beans

Navy beans

Nuts/seeds/dried fruit

Macadamia

Almonds

Cashews

Walnuts

Pecans

Pumpkin seeds

Hemp seeds

Chia seeds

Sunflower seeds

Flax seeds

Dried cherries

Dried apricots

Dried cranberries

Dried raisins

A variety of nut and seed butters, including almond, cashew, tahini

Oil/vinegars

Apple cider vinegar

Rice vinegar

Balsamic vinegar

Red and white wine vinegar

Extra virgin olive oil

Toasted sesame oil

Grape seed oil

Avocado oil

Coconut oil

Sweeteners/spices

Honey

Cane sugar

Dark brown sugar

Maple syrup

Stevia

Allspice

Basil

Bay laves

Chili powder

Cinnamon

Cumin
Curry powder

Dry mustard

Garlic powder

Onion powder

Ginger powder

Nutmeg

Oregano

Paprika

Red pepper flakes

Thyme

Turmeric

Sea salt

Peppercorns

While this is a comprehensive kitchen pantry list, it’s by no means definitive. However, these ingredients can inspire nutritious and creative cuisine guaranteed to make dinner come together quickly, and easily.

What staples do you keep in stock in your pantry?