How to Stock Your Pantry

Pantry-Stocking Like a Pro

4/2/2017

You may have heard the terms "one pot meal" and "pantry meal" thrown around recently. One pot meals only need one pot to make. But the beauty of a recipe also being a pantry meal, is that you probably already have most of the ingredients on hand. Meaning fewer grocery trips (yay!). What should you have on hand though? If it's done right, creating a well-stocked pantry is easy.

Below are a few items that will be your meal-making heroes on the bleakest of days. Then scroll down for some recipes that prove it and only require ONE dish to prepare... Some of them use only pantry ingredients!

In the Pantry

Canned and dry beans (black beans, kidney beans, white beans, chickpeas, etc.). Dry for when you have the time. Canned for those "I just can't" kind of days.
Canned tomatoes. We're talking diced, crushed, sauce, and paste.
Onions. Store in a cool, dark spot, and they'll keep for a couple months.
Sweet potatoes and white potatoes. Same storage situation as with the onions.
Garlic. For flavor.
Pasta. Stock up when whole wheat pasta goes on sale!
Grains (brown rice, quinoa, barley, whatever floats your boat).
Broth. Chicken and vegetable broth are the most versatile.
Dried fruit. You'd be surprised how much depth raisins, dates, or dried cranberries can add to a recipe. Plus they're a great snack for kiddos.
Salsa. It's a great go-to for added flavor.

In the Freezer

Frozen peppers/onions. A quick replacement for the fresh versions.
Frozen peas. Mix into soup, chili, pasta, casseroles... An easy way to add veggies.
Frozen spinach. Another quick and easy way to add veggies to a meal.

In the Fridge

Shredded cheese and/or grated parmesan cheese. For sprinkling.
Eggs. Want to kick your meal up a notch? Put an egg on it.
Nonfat plain Greek Yogurt. A healthy go-to topping that tastes like sour cream!