5 Pantry Staples to Cook with More Often

 

Sometimes the answers that we seek can simply find themselves within the comfort of our own homes, that is…in our food pantries !

With the extreme rise in food prices, it’s normal to want to be more mindful of our lifestyle & spending habits, as food can play such a large part of our weekly budgets.

Seeking to cut down on our grocery lists can take the form of shopping for what’s in season, looking out for what’s on sale or buying in bulk (for more tips for eating on a budget click here). However, while it can be great to get a bang for our buck on groceries, it’s important to also know how to make the most of our foods to avoid the habit of letting our fresh produce go to waste.

When it comes to figuring out my next meals, I love going through my pantry, fridge & freezer for some inspiration. Try taking a sneak peak at what you already have in stock. You’d be surprised as to just how creative you can get in the kitchen using the simplest of ingredients!

Here are 5 of my favourite pantry items to help you save up and to cook the most delicious of meals!

1.(Canned) Beans

Beans, beans, beans and more beans! From chickpeas, to black beans, to kidney beans and lentils, these plant-based proteins are cheap, nutritious and best of all, can last a long time in your pantry — it can be the perfect staple piece to inspire your next homemade recipe!

Some great recipes to meal prep…

Pro Tip: Be sure to opt for the low-sodium version of canned legumes and to rinse well before use. For more information on cooking with legumes, click here.

2. Nut Butter

Whether you’re a crunchy over smooth, or an almond over peanut, nut butters add both a satisfying and savoury twist to our meals.

Some last minute recipes to give a try…

Pro Tip: If you’re looking for a nut-free spread alternative, try using sunflower seed butter.

3. Coconut Milk (or Evaporated Milk)

A recipe with coconut milk never ceases to disappoint. Not only does it add a hint of flavour to any type of dish, the recipes are always so cozy!

Try these recipes for a change!

Pro Tip: It also makes for a plant-based swap for cream in your homemade curries, soups and stews.

4. Tomato Paste

Having tomato paste in my pantry inevitably means that I’m going to cook up something that make me feel fancy or at the very least, adult-like.

Here are some of my favourite ways to use them:

5. Canned Fish (salmon, tuna or sardines)

Because canned fish is both nutritious and criminally underrated.

Pro Tip: Concerned about mercury toxicity in fish? Try choosing the smaller fish alternative such as skipjack tuna over albacore.

How have you putting your pantry staples to good use ?

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Laura NguyenComment