Forage in the pantry
Chow, nosh, eats, edible fare – be prepared in the case of:
- unexpected guests
- cannot go grocery shopping due to inclement weather
- not in the mood to go ‘out-to-dinner’.
With a well-stocked kitchen and essential ingredients in the pantry, it is possible to quickly prepare delicious, nutritious cuisine in a moment’s notice.
Listed below are some ‘must have’ items that can be combined in various ways to create a satisfying and nutritious meal without having to make a trip to the store.
Pantry Basics
Basic Herbs & Spices & Seasonings
- Basil
- Cinnamon, ground
- Garlic powder
- Onion Powder
- Oregano
- Paprika
- Parsley, dried
- Pepper
- Red Pepper, crushed
- Rosemary
- Salt
- Tarragon
- Thyme
Beyond Basic Herbs & Spices & Seasonings (for some added pizzazz)
- Allspice
- Bay Leaves
- Cloves
- Coriander, ground
- Cumin, ground
- Curry Powder
- Cream of tartar
- Dill
- Five-spice powder
- Ginger, ground
- Sage
- Sesame seeds
- Nutmeg
Basic Dry Goods
- Baking soda
- Baking powder
- Beans, dried: black, cannellini / navy, kidney, garbanzo, lentil
- Bread, baguette & sandwich bread
- Breadcrumbs
- Cereal, non-sweetened breakfast
- Cocoa powder, unsweetened
- Cornmeal
- Cornstarch
- Flour, all purpose
- Grains: barley, millet, bulgur, quinoa, couscous
- Pasta: standard, whole grain, rice noodles, egg noodles
- Nuts / Seeds: almonds, peanuts, sunflower, mixed seeds, mixed nuts
- Rice: long-grain white, brown
- Rolled Oats
- Tortillas, whole wheat / corn
- Yeast, dried
Basic Canned Goods
- Broth, low sodium chicken & beef.
- Beans: cannellini, navy, chickpeas, black beans
- Evaporated milk
- Mushrooms
- Tomatoes
- Tomato paste
- Tuna, Salmon
- Artichokes
- Ham
- Vegetables: Corn, Green beans
Sweeteners
- Honey
- Sugar, white & brown
- Syrup, maple
Drinks
- Club soda
- Coffee
- Tea
- Water
- V-8
Snacks
- Crackers, assorted
- Popcorn, kernels (for popping)
- Dried fruit: raisins, apricots, cherries
Refrigerator
- Butter, unsalted
- Cheese: sharp cheddar, feta, parmesan, mozzarella
- Eggs, large
- Milk: dairy, coconut, almond
- Yogurt, plain Greek
Produce
- Avocados
- Carrots
- Celery
- Bell peppers
- Broccoli / Cauliflower
- Eggplant
- Leafy greens & Spinach
- Lemons
- Limes
- Garlic
- Onions, red & yellow
- Parsley / Cilantro
- Potatoes: sweet / yams, white / new
- Scallions
- Tomatoes
- Zucchini
Freezer
- Ground meat: beef, turkey / chicken
- Chicken breasts, boneless & skinless
- Vegetables: peas, chopped spinach, okra
- Fish & Shellfish
- Bacon, lean or Canadian Bacon
- Frozen fruit: strawberries, blueberries, etc.
- Gingerroot (cut in pieces, stored in plastic baggie)
- Ice cream, vanilla
- Pork, ground or boneless
- Sausage, Italian or Turkey
Jars / Bottled Items
- Clam juice
- Condiments: ketchup, mayonnaise, mustard
- Jelly, jam / preserves
- Non-stick spray
- Oils: olive (extra virgin), canola, sesame
- Olives: green, black, calamata
- Parmesan, grated
- Peanut butter or other nut butter variety
- Salsa
- Soy / Teriyaki sauce
- Tabasco hot sauce
- Vanilla extract
- Vinegar: distilled white, balsamic, rice wine
- Wines: Marsala, Madeira, and Sherry
- Worcestershire sauce
More Jars / Bottled Items
- Applesauce
- Capers
- Hoisin Sauce
- Pesto
- Pumpkin Purée
- Salad dressing
Look for our next cookbook. It will feature a collection of recipes that use only the above list of pantry basics.
Nancy L. Fitness 