Every household should have certain pantry foods that are used to make meals. Many people also like to buy ingredients in bulk, which can save money. Knowing what these foods are will help you prepare healthy, tasty dishes.
A well-stocked pantry is much better than running out to the grocery store every time something needs to be prepared for dinner. The following list contains some of the most popular items found in a good pantry. Each section includes tips on how the food can be used, as well as recipes for homes that may not have one or two ingredients yet!
Dried Beans
Beans are an excellent source of protein and fibre, making them very nutritious. They are also inexpensive and versatile enough to use in many different types of recipes. Beans can be used in a variety of meals, even desserts! They have been found to lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart disease. Beans are also high in B vitamins, which help with nervous system function and boost energy levels.
Canned beans may contain too much sodium for some diets, but dried beans can be stored for a long time without any added preservatives. At about 9 cents per 100g serving they are an inexpensive food too! It’s easy to buy larger bags or even opt for the cheapest option at the grocery store, canned black-eyed peas. If you lose track of how long they’ve been sitting around, simply check the expiration date on the package before cooking them up.
Olives
Olives are one of the most popular items that people choose to keep in their pantries. When you buy bulk olives they can be used in a range of dishes, including appetizers, salads, and main courses. Both green and black olives are readily available, but it’s best to buy them whole rather than sliced or chopped. It is cheaper to purchase olives this way because fewer are wasted when they are intact.
To help cut down on preparation time, look for pitted olives at your grocery store.
Nuts
Nuts are excellent sources of various nutrients that many people lack in regular diets these days. Two servings provide 50% of the daily requirements for magnesium and iron, according to some studies. Nuts are also high in fibre and can be beneficial for cholesterol levels. Almonds, pistachios, peanuts, cashews, walnuts, macadamia nuts, sunflower seeds, and hazelnuts are all popular choices.
When buying nuts at the store it is best to buy them raw since the oils may go rancid if roasted at home on a regular basis. Shelled nuts can last longer than unshelled ones because they aren’t exposed to air as easily when there’s skin between each nut.
Coconut Oil
Many recipes call for coconut oil these days because it has proven health benefits including stronger immune systems and improved thyroid function. It has also been found to improve heart health, reduce inflammation in the body, and promote weight loss.
Coconut oil is very versatile and can be used for cooking, baking or even skin moisturizing! It generally costs about $2 per 100ml serving so it’s a much cheaper alternative than many beauty products. Just keep in mind that you should only buy virgin coconut oil if you want to reap its full benefits.
Rice
Rice is one of the most popular foods in the world. It’s an excellent addition to any meal since it consists of carbohydrates that help people feel full after they eat. Rice is even gluten-free so it’s suitable for people who suffer from Celiac disease or have a gluten intolerance.
Purchasing rice in bulk is easy because organic white and brown rice are equally healthy. Brown rice has more nutrients but takes longer to cook; white rice is less nutritious but can be prepared faster.
You should always store your rice in airtight containers (preferably glass) to prevent bugs and odors from settling in easily. There are also many ways to prepare rice, including boiling it or using a rice cooker.
Seasoning
It’s possible to make any dish tastier by adding various seasonings. Salt is the most popular type of seasoning, but there are others that can bring out the flavor in almost anything. From garlic and pepper to dried herbs and spices, you can use them on a daily basis without running out quickly or spending a lot of money at the grocery store.
Pepper may be one of the most commonly used seasonings on its own so it’s important to buy fresh peppercorns rather than ones that have sat around for months. Most people only need about $1 per 100g serving so bulk purchases are definitely worth it! Nutmeg is also very versatile since it can be used in sweet dishes or combined with other seasonings to create delicious cheese sauces.
Condiments
Condiments are an easy way to make any meal more enjoyable. They can be used as dips, spreads, and marinades for meat, vegetables, or even flatbreads! You can find a wide range of product types at most grocery stores including syrups, vinegar, mayonnaise, mustard, salsa verde, ketchup, and BBQ sauce. Just about anything can become a condiment if you’re creative enough! Because they are small portions you only need around $1 per 100g serving so most options are relatively affordable. The best part is that there are no poisonous chemicals added either since the focus is on enhancing flavor instead of prolonging shelf life.
With so many types of foods, condiments are often overlooked as being an important part of every home’s pantry. Although spices may seem more appealing, they won’t last nearly as long without proper storage so it might be wiser to invest in high-quality bottles of ketchup and mustard instead.
Canned Tuna
If you’re looking for a way to make an inexpensive meal that’s also nutritious then look no further than canned tuna! It takes minutes to cook and can be added to sandwiches or even salads with the right preparation. Tuna is one of the highest sources of protein at about 30g per 100g serving; other healthy options include sardines (19g100g) and salmon (15g100g). It’s not easy to find fresh tuna at a low price, so it’s best to buy canned fish.
Alternatively, sardines and salmon can be more expensive but they are still worth buying since they contain less mercury than larger fish like tuna. Just make sure you rinse the cans or jars before using them in recipes because most brands add salt as a preservative.
The pantry is one of the most important rooms in any home since it holds all of your basic food supplies including seasonings, cooking oils, and condiments. In order for these products to last as long as possible, always keep their lids tightly closed and store them away from direct sunlight. Most spices will be fine if they are left out on a countertop but foods like rice, flour, and sugar will attract bugs if they are exposed to heat or moisture.
