E very family has a different style of cooking and its very own flavor palette. This is why every kitchen's pantry staples can differ. However, there are a few items that are often the foundation of meals of all kinds and thus fit in all homes.
Having a well-stocked pantry helps you save a lot of money. Having the ingredients present at home to be able to make anything helps cut the food budget by half.
The COVID-19 pandemic taught us to keep the kitchen stocked so that we don’t have to go hungry when going to the supermarket or a restaurant is impossible. So, keeping items on hand that have a long shelf-life can be an advantage in situations like these.
Vegetables such as potatoes, garlic, and onion can last you a long time without needing to be placed in a fridge. They can be added to pretty much any savory dish, packing a lot of flavor into the food. Onion and garlic help boost immunity, providing the human body with many essential nutrients.
Potatoes are a cook’s best friend as they can be eaten baked, mashed, fried, or added to any savory dish, making them easy-to-use, versatile vegetables.
Eggs can last for a maximum of three weeks after their printed maximum use date. They are used in everything from breakfast items to desserts since they play many roles and serve many functions in different kinds of food. They are a great source of protein, vitamin B, and choline which help protect many vital organs such as the heart.
Many people tend to shy away from frozen produce as it is said that it is not fresh. However, produce is always instantly frozen after being picked fresh, which means its freshness is caught until you thaw it. Frozen fruit is a great example in this case. It is always helpful to have frozen fruits in the freezer as they can fulfill several of the body’s daily vitamins and antioxidants requirements.
They can be used in smoothies, oatmeal, desserts, or even frozen as a healthy snack when you’re craving some candy!
Other frozen items such as corn, peas, carrots, and other vegetables found in frozen food aisles can come quite handy in a pinch and can also save you a lot of time during food prep. You won’t have to spend hours washing, chopping, and slicing each vegetable!
Nut butter can now be considered a pantry staple unless you are allergic to nuts. These types of butter include cashew, almond, or peanut, and can last on a shelf for a couple of months. As long as the ingredient list on the back of the jar mentions the nut, it is good to go. Not only do they make a great addition to breakfast items, but they can also be used to make many dishes such as Thai peanut sauce or soups, bringing extra depth to the meal.
Shelf-stable milk can be used in pretty much everything. Having an open box in the fridge and the rest in the pantry available to be used when needed decreases the need for grocery store runs. There are all sorts of milk types in the market such as soy milk, almond milk, and regular milk. They can be used in everything from cereal, to coffee, to soups and gravies. Milk is also available in the form of condensed milk that can be a great addition to many pastry dishes.
There are all sorts of shelf-stable canned products that are available for you to stock up your kitchen with. From corn to beans to meat, there’s something for everyone. These canned products can last you a very long time.
Canned beans are a staple favorite as they provide fiber, a lot of protein, and vitamins that are essential for healthy living. They also work great for last-minute meals such as burritos, soups, or even on their own after being heated up with spices and sour cream.
There are also many types of meat available such as canned chicken or tuna that work great in salads, sandwiches, casseroles, and even different kinds of pasta.
These 6 staple foods you must always have at home open up a world of possibilities. They can make you a pantry that is always prepared for anything from a lazy day to a global pandemic, and maybe even a zombie apocalypse!
