Making a last-minute run to the store is one sure way to stop production in the kitchen, along with creativity, and that's the last thing you want! Maintaining a well-stocked pantry will help to keep things moving seamlessly in your kitchen.
Below, we've suggested several items to stock in your pantry and fridge. Doing so will ensure you are well on your way to creating healthy and delicious plant-based meals anytime.
Grains
Grains are a great source of vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and fiber. When you buy them in moderate quantities and store them in tightly sealed containers in a cool cupboard, they will last a very long time. Adding a bay leaf to your grain jar will keep any bugs out.
Keep the following on hand:
- Barley
- Brown rice, long and short grain
- Cornmeal
- Kasha
- Rolled oats
- Orzo
- Pasta (Various grains and shapes)
- Quinoa
- Unbleached all-purpose flour
- Whole wheat pastry flour
- Wild Rice
Legumes
Dried legumes are rich in fiber and provide a good amount of protein and minerals. Stock a variety of the following for a healthy vegan diet.
Keep the following on hand:
- Black beans
- Cannellini beans
- Garbanzo beans
- Kidney beans
- pinto beans
- Lentils
- Split peas
Fresh Fruits and Vegetables:
Everyone's diet should include a variety of fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs. They provide needed vitamins, minerals, fiber, great color, texture, and flavor. The nutrients in fresh produce decline quickly, so shop only for what you can use within a few days.
Store the following in the pantry:
Vegetables:
Onions, shallots, garlic, potatoes, sweet potatoes, and winter squash.
Fruits:
Apples, avocados, bananas, citrus fruits, mangoes, papayas, pears, pineapple, and melons.
Store the following in the refrigerator:
Vegetables:
Artichokes, asparagus, carrots, celery, green beans, salad greens, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, beets, rutabagas, green onions, ginger, chilies, parsley, cilantro, basil, eggplant, zucchini, and other summer squash.
Fruits:
Strawberries, blueberries, and figs.
Utilizing your freezer is an excellent way to keep the "basic four" on hand; green beans, yellow corn, diced carrots, and green peas are great for making various soups, stews, and other main dishes, as well as convenient side dishes.
Dried Fruits:
Natural food stores are an excellent place to find various dried fruits. Dried fruits should be kept in airtight containers, such as glass jars with tight-fitting lids, and stored in a cool, dark place. Bear in mind the sugars and calories in dried fruit are concentrated, so you might want to eat them in moderation.
Keep the following on hand:
Dried apricots, cranberries, figs, mangos, prunes, raisins, and sun-dried tomatoes.
Sea Vegetables:
Seaweeds, or sea vegetables have been consumed and enjoyed for centuries. They add great flavor, variety, and nutrition to a healthy vegan diet. They're an easy-to-digest source of minerals and offer a healthy dose of fiber to the digestive tract. While Kombu is traditionally used to make a flavorful broth and an excellent addition to a pot of beans, wakame and hijiki can be served raw in salads after reconstituting them. They're also amazing when stir-fried or cooked up in a soup. While Nori sheets are most commonly used to make sushi, they can be cut up and used in soups as well.
Keep the following on hand:
Dulce, Hijiki, Kombu (kelp), Nori, and Wakame.
Soy Foods:
There has been a lot of research on soy products, and while some are quick to put it down, others defend it to death. The truth is, when eaten in moderation, soy is an excellent alternative for anyone who is lactose intolerant or skipping dairy for other reasons. Soy is low in fat, high in protein and fiber, and may even be linked to cancer prevention.
Keep the following on hand:
Miso, light and dark, Soy milk, Tamari soy sauce, Tempeh, and Tofu.
Nuts and Seeds:
Nuts are an excellent protein source for B vitamins, phosphorus, iron, and calcium. They add flavor and texture to everything, from salads to desserts. Nut and seed butter, such as almond butter, peanut butter, and sesame butter, is another way to incorporate nuts and seeds into your diet. The healthiest nut and seed butter should contain nothing but the nut or seed itself and maybe a tiny salt amount. Any other ingredients are unnecessary. Nut and seed butter will need to be refrigerated once they have been opened as they tend to go rancid quickly when exposed to light and air.
Keep the following on hand:
- Almonds
- Almond butter
- Flaxseeds
- Peanut butter
- Pecans
- Pine nuts
- Pumpkin seeds
- Sesame butter (tahini)
- Sesame seeds
- Walnuts
Oils:
Oils play a significant role in any healthy diet. Seed and vegetable oils are healthy fats and should be included in your diet but eaten in moderation. On the other hand, lard, shortening, and hydrogenated oil are subjected to high heat, intense pressure, and chemical corruption. Compromised are both taste, and nutrition during this process; including lecithin, a vital participant in fat metabolism, as well as vitamins A, B, E, and K.
Keep the following on hand:
- Canola oil
- Sesame oil
- Olive oil
- Sunflower oil
Dried Herbs and Spices:
Amazing things happen when you add herbs and spices to your cooking. Whether you use fresh, dried, ground, or whole, herbs are your go-to magic wand in the kitchen. While dried herbs have a stronger flavor and get added early in the cooking process, fresh herbs are commonly added at the end to preserve their colors, aromas, and flavors.
Keep the following on hand:
- Allspice
- Basil
- Bay leaf
- Caraway seeds
- Cardamom
- Chili flakes
- Cinnamon, sticks and ground
- Cloves, whole and ground
- Coriander
- Cumin
- Curry powder
- Dill
- Garlic, granulated
- Ginger, ground
- Italian Seasoning
- Kosher salt
- Oregano
- Nutmeg
- Paprika
- Pepper, black and cayenne
- Rosemary
- Sage
- Sea Salt
- Tarragon
- Thyme
- Turmeric
Keep dried herbs and spices in a cool, dark place. While storing them above the stove may be convenient, the heat may damage them over time.
Vinegars:
Vinegar is excellent for flavoring and is good for your health. Naturally-fermented vinegar made from brown rice and apple cider provides enzymes and healthy bacteria that stimulate digestion in those with slow-moving systems.
Keep the following on hand:
- Apple cider vinegar
- Balsamic vinegar
- Brown rice vinegar
- Raspberry vinegar
- Red wine vinegar
- Umeboshi plum vinegar
- White wine vinegar
Sweeteners:
Everyone enjoys sweets, and knowing the healthiest sources makes creating and eating them all the better!
Keep the following on hand:
- Blackstrap molasses
- Brown rice syrup
- Maple syrup
- Organic granulated sugar
- Turbinado sugar
Though honey offers some nutritional value, the fact that bees produce it, consume it, and the harvesting process destroys many makes it an unacceptable vegan choice.
Wines and Spirits:
There are several culinary uses for red and white wines, sherry, rum, brandy, and beer. Wines and spirits add flavor without adding fat. During the cooking process, the alcohol is destroyed, which leaves the amount left in the finished dish insignificant.
Keep the following on hand:
- Brandy
- Dry sherry
- Marsala
- Mirin
- Port
- Red wines; Merlot & Cabernet Sauvignon
- Rum
- Vermouth
- White wines; Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc
Condiments and More:
Whether for a recipe or serving at the table, condiments have long been available in the kitchen and the dining room. There are several to choose from, so pick the flavors you enjoy the most.
Keep the following on hand:
- Capers
- Catsup
- Mango Chutney
- Mustard, various kinds
- Pickled jalapenos
- Prepared horseradish
- Salsa
- Vegan mayonnaise
Convenience Foods:
Sometimes, you need to make something quick and be on your way. So we've compiled a list of convenience foods that can satisfy your hunger quickly.
Keep the following on hand:
- Beans, canned (black, garbanzo, kidney, and red)
- Fruit preserves
- Granola and other high-fiber, whole-grain dry cereals
- Olives
- Pickles, sweet and dill
- Crackers, whole grain
- Tomatoes, canned (diced, sauce, and whole)
- Tomato paste, in a tube
- Tortillas
- Whole-grain bread
Peanut butter
Stocking your pantry with as many of the items in this section will help make your kitchen experience pleasant, satisfying, and delicious!
You might also want to check out Vegan Grocery.