Whether you’re a keen cook or not, it’s always wise to have a few fool-proof ingredients stocked in your kitchen pantry to whip up a delicious meal at any time. Dry or tinned foods are perfect for when you haven’t had time to do your usual grocery shop, and they’re usually quite cheap, which makes them ideal for any budget. Below are six examples of things everyone should have in their pantry.
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Tinned Tomatoes
Tinned tomatoes are ingredients that pop up in countless recipes, so it’s always good to have some stashed away in your kitchen cupboards. They are incredibly versatile, too, so you can make pasta sauce from scratch with them or use them in stews, casseroles, and even curries.
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Dried Herbs and Spices
Fresh herbs are always nicer to use, but if you don’t use them quickly enough, they will just go off in your fridge, which is wasteful. Having an assortment of dried herbs and spices in your pantry will allow you to add plenty of flavor to your meals at any time and can last months. To keep your herbs together neatly, get a storage box or spice rack to put in your cupboards or on the kitchen wall.
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Peanut Butter
Peanut butter is an incredibly popular spread and goes well on toast, in sandwiches and can also be used when baking some tasty treats or in certain recipes. It’s always handy to have a jar in the pantry for when you want a quick snack and can give a great energy boost, especially when paired with a banana. If you have a nut allergy, stock an alternative in your cupboards instead. You can read all about alternatives for peanut-free butter for peanut allergy sufferers here.
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Tinned Fish
Fish is a fantastic source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, which is why you should try to get more of it into your diet. Just like herbs, fresh fish is always preferable, but having some tinned options like tuna or sardines is a great alternative. They’re great in pasta bakes, salads, and sandwiches. However, if you are going to get tinned fish, avoid the type that is kept in oil or brine, as they will have higher fats and salt content than tinned fish that is kept in spring water.
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Cooking Oil
There’s nothing worse than going to cook up something delicious to find you have no cooking oil. You can use butter, but this is a very unhealthy alternative, so it is better only done occasionally. Vegetable and sunflower oil are cheap options, but again, aren’t the healthiest. Olive oil is better, but it can still have a high-calorie count. You can purchase fry-light cooking oil sprays for a low-calorie option if you prefer.
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Grains and Pulses
Finally, having some oats, lentils, and beans stashed away in your pantry is another must. All of these ingredients can be used in a range of recipes, both vegetarian and meat options, and are very good for you. They’ll also keep you fuller for longer, so you won’t be tempted to reach for unhealthy snacks between meals!
If you want to make sure you always have something to eat in your house, keep your pantry stocked with these six ingredients at all times.
