I believe they are essential commodities every kitchen should have. That being said, I have found myself calling up friends for salt before on a Sunday morning… not ideal at all but hey, I am only human.
Pantry essentials
When stockpiling, you might want to stock up for what will last you for up to a week or two weeks at least. While you are at it, consider the old, disabled, the weak and people that can’t afford to bulk buy. The list below may seem exhaustive, but they are the basic essentials you would need in your store cupboard. You don’t have to buy them all at once and if you did, then well done to you. Most of these ingredients are affordable and some you just need to top up as needed. Adapt these pantry lists to suit you The world is not ending and even if that is the case, food should be less of your worries. Here are some suggested lists of food to stockpile in an emergency or any other time for convenience
Best tips for stocking your
pantry wisely and on a budget
Go for store-branded goods, it is a lot cheaper and has the same ingredients as your high street brand name. Don’t be surprised if what you are paying extra dollar or pound for came from the same supplier. trust me on this one, read the labels and you be surprised. Don’t fall for the trap of BOGOF, only buy what you need and what you can afford. Let the size of your panty/ store cupboard guide you when bulk buying. Check the sell-by date/ expiration of the ingredients you are buying. Also, when stocking up on new items, bring out the stored ones and put the new ones at the back. That way, you get to use up the old stock before the new ones. Check your stock level and make a list to avoid impulse buying. If possible and when possible, stick to your list.
Cooking oils and sauces
Vegetable oil olive oil or any other flavourless oil coconut oil Vinegar (red, white or rice wine vinegar) Soy sauce: dark, light or low sodium soy sauce Oyster sauce Worcestershire sauce (your pasta dishes and stew would thank you for this ingredient)
Dry spices, herbs and stock cubes
Parsley Thyme Basil Oregano Paprika onion powder garlic powder or granules Stock cubes or bouillon powder, that could be chicken, beef of vegetables Salt Ground black pepper and red pepper flakes From the above spices, you can make Italian herbs, herb de provence and taco seasoning.
Dry beans (legumes) or canned
beans
They take longer to cook but easier with an instant pot or any other pressure cooker black-eyed peas chickpeas kidney beans pinto beans black beans lentil: red, green or brown
Tinned/canned food
Remember to check the best before dates on the items. Canned tuna, Mackerel, Sardine Salmon: not an essential commodity, I buy them when they are on sale Canned tomatoes: chopped, crushed or plum Canned sweetcorn Tomato puree Coconut milk for the occasional curries Can opener
Baking essentials
Flour (plain/ all-purpose or self-raisin, this could be white or whole wheat). This is the time to start making your own bread and easy homemade cakes. Yeast Baking powder Sugar: brown sugar, granulated or caster or sweetener of choice
Pasta, Rice and other dry food
You can make a lot of meals from these pantry essentials, always check your cupboard and ask yourself if you really need to ring your takeaway or whip something up quick. Pasta: spaghetti, linguine and the likes. I have simple pasta recipes you should try. Broccoli pasta and lemon garlic pasta. Rice: any types of rice you can get Couscous: never cooked with couscous before then you should try this instant pot vegetable couscous. it can be made on the stovetop if you don’t have a pressure cooker Porridge oats Noodles: instant ramen or egg noodles, any is fine
Everyday essentials
You never want to leave these essential items out of your pantry list plus a cup of good tea makes all situations better Tea Coffee Peanut butter Sugar, honey, maple syrup or any other sweetener of choice Hot sauce like sriracha or tabasco
Fridge essentials
Fresh milk, Long life milk or evaporated milk: these types of milk have good shelf life on them Eggs: they can last for up to 2 weeks or longer Lemon juice: buy whole lemons, juice it and store in a bottle Butter Jam Mayonnaise
Freezer essentials
Ground beef: take it out of its packaging, portion and transfer to a Ziploc freezer bag. Flatten it and let all the air out, it saves you some freezer space. Frozen fish: portioned for convenience Chicken: boneless or bone-in chicken, portioned. Avoid freezing large birds and that would just take up all the space you can use for other essential stock. Quorn mince for a vegetarian option Cheese: shredded or whole, it freezes well too. I always shred my cheese and store in the freezer when it is nearing its sell-by date and that includes parmesan cheese. Frozen vegetables e.g. spinach, mixed bell pepper, mixed vegetables, four-season vegetables etc Extra butter
Sweets ideas (Snack)
Biscuits Chocolates Nuts (peanuts, cashew nuts, pistachio or whatever your favourite nut is)
Fruit and vegetables that last
long (fresh produce)
The following fresh produce have at least 2 weeks shelf life on them and can stay out on the counter in a cool place without refrigeration Carrots Cabbage Apples Oranges, lemon, clementine or lime Onions and fresh garlic: garlic can be blended, portioned and stored in the freezer. Potatoes Butternut squash Yam Red bell peppers, versatile and last up to 2 weeks in the fridge Right, that is all from me, do let me know if I have missed anything out on this list. Remember whatever you do stay safe, only buy what you need and shop wisely. Do you like my pantry essentials post, please share with your friends and families and don’t forget to Tag me @thedinnerbite on Instagram if you make any recipes using your store cupboard essentials and save away to your Pinterest. Please subscribe to the blog if you haven’t for free new recipes in your inbox
