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    How To Stock A Pantry + 14 Easy Pantry Meals

    Published on March 16, 2020 ᛫ Updated on February 15, 2022 by Chef Markus

    Having a well-stocked pantry is something not many of us rely on, on a day to day basis anymore. With 24/7 grocery and corner stores being open it can seem a lot easier to just run to the store and pick up what you need on an as needed basis

    Besides being prepared for unforeseen events such as storms, power outages, pandemics etc, having a stocked pantry will also help you save money in the long run and make cooking from scratch easier.

    This post contains affiliate links for which we may be compensated if a purchase is made through the links provided at no extra cost to you. For more information, please read our affiliate disclosure.

    Tips For Keeping Your Pantry Well Stocked

    • Keep an eye on sales, especially for dried and canned goods which are often discounted if you buy multiple items at once.
    • Fully stock the pantry and then periodically restock it once 'half' of an item has been used.
    • Rotate older products to the front to ensure nothing goes bad or becomes outdated.
    • Tape a list of 'go-to' recipes to the pantry door along with what basic items are needed to make it. You'll never run out of recipe ideas!
    • Create a master pantry checklist of items you regularly use. Use this to stay on top of what needs to be replenished.

    So what should you stock in a pantry?

    When it comes down to it, what you stock in your pantry is really up to you. The items should be ones that have a long shelf life, and things you actually use. There's no sense in stocking beans if you never eat them!

    Grab our free downloadable pantry checklist here!

    Here are a few suggestions of what you could stock in your pantry to help you get started:

    • Rice - both white(such as basmati) and wild rice
    • Dried beans - you could also stock a few cans of canned beans if you need to prepare super in a hurry or have no power, see below.
    • Lentils
    • Flour
    • Active dry yeast
    • Couscous
    • Cornmeal
    • Pasta - two different shapes Mediterranean Pasta with Roasted Red Peppers and Artichokes
    • Cooking oil
    • Vinegar
    • Pasta sauce
    • Canned tomatoes/ tomato puree
    • Canned soups
    • Canned vegetables (such as beans, peas, or beets)
    • Pickles
    • Rolled oats or quick oats
    • A variety of spices including salt and pepper
    • White and brown sugar
    • Baking soda
    • Baking powder
    • Coffee and Tea
    • Condiments - such as ketchup, mustard, mayo, bbq sauce

    If you do a fair amount of cooking from scratch, none of these items will seem that out of the ordinary, and you can simply buy a few extra items each time you go to the store.

    Of course, keeping many of these dried goods also requires knowing how to use and cook with them. If you need to brush up on some cooking basics or simply wish to learn something new, have a peek at our 'Cooking How To's'!

    If you do stock all of the above items on a regular basis, you'll have quite a list of ingredients to draw from to create a wide range of nutritious recipes.

    14 Easy Pantry Meals To Make In A Pinch

    These 14 easy to make pantry meals are perfect when your low on groceries, trying to save some money, or simply don't feel like heading to the store!

    Related:  Shredded Beet Salad (With Carrot, Apple, & Walnuts)

    Instant Pot Chili

    A hearty, flavor loaded chili recipe perfect for weeknights. Serve it with some corn bread and a salad for a healthy, southern inspired homemade meal.
    Get the recipe
    instant pot chili served in a white bowl and topped with shredded cheese and green onions

    Homemade Falafel Patties (Using Canned Chickpeas)

    A simple recipe packed with flavour, these homemade falafels require no special appliances. A great plant-based recipe for meal prepping a healthy lunch.
    Get the recipe
    homemade falafel patties on a white plate surrounded by garnishes

    Traditional German Spaetzle Recipe

    This German Käsespätzle recipe takes just 20 minutes to prepare and is a great beginner noodle recipe. Make them from scratch and enjoy authentic German food at home any day of the week!
    Get the recipe
    Close up of German spätzle noodles served in a black bowl

    Thai-Inspired Tomato Soup

    This flavourful Thai-inspired tomato soup uses 100% pantry ingredients. As an added bonus, it's also vegan-friendly because it relies of coconut milk for creaminess.
    Get the recipe

    Easy American Goulash

    This Easy American Goulash recipe is pure comfort food and very budget-friendly using pantry staples. You only need one pot and 30 minutes of time, making it perfect for busy weeknights!
    Get the recipe

    Chipotle Peach Chili

    Raid your pantry to make this easy, zippy Chipotle Peach Chili that's chock full of flavour and easy ingredients. This makes a big batch to feed a crowd or to easily freeze leftovers for another day!
    Get the recipe

    Italian Lentil Soup

    This hearty Italian Lentil Soup Recipe is so easy to make... one bowl is never enough.
    Get the recipe

    Old Fashioned Molasses and Bacon Baked Beans

    Old Fashioned Molasses and Bacon Baked Beans. This easy recipe has all the flavour of grandma’s baked beans. Once they are in the oven, all you need is plenty of patience to let these slow cook to perfection.
    Get the recipe

    Simple Canned Salmon Chowder

    This delicious, hearty and simple salmon chowder with wild sockeye salmon. From a can.
    Get the recipe

    Spaghetti with Garlic and Olive Oil

    This humble and fragrant spaghetti with garlic and olive oil is a classic Italian pasta dish that requires minimal ingredients, little effort, and it’s ready in 10 minutes
    Get the recipe

    Mexican Bean Salad

    Filled with four different kinds of beans, crunchy vegetables, sweet corn, ripe tomatoes, and drizzled with a zesty red wine vinaigrette, everyone will love this colorful vegan and gluten-free Mexican Bean Salad.
    Get the recipe

    Pesto Chicken Pasta

    Pesto Chicken Pasta is an easy, 20 minute meal that’s made with just five shelf-stable ingredients. Bow tie pasta and chicken are coated in a rich and flavorful pesto sauce.
    Get the recipe

    Vegan Lentil Bolognese Sauce

    This vegan lentil Bolognese sauce is hearty, nutritious, and only takes 25 minutes to cook! It’s also cheap to make and freezes well.
    Get the recipe

    Easy Pea Soup

    With just 7 ingredients, this Easy Pea Soup is delicious and satisfying to eat! Using frozen peas and some basic pantry ingredients, this recipe comes together quickly and can be frozen too.
    Get the recipe

    What's your favourite pantry meal to make at home? Share it in the comments below!

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    Red Seal Chef Markus Mueller. Owner of Earth, Food, and Fire

    Chef Markus Mueller

    Hey there! Welcome to Earth, Food, and Fire where you'll find delicious and easy to follow recipes, backyard gardening info, and everything you want to know about cooking from scratch at home.

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