I know what it is like to come home after a long day of work and have ZERO motivation to cook full stop, let along cook something nourishing! I completely empathise. Hence, I have put together my list of pantry staples that make it super easy for those nights where things haven’t gone entirely to plan or you’ve run out of a certain ingredient. Feel free to peruse my list below.

Pantry Staples

GRAINS/STARCH:

  • Brown rice (loose grains or microwaveable sachets are fine)
  • Quinoa (loose grains or microwaveable sachets are fine)
  • Amaranth
  • Oats (opt for GF if need be)
  • Wholegrain crackers (opt for GF if need be)
  • Wholegrain pasta (opt for GF if need be)
  • Dried barley
  • Dried red split lentils
  • Dried peas
  • Sweet potato and potato
  • Onions and leeks

TINS:

  • Tomatoes – whole and crushed
  • Fish – sardines, tuna, salmon, mackeral etc. I opt for those in quality olive oil or spring water, I then flavour them myself.
  • Legumes – cannellini beans, lentils, kidney beans, black beans, chickpeas. Rinse and drain before use.
  • Coconut milk and coconut cream

JARS/BOTTLES:

  • Pasta sauce
  • Tomato paste
  • Nut butters
  • Tahini
  • Rice malt syrup, maple syrup or honey
  • Olive oil
  • Coconut oil
  • Apple cider vinegar
  • Dijon and/or wholegrain mustard
  • Tamari
  • Sun-dried tomatoes
  • Himalayan salt
  • Pepper

POWDERS/NUTS/SEEDS:

  • Cacao powder
  • Stock powders
  • Seeds: chia seeds, sunflower seeds, pepitas.
  • Nuts: almonds, walnuts, cashews, brazil nuts, hazelnuts.
  • Nutritional yeast
  • Bone broth powder or concentrate
  • Herbs: basil, oregano, rosemary, dill, mint, coriander, parsley.
  • Spices: nutmeg, cumin, chilli flakes, garlic, ginger, paprika, turmeric, fennel.
  • Dukkah mix

BEVERAGES:

  • Tea: green, black, peppermint or any other herbal option.
  • Coffee
  • Mineral water
  • Kombucha

FRIDGE: 

  • Almond milk (unsweetened)
  • Eggs
  • Greek yoghurt or coconut yoghurt
  • Quality butter
  • Fresh dates
  • Goats cheese or feta
  • Greens: spinach, rocket, silverbeet, kale, Asian greens.
  • Dark chocolate
  • Homemade pesto
  • Almond meal
  • Shredded coconut
  • Lemons and limes

FREEZER:

  • Quality bread and wraps (opt for GF if need be). I like Strange Grains gluten free bread.
  • Frozen leftovers
  • Frozen vegetables
  • Excess nuts/seeds

For tips on food storage, check out this post.