I typically try to do my grocery shopping on Mondays to prepare for the week ahead and today while I was making my list, I realized my “pantry staples” had run out...*gasp* If you have a pantry you know what I mean by “pantry staples.” Those go to meal bases that never fail to help come up with an easy meal fast.
My number one pantry staple is whole wheat pasta; it is one of the most versatile ingredients that can make a meal in minutes. Right next to the pasta I always have some pasta sauces, typically a few red and whites. Whenever pasta sauce is on sale I usually stock up because my kids are never going to say no to pasta and sauce.
Lentils are my favorite legume so it is only right that I keep them stocked up as well. They cook quick and easy for a meal in a flash. In a bind I usually pair the lentils with some pasta sauce for a yummy chili. Right next to the lentils, there will always be brown rice, you can’t go wrong with it. Brown rice makes a great base if there you have some veggies in the refrigerator and the rice has plenty of vitamins and minerals making it a healthy option too.
Onions and potatoes always have a place in my pantry. There is no doubt that some sautéed or caramelized onions can make a tasty meal. Potatoes are good for sides and can strengthen pasta sauce or soup. Building on soup, bouillon cubes can always be found in my pantry as well. It is an easy way to make your own broth and create a delicious soup using potatoes, miso paste, cubed tofu, spinach or whatever else you have on hand.
After shopping and filling my pantry back up with my necessities I am ready for unexpected meals and unpredictable amounts of mouths to feed. I think having a few dinner starters on hand at all times is a great way to always be prepared if you have kids.
Go Green and Stay Keen,
Julie
Having the basics for a meal at all times is always necessary when you have kids and never know how many mouths you will be feeding that evening for dinner. Having a few ingredients on hand really helps when you have to put together an unexpected meal quick. I swear by my staples and made sure to stock back up at the store today.
My number one pantry staple is whole wheat pasta; it is one of the most versatile ingredients that can make a meal in minutes. Right next to the pasta I always have some pasta sauces, typically a few red and whites. Whenever pasta sauce is on sale I usually stock up because my kids are never going to say no to pasta and sauce.
Lentils are my favorite legume so it is only right that I keep them stocked up as well. They cook quick and easy for a meal in a flash. In a bind I usually pair the lentils with some pasta sauce for a yummy chili. Right next to the lentils, there will always be brown rice, you can’t go wrong with it. Brown rice makes a great base if there you have some veggies in the refrigerator and the rice has plenty of vitamins and minerals making it a healthy option too.
Onions and potatoes always have a place in my pantry. There is no doubt that some sautéed or caramelized onions can make a tasty meal. Potatoes are good for sides and can strengthen pasta sauce or soup. Building on soup, bouillon cubes can always be found in my pantry as well. It is an easy way to make your own broth and create a delicious soup using potatoes, miso paste, cubed tofu, spinach or whatever else you have on hand.
After shopping and filling my pantry back up with my necessities I am ready for unexpected meals and unpredictable amounts of mouths to feed. I think having a few dinner starters on hand at all times is a great way to always be prepared if you have kids.
What are your favorite pantry staples?
Go Green and Stay Keen,
Julie
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