Top 10 pantry staples to always keep on-hand

From unexpected snowstorms to surprise visits from friends, it’s always wise to be prepared. Having a solid foundation of essential ingredients means you can whip up a meal no matter what life throws your way.  So, what should you keep on hand? 

Here are 10 must-have pantry items that will keep you cooking, no matter what: 

1. Rice: A staple grain providing complex carbohydrates and sustained energy. easily suitable for both side dishes and main courses. Various types, such as long-grain, brown, and basmati, offer nutritional and textural variety.

2. Dried Legumes:  A nutritional powerhouse, dried beans and lentils are rich in protein, fiber, and essential micronutrients. 

3. Pasta: A convenient and readily available source of carbohydrates. Having different shapes and sizes will provide variety in the types of dishes you can make. Whole-grain varieties will enhance nutritional value.

4. Canned Tomatoes:  A versatile ingredient for creating sauces, soups, and stews. Having crushed, diced, and whole tomatoes will allow for a wide range of recipes.

5. Oats:  A highly nutritious whole grain with fiber, vitamins, and minerals.  Oats can be prepared as a hot cereal, used in baked goods, or used as a base for granola.  Rolled oats and steel-cut oats offer varying textures and cooking times.

6. Flour & Sugar: All-purpose flour serves as a foundation for numerous recipes, while granulated sugar provides sweetness and contributes to texture.

7. Spices & Seasonings:  Enhance the flavor profile of dishes and provide culinary diversity.  A well-stocked spice collection, including salt, pepper, garlic powder, and other seasonings will offer creative flavor combinations.

8. Cooking Oils:  Essential for cooking and will contribute to both flavor and nutritional value. Olive oil is good for cooking and dressings, and vegetable oil offers a little more versatility in cooking methods.

9. Nut Butter:  A nutrient-dense food for healthy fats, protein, and fiber. You can eat peanut butter, almond butter, and other nut butters on their own or use in recipes.

10. Bouillon cubes: Broth (chicken, vegetable, or beef) will add depth of flavor to soups, stews, and sauces. It can also be used as a liquid base for cooking grains to improve taste and nutritional value.

IMPORTANT: Proper storage is key. 

Ensure flours, grains, oats, and spices are stored in air-tight containers or vacuum-sealed to prevent infestations, extend shelf life, and maintain potency. Store as many pantry essentials as you can in cool, dark, and dry locations to prevent rancidity.

Also, keep in mind that buying in bulk doesn’t have to be in large containers. Items may have a long shelf life, but once opened, they’ll need to be consumed in a shorter amount of time. For example, instead of buying a 20lb bag of rice, consider buying several 1lb bags or splitting into separate vacuum-sealed bags.