Do you often keep a bare pantry? If so, you likely find yourself calling for take-out or placing delivery orders quite often. The truth is, you must stock your pantry if you want delicious, nutritious and budget-friendly meals to follow. Yet, it can be difficult for new home chefs to figure out what items their apartment's pantry space needs. Here are five pantry items that everyone should always have on hand.
Peanut Butter
Full of protein and healthy fats, peanut butter is a staple for simple lunches and snacks. From classic peanut butter and jelly sandwiches to ants on a log, there are so many quick and easy recipes for peanut butter lovers to try.
Beans
Beans provide quick protein and fiber to fill you up without requiring a long recipe or multiple ingredients. Keep a few cans in supply for a quick cowboy caviar snack or hearty, slow-cooked chili dinner.
Rice or Quinoa
Brown rice or quinoa can be a nutritious side dish on its own or a hearty base for tonight’s dinner. Rice is a dish that can be made simply or dressed up with whatever else you have on hand. Quinoa elevates whatever you decide to serve with it, from meat to vegetables and sauces.
Canned Tomatoes
Many people stock up on tomato sauce. But, what about the whole or diced canned tomatoes? Canned tomatoes are a versatile pantry staple that can go from pasta dish to homemade salsa. Stock up on different variations to experiment with flavors.
Olive Oil and Balsamic Vinegar
No salad dressing? No problem. Keeping olive oil and balsamic vinegar in the pantry means you’ll have homemade salad dressing or an easy marinade anytime you need it. Plus, each can be used to season nearly any dish you can think of.
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