Starting a pantry from scratch can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re faced with choosing what to keep stocked and how to organize it all. Whether you’re moving into a new place, setting up your first home, or just looking to overhaul your current pantry, a well-stocked pantry is the backbone of a successful kitchen. It allows for quick meal prep, reduces last-minute grocery runs, and makes cooking at home easier and more enjoyable.

So, what essentials should you have in your pantry to ensure you’re always ready to cook up a storm?

1. Grains and Starches

Grains and starches form the foundation of many meals. They’re versatile, filling, and can be used in a variety of dishes.

• Rice: White, brown, or jasmine rice are great staples to have. Rice is the base for countless dishes, from stir-fries to curries and bowls.
• Pasta: Spaghetti, penne, or any other variety you enjoy. Pasta is easy to cook and can be paired with just about any sauce or topping.
• Oats: A great option for breakfast (overnight oats, anyone?), or for baking and smoothies.
• Potatoes: Keep a supply of both potatoes and kumara; they store well and can be used in everything from baked dishes to mashed potatoes.

2. Canned Goods

Canned foods are often underestimated, but they can save you a lot of time when you're in need of a quick meal. Here are the essentials:

• Canned beans: Black beans, kidney beans, chickpeas—these are the building blocks of countless soups, stews, salads, and wraps.
• Canned tomatoes: Whole, crushed, or diced tomatoes form the base for sauces, soups, and stews.
• Canned corn or vegetables: These are great for adding to soups, salads, or casseroles when fresh veggies aren’t available.
• Canned coconut milk: Great for curries, smoothies, or desserts.

3. Baking Essentials

Whether you’re a beginner baker or just like to have a batch of cookies or muffins on hand, the following baking staples are essential for your pantry:

• Flour: All-purpose flour should be a go-to, but having whole wheat or specialty flours (like almond or coconut) can be handy for specific recipes.
• Sugar: White sugar for most baking and brown sugar for cookies, cakes, and certain savory dishes.
• Baking powder and baking soda: These two leavening agents are key to making your baked goods rise.
• Yeast: If you’re into baking bread or making pizza dough, this is a must-have.
• Vanilla extract: A small bottle of pure vanilla adds flavour to almost all baked goods and some savoury dishes too.

4. Spices and Seasonings

Spices transform a simple dish into something extraordinary, so make sure to stock your pantry with the basics. Here’s a list of must-haves:

• Salt and pepper: You’ll use these every day, so make sure you have a good supply.
• Garlic powder: Perfect for seasoning almost anything and can be used in place of fresh garlic at a pinch.
• Onion powder: Adds depth to soups, stews, and stir-fries.
• Cumin, paprika, and chili powder: These warm spices are essential for Mexican, Indian, and Mediterranean dishes.
• Oregano and basil: Italian cuisine, from pasta sauces to pizzas, wouldn’t be the same without these.
• Chilli flakes: For a touch of heat when you need it.
• Dried herbs: Thyme, rosemary, parsley, and bay leaves are great for slow-cooked dishes like soups and stews.

5. Oils and Vinegars

Healthy cooking and salad dressings often start with good-quality oils and vinegars. Here are the essentials to have:

• Olive oil: Perfect for sauteing, drizzling over dishes, or making dressings.
• Vegetable or canola oil: A neutral oil for frying or baking.
• Vinegar: White vinegar, apple cider vinegar, and balsamic vinegar are key for dressings, marinades, and deglazing pans.
• Soy sauce and Kecap Manis: Adds umami flavor to stir-fries, marinades, and dipping sauces.

6. Nuts and Seeds

Nuts and seeds provide a source of healthy fats, protein, and crunch to many dishes.

• Peanut butter or almond butter: A quick and nutritious spread for toast or sandwiches, or as an ingredient in smoothies and baked goods and satays.
• Almonds, walnuts, and cashews: Great for tossing into salads and stir fries or snacking, adding to oatmeal or yogurt.
• Chia seeds, flaxseeds, or sunflower seeds: Add these to smoothies, salads, or baked goods for an extra boost of nutrition.

7. Condiments and Sauces

Condiments are often the finishing touch to a meal, and having a few essential bottles in your pantry ensures that you're never caught short.

• Tomato sauce, mustard, and mayonnaise: Classic condiments that are must-haves for sandwiches, burgers, and fries.
• Hot sauce: Adds heat and flavour to almost any savoury dish.
• BBQ sauce: Great for grilling, but can also be used in marinades or to flavour roasted veggies.

8. Snacks and Treats

Every pantry should have some snacks on hand, whether for a quick energy boost, a movie night, or unexpected guests.

• Crackers: A savoury snack that pairs well with cheese, dips, or soups.
• Muesli bars: Handy for when you need something quick and filling.
• Popcorn: A light and easy snack to keep on hand.
• Dark chocolate: Satisfy your sweet tooth with some high-quality dark chocolate for a healthier indulgence.

9. Miscellaneous Essentials

There are a few pantry items that don’t fit into a category but are equally important.

• Broth or stock: Chicken, beef, or vegetable stock helps build flavour in soups, stews, and risottos.
• Dried fruits: Raisins, apricots, and cranberries can be added to baked goods, oatmeal, or salads.
• Tortillas: Keep a pack of flour or corn tortillas for quick tacos, wraps, or quesadillas.

Final Tips:

1. Organize by Category: To avoid digging through your pantry every time you need something, group similar items together, like grains, canned goods, and spices.
2. Use Clear Containers: Storing dry goods like pasta, flour, and sugar in airtight, clear containers keeps them fresh and visible.
3. Stock Up Gradually: You don’t have to buy everything at once. Start with the essentials, and then build your pantry over time.
4. Rotate Your Stock: Keep an eye on expiration dates and rotate older items to the front so they get used up first.

With these pantry staples, you’ll be prepared for anything—from quick weeknight meals to more elaborate dishes. Happy cooking!

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