How to Stock a Pantry with Healthy Ingredients
By Lana Bandoim
A pantry stocked with healthy ingredients can make cooking at home easier. Whether you cannot eat out or do not have time to shop, a trip to the kitchen pantry can save dinner. Load the pantry shelves with nutritious food so cooking becomes a reward instead of a chore.
Whole-grain Pasta
From spaghetti to fettuccini, pasta is a versatile dish that is fast to cook. Whole-grain pasta is a nutritious addition to the pantry and provides more fiber. It also has more micronutrients than white pasta.
Beans
Dried or canned beans should be in the pantry. They are an inexpensive source of protein and can even be the main ingredient of a dish. Consider adding black beans, chickpeas, kidney beans, lentils, white beans and pinto beans. They can become part of your next soup, chili, salad or dip.
Rice
Whether you prefer brown rice or long-grain rice, it is a pantry staple. Rice provides protein, fiber and carbohydrates. It is also a good source of selenium, iron, magnesium and thiamine. The combination of rice with beans provides all the essential amino acids for the body.
Whole-grain Crackers
Snacks are part of most pantries, and whole-grain crackers are a healthier option. Consider buying whole-grain wheat, brown rice or quinoa crackers. However, they do not have to be boring. Stock the pantry with crackers that have added spices, herbs or cheese for additional flavor.
Herbs and Spices
Herbs and spices can turn a bland dinner into a delicious masterpiece. Your pantry should have the basics such as salt and pepper. In addition, consider stocking the shelves with bay leaves, chili powder, cinnamon, cloves, curry powder, ginger, oregano and paprika.
Baking Ingredients
Baking at home is a healthier alternative compared to buying baked goods in a store because you can control the amount of sugar. A well-stocked pantry should have flour, baking soda, baking powder, sugar, cornstarch, yeast and cocoa powder. If there is extra room, consider adding honey, agave syrup, molasses and vanilla extract.
Condiments
A small amount of mustard can save a boring sandwich. Ketchup is the perfect accompaniment to fries or burgers. Mayonnaise is an essential part of egg salad. The pantry needs basic condiments such as mustard, ketchup, mayonnaise, relish, BBQ sauce and Worcestershire sauce.
When the pantry only has healthy ingredients, you are forced to cook nutritious food. By refusing to fill the pantry shelves with junk food, there will be no arguments about eating unhealthy meals.
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