The worst feeling in the world is when you cook something and go to your pantry for an item, only to find out you don’t have it. There are some staple items you should always have on hand, even if you don’t need them right away. Here are 10 versatile ingredients to stock your pantry with.
Oil
Oil is very important to have in your pantry. Now, there are different types of oils you can have like Olive Oil, Avocado Oil, Vegetable Oil, etc. Different oils work for different things, but the main point is that they all can help enhance the flavor of your food.
Butter
Butter is always good to have on hand. You can use it for cooking and can also use it for baking. So whether you want to spread some butter on some toast or use it to put it in a cake, it’s always good to have some butter in your fridge.
Potatoes
Potatoes are great to have around because you can use them in almost every meal you cook. You can slice, dice, or shred them. You can bake your potatoes or you can fry them. The sky’s the limit with potatoes!
Soy Sauce
Soy sauce enhances any meal that you make. Many see it as a staple of Asian cuisine, but it can be used for any cuisine you want! If you don’t want your soy sauce to be super salty, you can always get some with less sodium. Even with less sodium, the saltiness of the soy sauce will enhance any dish.
Eggs
Eggs come in handy for so many different meals. If you want a frittata, use eggs for that. If you want to bake a cake, use an egg for that. Want to eat an egg, well… you get the picture. The list goes on and on.
Broth
If you love making soups or stews, then you know it is always good to have broth in your pantry. But did you know that broth can be used to enhance the flavors of other parts of your meal? Next time you have rice, put a little bit of broth in it and see what flavors you get. It is a safe bet to say your rice will be yummy!
Rice
Speaking of rice, it can go with any protein. Chicken, beef, pork — you name it, rice can go with it. And it’s a great side dish due to its versatility. The next time you can’t think of a side dish to go with your meal, just whip up some rice and you’re good to go!
Pasta
Pasta is extremely easy to cook. You just boil some water, pour in the pasta, and then you have the basis for your meal in 10 minutes or less. Pasta can be used with a variety of sauces and a variety of meats. So many meals can be made from pasta!
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Canned Beans
The best part about beans is there are so many different types to choose from! Black beans, kidney beans, chickpeas, and pinto beans are all great to have around the house. Black beans can be used as a side for a Mexican dish, kidney and pinto beans go great in a chili, and chickpeas work perfectly for hummus. Beans really are magical!
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Carrots
Carrots might be one of the most versatile vegetables! You can eat carrots raw or cooked, which makes it smart to have them on hand. You can add them to pasta, rice dishes, cakes if you feel fancy, or just have them as a side. Carrots also can last a while in the fridge, meaning you don’t have to use them right away.
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