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If you are a new vegan, it may seem overwhelming when surfing the web or browsing through cookbooks to find vegan-friendly recipes. Having these pantry staples on hand will help you breeze through new recipes and make sure you always have something easy and tasty to whip up.
Oats – I love oats because they are so versatile! They work wonderfully as a binder in veggie burgers and are also perfect on their own to make oatmeal, overnight oats and baked goods. You can also blend them up into a fine powder to create your own oat flour, which is a wonderful gluten-free flour substitute for baking.
Beans – Having cans of beans on hand can be a lifesaver when you want to throw a quick meal together. From creating a delicious bean burger, to enjoying a bean chili, beans are an essential to any vegan pantry. You can even make healthy baked treats using beans, like these Healthy Fudgy Brownies!
Spices – Spices are amazing to add flavor to any dish. Some of my favorites are garlic powder, onion powder and smoked paprika, which can instantly take a dish from good to gourmet with a few dashes of each. I like to sprinkle them on top of French fries, roasted vegetables and plain raw veggies for snacking. Salt and pepper, too, of course!
Nutritional yeast – This ingredient is used very often in vegan cooking. It is deactivated yeast that adds a delightful, cheesy flavor to any dish. You may also see it referred to as “nooch” on the internet.
Cereal & granola – Don’t forget that vegans can also eat many cereals and granolas (with non-dairy milk!). I always have cereal and granola on hand for lazy or busy mornings.
Nuts – Nuts are a great go-to because they are packed with fiber, healthy fats and protein. No prep necessary, just grab a handful and you’re good-to-go!
Non-dairy milk – It’s always helpful to have a shelf-stable, non-dairy milk on hand when you’re in a pinch but want to make a smoothie or enjoy a bowl of oatmeal.
Nut butters – Peanut butter and almond butter are two essentials in my pantry. I love adding them to smoothies for a boost of protein and healthy fat or spreading them on toast for a delicious, nutritious breakfast or snack
Pasta and marinara – Spaghetti is one of the simplest meals to whip up, and is always a crowd pleaser. Having these ingredients around makes creating a quick weeknight dinner easy as pie! Add in some of your favorite spices to take it up a notch.
Grains – Having grains around is a must. I like to keep it simple with brown rice and quinoa. You can make a big batch and use them in different recipes all week long, like stir fries and chili. They also make a great side dish on their own.
Condiments – Having things like red wine vinegar and olive oil on hand makes it super simple to whip up a delicious salad dressing. Soy sauce drizzled over veggies and rice can turn your boring ol’ veggies into a lovely Asian meal. Ketchup and mustard are an essential, too, for your veggie burgers and French fries!
