12 Staples for your Plant Based Pantry
Whether you're a seasoned vegan or just starting your plant-based journey, having a well-stocked pantry is key to making quick, delicious, and nutritious meals. Here are 12 essential pantry staples that will elevate your cooking and baking game:
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This cheesy, umami-rich ingredient is a game-changer for vegan cooking. It’s perfect for making dairy-free cheese sauces, seasoning popcorn, or adding depth to soups and stews.
Both flaxseeds and chia seeds are excellent egg replacements in baking. They’re also packed with omega-3 fatty acids and fiber, making them great additions to smoothies, oatmeal, and baked goods.
Full-fat coconut milk adds richness and creaminess to soups, curries, and desserts. It’s also a fantastic dairy alternative for making ice creams and whipped toppings.
Soaked cashews blend into a creamy base for sauces, dressings, cheesecakes, and vegan cheeses. They’re a must-have for making dairy-free creaminess in various dishes.
These natural sweeteners are perfect alternatives to honey and refined sugar in vegan baking and cooking, adding a rich depth of flavor to dishes.
These versatile broth concentrates are a must-have for creating rich and flavorful dishes. Better Than Bouillon offers plant-based versions of chicken, beef, and vegetable broths, which are great for soups, stews, stir-fries, and gravies. Just a spoonful can add deep, savory flavor to any dish.
A versatile fat source, coconut oil is great for baking, frying, and making dairy-free butter alternatives. It adds a subtle sweetness to baked goods.
Coconut milk is a rich and creamy addition to both savory and sweet recipes. It works wonderfully in curries, soups, smoothies, and even in baking to add moisture and flavor. Make sure to get full-fat coconut milk for a richer consistency.
Essential for creating dairy-free buttermilk, balancing flavors, and aiding digestion, apple cider vinegar is a staple in vegan baking and dressings.
If you're making desserts or want a thicker, richer texture, coconut cream is a perfect choice. It’s also great for whipping into a dairy-free alternative to whipped cream, or as a base for vegan ice cream and other creamy treats.
Rice is an incredibly versatile staple that complements almost any meal. Brown rice, white rice, and even specialty varieties like jasmine or basmati are perfect for curries, stir-fries, or as a side dish. You can also use rice in baking or as a base for grain bowls.
A well-stocked spice rack is crucial for vegan cooking. Common staples like garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, smoked paprika, turmeric, chili powder, and ground coriander can transform any dish. Don’t forget about a good salt substitute (such as Himalayan pink salt) and pepper to bring out the flavors.
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With these ten essential ingredients in your pantry, you’ll have everything you need to create delicious and nutritious vegan meals and baked goods. What are your favorite go-to vegan pantry staples? Share your must-haves in the comments!
Now that you know the must-have ingredients for a plant-based pantry, it’s time to put them to good use! I’d love to share delicious and easy recipes with you.
Check out the two cookbooks I wrote, where you’ll learn how to make flavorful plant-based breakfasts and comforting vegan soups.
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Check out my youtube Channel, Life is Messy but I'm Learning as I Grow.
I have 100's of Plant Based Recipes there to help you make delicious plant based foods easily.
