Normally at this time of year, there would be some sort of uni related post, whether that’s budget friendly meals or some that are quick and easy. Well, I know many people aren’t heading back to campus or moving out just yet. So, I’ve done something this year that works multiple different people. Whether you’re off to uni for the first time, are newly vegan, or just have a really tiny kitchen, these are my gluten free and vegan pantry essentials.
I tried really hard to narrow this down to the absolute essentials. My pantry/ cupboards are plentifully stocked, so I looked at this challenge as a chance to pick the ingredients I’d want as my basics if I was making something in a pinch.
Before we start, this list doesn’t contain herbs and spices. That’s a whole different potential post down the line and A LOT harder to narrow down.
My Vegan Pantry Essentials
Grains & Dry Legumes
Red lentils – We know I’m a huge fan of the red lentil. They’re high in iron, protein x and y, they’re super cheap and incredibly versatile. It also makes a great flour for gluten free savoury dishes.
Your favourite grain – You need something like rice or quinoa, you can build dishes around them or use them as a side, as a filler. I picked quinoa as mine, but that’s a personal preference.
Tins
Chopped tomatoes – I mean, I don’t think I need to explain why I consider this an essential, I’m fairly confident that they are in the vast majority of houses.
Chickpeas – This was hard, very hard. I wanted to narrow my tinned legumes down to one. It came down to chickpeas or black beans, but I settled on chickpeas as I thought they were the more versatile of the two. Roast them as a snack or for a salad, make falafels, put them in a curry or a casserole. You can always make a meal with chickpeas, whether all you have left is some tinned tomatoes or a few scraps of leftover vegetables, always.
Extras
Nuts & Seeds
I know this is broad, but you need some nuts or seeds, or both. Baking something a little plain? Add some nuts. Need some healthy fats in your meals? Add some nuts or seeds. Want to add some decoration to a smoothie bowl or add some crunch to your breakfast? Nuts and seeds. Pick your favourites, but almonds are my favourite all rounder nuts, with a pot of mixed seeds.
Oats
As well as being an obvious breakfast option, using oats to make oat flour is one of my favourite things to use in GF baking. And thanks to their neutral taste, they work in both sweet and savoury dishes (think of my chickpea nuggets), so they’re a great one to have as a flour, to absorb moisture in some recipes…and just eat for breakfast.
Vegetable stock
Okay, I wasn’t sure if I needed to include this because of the lack of herbs and spices in this post. But stock is essential for a lot of basic dishes.
I was hoping to get this list down to five things to have as absolute essentials, failed a little there but I feel like this list is a good starting point for so many meals you can make without adding too many extra ingredients and still get a little bit of variety.
Do you agree with this list? What are your pantry essentials?
Until next time,
Sophie
Hopefully in the future I’ll try going vegan, but I think these are definitely great staples to have, especially on a budget! x
Emily | emiliamarlowe.co.uk
Yup, definitely agree with these! Never actually tried red lentils though I feel like I’m missing out. I absolutely adore chickpeas though. They are one of my favourite.
Great post as always!
Ashleigh xx
These are great essentials to have in your pantry, you’ll always need one of them in the week! x
Lucy | http://www.lucymary.co.uk
Chopped tomatoes and chickpeas are staples in our house! I use them for so many meals. I definitely need to try cooking more with lentils xx
Tiffany x http://www.foodandotherloves.co.uk
My top favorite and must have is oats. Love to make oatmeal for breakfast 🙂
http://www.fashionradi.com
I love red lentil soup with lemon! All the items you mentioned are great pantry staples. I’ve been stocking up my panty and doing more cooking at home due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Instead of oats and grains, I use more almond flour and coconut (dried coconut & coconut flour) in my meals. I also use a lot of flax seed as a thickener and to bind things together. I’m sure everyone’s list is just a little bit different. 🙂
These are such great alternatives! I’ll definitely keep a look out the next time I’m grocery shopping
Marissa Belle × marsybun.com
Obviously I’m not Vegan so I guess I don’t have as many pantry staples as you as I don’t limit my diet that much. But pasta is obviously a go to that needs to be in the cupboard at ALL times!
Ohhh I wish I’d been following you when I did Veganuary, I really struggled for pantry essentials when I was thinking about what to make ahead! I’m trying to shop more consciously, so I’ll definitely be referring to your useful list!
Kate x
http://www.findingkate.co
This looks delicious, thanks for sharing and the support on my blog.
Laila
http://www.lailanblog.blogspot.co.uk
I love chickpeas so much! xx
Great post! I do think these things are essential even if one is not GF! Especially during soup season.
I’m saving this post!
I never know how to keep my kitchen stocked up and this is so useful!
Thank you ☺️
Love Lozza x
http://girlygabble.com
Some great tips and ideas in here. Thanks for sharing. My wife is having to go gluten free so this really helps.
I have to have at least two tins of chopped tomatoes in my cupboard at all times. They work with most dinners and they just make everything easier! X
Rice, quinoa, and oats are a big feature in my kitchen. Red lentil soup or buddha bowls are a great way to mix a variety of grains and vegetables into one dish too! 🙂
Great list! I’ve been vegetarian for the past 6 years but just recently added gluten-free foods as part of my lifestyle, so this is a great start!
Although I’m not vegan we always have a can of chickpeas in the pantry! i love adding mine to salads, I eat a lot of salads! 🙂 I don’t have a lot of nuts though – something I could work on maybe, I mostly use them as a snack on their own or in baking with cookies! 🙂
Hope you are having a lovely weekend 🙂
VERY HEALTHY. Thank you so much
https://www.melodyjacob.com/2020/08/should-i-still-be-friends-with-her.html
Oats, pasta and brown rice are some of my cupboard staples x
Rice is definitely one of my essentials. I don’t know what I’d do without it!
I definitely love having chopped tomatoes, quinoa and sweet corn to hand! It’s amazing the combinations you can make!
Ok, I still need to try lentils – I keep hearing great things about it from you hehe. Grains are so good for you. I LOVE quinoa over rice – feels healthier hehe. Chickpeas are so good. Also versatile too! Thanks for sharing all of these essentials. OMG, vegetable stock is great when you want to add some flavor to your pan recipes. Thanks for sharing!
Nancy ✨ exquisitely.me
You can’t go wrong with chopped tomatoes! When I was much younger, I to used to eat them with some black pepper. The culinary delights of the young single man.
This is a great starting point for those who are moving out on their own and looking to stock thier pantry for the first time. I admit, I use chickpeas ALL. THE. TIME. It’s a go-to item for me that I will go out of my way to keep stocked so that I always have it on hand.
This is a very interesting post. You’ve mentioned some great essentials. I’m a huge fan of red lentils too.
I think the one of the biggest things that I will always take away from your blog is the importance and versatility of lentils!! This post reminds me that I need to stock up on quinoa again; it’s been waaayyy too long since I had some in the pantry xx
I always make sure I’ve got some veg stock in, and also tins of chickpeas. I definitely always have chopped tomato’s in the cupboard too! I usually always have rice and pasta as well. xx
This is a fab list of essentials. I honestly need to get more on board the lentil train, I really love them but I basically never buy them which is a bit silly! I love chickpeas though, you’re so right about how you can make anything into a meal if you have them!