Top 10 Pantry Essentials Part I

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A well-stocked pantry is essential to answering the most important question of day, “What’s for dinner?”

Break the cycle of eating out, taking out, or driving through when 5 o’clock rolls around because you’ve got it covered with a well-stocked pantry. 

Here’s my list of Top 10 Pantry Essentials, 6 – 10 with corresponding recipes.

Delivered in David Letterman style, I’ll count down from 10.

Pantry Essentials Part I

#10 Oats

You might be surprised by this little gem until you realize that oats is one of the most versatile foods in your pantry. Certainly it’s a breakfast item, but, oh, so much more. Use it to top a dessert or as a binder for meatloaf. I much prefer oats to breadcrumbs for this purpose.

• Granola
• Strawberry and Amaretto Crumble
• A Meatloaf Toast to a Legendary Leg Lamp and a Lovable Family

#9 Seeds and Nuts

These little beauties add texture and flavor to a variety of dishes and are just plain fun to eat. Pair them with fruit or toss them in a salad. Toast them in a 350˚ oven to first release their natural oils which enhances their flavor and crunch. Store them in the freezer to maintain freshness. Keep a variety of nuts and seeds on hand including walnuts, pecans, and pumpkin seeds.

• Pistachio Crusted Chicken
• Crunchy Apple Salad With Manchego Cheese
• Apple Quesadilla
• Asian Cole Slaw
• Saffron Couscous with Golden Raisins and Toasted Almonds

#8 Flour

Much maligned nowadays, but it’s indispensable for making rouxs, sauces, and buttermilk biscuits. If you’re gluten-free there are now lots of wheat alternative flours on the market that you can use in place of flour.

• Flatbread Pizza Dough
• Homemade Flour Tortillas
• Hot Wings Recipe and Cooking Tips
• A Homemade Buttermilk Biscuit Recipe Fit For A King
• Gingerbread: Simple and Delicious
• Cheesy Cornbread with Jalapeños

#7 Rice

Love it as a side dish or the main affair as in a stir-fried rice. Cook it with water or broth, or any other liquid that suits your fancy. Dress it up with herbs, lemon juice and zest, or toss in some cranberries, raisins, or nuts. Keep a variety of rice on hand, including white, brown, and wild. Oh, and pass by those brands that cook in a minute. What you gain in time you absolutely lose in flavor. 

• Brown Rice With Sage and Walnuts
• Wild Rice with Butternut Squash and Leeks
• Easy Peasy Paella Recipe and Cooking Tips
• Mediterranean Quinoa Salad
• Sweet Potato and Quinoa Bowl with Feta and Mint
• Grits Breakfast Bowl
• Parmesan Grits (Polenta)

#6 Dried and canned beans

Often overlooked and perhaps not given the respect they deserve, beans and legumes, are naturally high in protein and fiber while being low in fat. Dried beans are the most economical approach. Cook them ahead of time and store them in the fridge. Drain and rinse canned beans of the gooey brine they are packed in. Make a bean salsa, toss them in a salad or soup, or make them star of the show.

• Sweet and Sour Green Beans
• White Bean Salad
• Chipotle Pinto Bean Salsa
• Romanian White Bean Dip
• Falafel Burger

My list of Top 10 Pantry Essentials 1-5 is here.