A well-stocked kitchen is important for several reasons. You can get some healthy and nutritious options for cooking at home, also you can save some money by not having to dine. You better know, who wants to stop at the grocery after a long day at job? If you have not seen the inside of your pantry recently, it’s time to get in and dust off those piles of boxes to see what you have. Take a trip to your local food bank with items that have been around for a while, and it’s time to head to the grocery store. Below is a list of common pantry staples.

1. Extra virgin olive oil

Extra virgin olive oil is a must for any household. You need some kind of fat to cook, and olive oil packs a punch with antioxidants that can help lower your cholesterol as well as help prevent heart disease and cancer. In addition, it is the perfect cooking oil with its excellent taste and fast heating capacity, definitely a pantry staple. There are all kinds of extra virgin oils in a range of price points. If you are a “gourmet” with a demanding palette, you will pay a little more for gourmet brands. If you’ve just given olive oil a whirlpool, you can go with a cheaper variety and refine your taste and culinary skills from there.

2. Garlic

Garlic is the perfect herb. Cut it, chop it, crush it, roast it, grill it. You name it and garlic does it. It is versatile enough to be used in everything from traditional Italian pasta to Thai and Indian dishes. And if the taste was not enough, it’s also great for you. It helps prevent heart disease, lowers your cholesterol and destroys free radicals better than anything that man has created. You can buy fresh garlic in whole cloves or already chopped in a pot if you do not want to do the job. It is also available dried for a longer shelf life.

3. Soups

Soups are a great option when you try to eat on a budget or feed a family. This is why stocks and broths are essential for your kitchen pantry. You can use broths instead of water to add a little zest to your dishes and even cook your rice with maximum flavor. Take a variety of chicken, beef and vegetables, try them in different dishes and you will have a mixture of broth in no time. To avoid calories, try a low-fat or non-fat broth. As a general rule, it is preferable to pair your broth with similar dishes or to use vegetable stock instead of beef or chicken.

4. Spaghetti Sauce

No pantry is complete without a few pots of spaghetti sauce. In fact, you probably have a position by a quantity of dust in your own kitchen. This is a great backup when you do not have time to make your own sauce or just to prepare a simple meal and fill. Spaghetti sauce included in the package has a good shelf life, so buy some pots and stick them to the back of your pantry for a rainy day. There are a wide variety of brands and flavors with fresh taste to choose from. Tomato and basil, garlic and herbs, traditional sauces marinara and Puttanesca are great to have on hand for any quick pasta dish.

5. Pasta

If you are going to Place some sauce in the pantry, then you will need a pasta to go with it. Pasta Boxed is cheap, you have virtually no expiration date and can be mixed with a variety of meals. If you do not own the willow, you can always make fresh pasta with garlic and butter as a nice side dish, or just throw some spices and grilled steak, shrimp or chicken. When it comes to picking pasta, it all comes down to whatever you prefer. Noodles are available in a wide variety of sizes, from fine angel hair to extra large and thick pappardelle, and tubular pastes are popular with children because of their fun shapes.

6. Rice

Rice is a versatile food . It can be the main component in a dish like a pan or sautéed, or a nice side dish to complement all meats and vegetables. It is also super affordable and lasts long in the pantry. Whole grain rice is much better for you than enriched white rice, so for maximum nutritional value it is best to stick with whole grains. If you want to have handy for any rice dish, get a variety of rice flavored “quick cook”, a bag of whole grains and a white bag. Try some Indian basmati for flair or if you really want to get adventurous, you can make your own short grain rice for homemade sushi rolls.

7. Peanut butter

Peanut butter is not just for sandwiches, although it fits perfectly into this role. You can use it in addition to a variety of dishes and dips, especially those that have an Asian influence. It is a great source of protein When you eat so as to spread over fruits and vegetables, you get a double dose of health benefits. Add to smoothies, spread a bit on a biscuit or just eat with a spoon – peanut butter is a must-have for any pantry. Visit your health food store to get additive and peanut butter without preservative that is freshly ground in front of you. If the natural version is not enough sweet, add some honey to it for a taste your family will love.

8. Beans

Beans are a staple food all over the world because they are inexpensive, easy to prepare, nutritious and filling. You can always keep a few boxes of beans in your pantry, but if you want to save money, buy dry beans. It takes a little more time to prepare, but you get zero additives and preservatives and they taste better than canned beans. Make sure to allow time in your meal preparation to soak them. If you are new to buying beans, start with a mixture of black beans, pinto for the collection of your pantry. The beans are good on their own served as a side dish with meat and vegetables. They also make a good addition to stews and cold salads.

9. Tuna Fish

Canned meats can be a bit dubious in the taste department, but not in the case of tuna fish. You can use it to make the classic tuna sandwich, or add it to a creamy saucepan. You can make pan-fried, breaded patties your children will enjoy. You can make a tuna bath. You can use it as a cold Topper salad from the box. The options are endless. Choose tuna packed with water for the best health benefits, but eat it in moderation to avoid too much intake of mercury. You can go for sea chicken or spend some money on gourmet albacore, which often come in different flavors, liked garlic or smoked.

10. Tomatoes

It would be difficult to name a house or home that does not use tomatoes in one way or another. It is the most versatile element of the garden and nothing is worth the taste of a freshly picked tomato. But if you want tomatoes all year round, lucky for you, there is a variety that you can get in a box. Your best bet is to keep a mix of diced, crushed and whole tomatoes at your fingertips for a range of dishes. Of course, all of this will work if you have a cutting board and a knife, but it is convenient to just dump it directly from the can into the pot. This is a staple you can not live with out.

So that is out common pantry staples for kitchen. I hope this article will be helpful to stock your pantry. If you have any suggestions or comment, feel free to post here.