If you know me or have tried some of my recipes, you know that a large portion of my meals rely on what I find in my fridge and pantry. It could be leftover ingredients that can be jazzed up, vegetables that have seen better days, or even a neglected can of chickpeas waiting for some attention. My cooking style lacks a rigid structure and prioritizes convenience, while still ensuring the meals are nutrient dense.
However, I understand that cooking can be overwhelming for some individuals. In this guide, my aim is to take the weight off your shoulders and demonstrate that with a few essential staples in your kitchen, you can effortlessly create a variety of delicious meals in no time.
Fridge:
- Minced Garlic to sauté with olive oil, veggies, proteins, etc. You can buy this already made or buy whole cloves and mince it yourself.
- Eggs because duh. Use them for breakfast, sandwiches, stir fry’s, ramen, the list goes on!
- A large container of Plain Greek Yogurt for marinades, breakfast bowls, etc.
- Red and Yellow Onions for flavor and fragrance.
- Lemon or Lime Juice for the perfect amount of acidity in a dressing or marinade.
- Heavy Cream for cream sauces. I would suggest only getting a pint size container.
- Cooking White Wine for veggies, seafood, sauces, deglazing, etc.
- Dijon Mustard for sandwiches and vinaigrettes.
- Cucumbers for salads, water infusers, and dips
- Carrots for soups, dips, snacking
- Maple Syrup
Pantry:
- Seed blend – chia, flax, hemp, pumpkin. Use as toppings for salads, yogurt, and toasts. Or blend into smoothies and mix into baked goods.
- Raw Nuts for snacking and toppings.
- Canned Beans – I favor chickpeas over other beans. You can use any of them for salads, soups, and stews.
- Sweet and Yellow Potatoes for roasting, baking, mashing, and more!
- Tinned Salmon and Tuna – don’t come at me for this one! These products are absolutely underrated. They provide amazing nutrition and are accessible to many people.
- Red Wine Vinegar & Balsamic Vinegar for dressings, vinaigrettes, and marinades.
- Pasta & Rice
- Honey
Freezer:
- Sliced Bread – opt for a brand like food for life baking or Dave’s killer bread.
- Frozen berries for smoothies
- Frozen veggies for convenience! You don’t have to waste time prepping the veggie before cooking them. Open the bag and cook it however you desire.
- Overstock of proteins – if you buy in bulk, freeze what you can so you can always just thaw it out later. Write dates on the packaging so you know how long you have it for.
- Large amounts of leftover soups and sauces. Take these out when you’re in a pinch or too lazy to cook something new.
Don’t overcomplicate the fun parts of life. Cooking is meant to be a labor of love for your beautiful body.
