What are the best staples to have on hand in a vegetarian pantry?!
What are the best staples to have on hand in a vegetarian pantry?
I just turned vegetarian and I was wondering what products I should make an effort to keep in my fridge : )
Answers:
Hi Haruhi. Just click on this website and you get a very nice, complete list of the things you need:
http://vegkitchen.com/tips/vegetarian-pa...
Good luck!
tofu, but being a vegatarian is bad for you
go to the frozen section of your grocery, look for "boca" brand stuff. there will probably be this brand along with other vegetarian meals. also, lots of cheeses, milk, pasta, vegetabeles (frozen or canned), beans, and fish products, unless you're a more strict vegetarian than my girlfriend.
I'm a big snacker, so I'd need to keep the snacks stocked up. Especially nutritious and unexpected ones, like dolmades (rice stuffed vine leaves), soup that can be zapped in the microwave, nuts, cheese...
If you're still eating dairy, keep milk and cheese in the fridge, and butter. Yesterday I decided to make banana bread, and all the ingredients were already at home (basics, like flour, sugar, etc). If it's possible, shop regularly for fresh ingredients-- raw vegetables you can cook from scratch, and fresh fruit. Eggplant is something I've got to know better this year. A good eggplant rollatini is delicious!
P.S. In case of emergency, keep pasta and spaghetti sauce on hand.
Fill your fridge with delicious seasonal fruits and veggies, and the best tofu (protein) and eggs/cheeses (If you're ovo-lacto) you can lay your hads on. Fill your freezer with good-quality frozen stuff like berries and peas. Watch for specials, as the price of this stuff can vary HUGELY!
Your real treasure trove will be the dry goods. Vegetarian variety can be difficult for a newbie, and discouraging after a while. Your store of dried goods can be a lifesaver
Invest in lots of interesting pastas, from orzo to soba to traditional linguine. Don't forget beans, dried peas, lentils, etc., and rice. Together they make a wonder protein source.
Grains such as bulgur, semolina, corn meal (grits), quinoa, couscous, etc. can be a real lifesaver and are the basis for some really tasty dishes.
You're cutting animal fats from your diet, so don't neglect good oils. You'll need them for skin, and hair health. Olive, Walnut, Grapeseed, Peanut, and just good ol' canola are worth picking up for their versatility in cooking and their excellent taste when used cold.
Dried fruits from apricots and apples to banana chips and nuts are handy for snacks and a wonderful add-in to salads and wholesome breads. They can be a bit pricey, so shop around.
The good news is: most of this stuff is relatively inexpensive. The only problem may be that your pantry isn't big enough!
veg. soup , corn green beans, carrots,celery,tomatoes,potato... fruits
staples to have in the pantry should be dried beans (borlotti, soy, red kidney etc), chickpeas, lentils, rice and pasta.
you may also want tins of crushed tomatoes (which are handy for a myriad of sauces for all types of dishes), maybe some soy sauce, and cans of vegies if you want (i like baby corn in a tin)
also herbs and spices are great. particularly basil, cumin, coriander, curry and i LOVE chilli.
in the fridge i'd have LOTS of seasonal fruit and veg and maybe some tofu.
i also like to keep nuts and sultanas for snacks.
oh, and long-life soy milk (or rice milk or oat milk) in the pantry to use when you need.
also the generic stuff that most people have like flour, sugar etc.
even when everything else has run out, you'll still be abe to make heaps of great meals with your pantry items.
Whole wheat pastas and breads
Earth Balance spread
Fruits and veggies (fresh and frozen)
canned diced tomatoes
natural pasta sauces
soy sauce
Kitchen bouquet seasoning sauce
vegetable broth
Brown rice
faux meat substitutes (quorn tenders, boca etc)
cheese (made with vegetable rennet)