Pantry Staples for Fantastic Meals on the Fly
I’ve been accused of being able to make dinner out of nothing. And while I do enjoy getting creative with my meals, I’ve also stocked my kitchen so that I am (almost) never caught in a situation where “Take out or Pizza?” are my only options. Whether it’s just me and the Mr. on a time crunch during the week, or we have a house full of last minute guests for tip off, I’m ready to throw down something delicious.
1. Quinoa and Lentils - Powerhouse Carbs for Mealtime Awesomeness
These bad boys are the champions of versatility, adding bulk to any dish. Quinoa is a rock star whether you want it cold in a salad or hot as a sidekick to veggies and protein. Lentils, on the other hand, can be seasoned like your favorite ground protein, making them perfect for whipping up quick vegetarian meals that will impress houseguests. And the best part? You can make both of them in a rice cooker or crockpot with minimal effort and maximum satisfaction. Winning, my friend.
2. Olive Oil and Vinegar- Never Eat Another Bland Salad
I’ve got a bone to pick with store-bought dressings. They inevitably have ingredients you're trying to reduce, like onion, garlic, seed oils, or sneaky sugar. Finding "The One" in the salad dressing aisle can be annoying, at best. Fear not! You can become your own dressing hero. Grab a jar, pour in some olive oil, vinegar, your favorite spices, a pinch of salt, and voila! You've got a dressing that will make your greens sing and you dance.
3. Avocado Oil and Ghee - The Dynamic Duo of Dinner
Why did I separate these from the olive oil? Because they are the culinary sidekicks that will save your taste buds. Avocado oil brings the heat with its higher smoke point, perfect for sizzling up your veggies in no time. And ghee adds a rich, buttery flavor to everything from succulent shrimp and mouthwatering steak to those humble green beans without milk proteins for those of us with sensitive guts. Just the thought of it makes my tummy rumble. These cooking heroes deserve their own spotlight.
4. Spice Cabinet - Unleash Flavor with Herbs and Spices
Years ago, I was living with my mom, and often made us dinner after i got home from work. I decided one evening to go for spicy green beans and ground Turkey with coconut aminos (yum!). My mom, being on a low-salt mission, couldn't believe the explosion of flavors, even with reduced sodium. She looks at me, astonished, and asked, "What did you use? There’s no salt?" She was sitting on a gold mine of flavors and had no idea. Herbs and spices are the secret weapons to amplify taste, with heroes like rosemary, turmeric, and ginger bringing their A-game to your kitchen creations.
5. Frozen Vegetables - The Rescuer of Dinner Plans Gone Wrong
We all hate wasting food, right? Those limp celery stalks, stinky broccoli, and wilted drippy spinach can ruin your dinner dreams. But fear not, my friend! I draw the line at letting my dinner plans crumble. That's why I always keep a stash of convenient frozen vegetables on hand. They're like superheroes, ready to save the day when paired with a quick protein. Whip up a stir-fry with grilled chicken, create an enticing combo of brussel sprouts and bacon with ground beef or steak, or transform cauliflower rice and green beans with carrots into a mouthwatering fried rice. Boom! Dinner is served, and disappointment is banished.
6. High-Quality Meat - Beefing Up Your Meals Like a Boss
I’ve been fortunate to receive high quality meat through a subscription service for the last five years. With one or two exceptions when feeding some hungry party goers, my husband and I have enjoyed high quality animal protein delivered to our home, keeping us stocked for epic meals. But you don't need a subscription to join the party. Here's the plan: when there's a sale, go all-in and stock your freezer. And if you've got the space, invest in a deep freezer and make friends with your local farmer or butcher. In some areas, you can even score a portion of a cow or pig and have a freezer loaded with meaty goodness. Now that's the way to meat greatness.
7. Emergency Snacks – Slay the Hunger Monster
Let's face it, even the best of us can get caught up in the chaos of the day and suddenly find ourselves on the verge of devouring the entire contents of the refrigerator. That's when you need a superhero lineup of snacks to tame the hangry beast within. My personal staples? Roasted or raw nuts, smashed avocado or hummus cups with a side of cucumbers, Epic bars (my dietitian's recommendation for such occasions), and salmon with mustard, dill and relish, ready to rescue me from mid-afternoon nutritional disasters. These quick pick-me-ups are my secret weapons for avoiding hanger-induced mayhem.
