All articles tagged with #pantry staples
Canned foods like artichokes, salmon, hearts of palm, beans, and certain fruits are highly nutritious, cost-effective, and convenient options that can be just as healthy as fresh produce, making them excellent pantry staples for a balanced diet.
A registered dietitian highlights eight high-protein pantry staples that are essential for maintaining a balanced diet. These include legumes, canned soup, protein powder, quinoa, tinned fish, nutritional yeast, beef or turkey sticks, and nut and seed butters. These items are not only rich in protein but also have long shelf lives, making them convenient and versatile options for various meals and snacks.
This week's heart-healthy recipes focus on using pantry staples to create convenient sheet-pan and one-pot meals centered around vegetables, fruits, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats like extra virgin olive oil, featuring dishes such as Swedish meatballs and Niçoise salad.
Consuming foods rich in protective compounds like antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids can help combat inflammation. Eight anti-inflammatory pantry staples recommended by a dietitian include extra-virgin olive oil, turmeric, canned tuna, kidney beans, almonds, canned tomatoes, garlic, and green tea, each offering unique properties to reduce inflammation and promote overall health and wellness.
Canned soups are versatile pantry staples that can be used to enhance a variety of dishes. Cream of mushroom soup is a flavorful base for casseroles and sauces, while cream of chicken soup adds protein and flavor to chicken dishes. Cheddar soup can transform vegetables and mac and cheese into delectable treats, while cream of chicken and mushroom soup offers a deeper flavor profile. Canned chili can be customized with meat and spices for a hearty meal, and canned chicken noodle soup provides instant comfort. Cream of celery, tomato, French onion, vegetable, and cream of broccoli soups also offer unique flavors and can be used in various recipes. Cream of onion soup is a versatile ingredient that can replace or enhance béchamel sauce in dishes like mac and cheese.
Canned meats offer convenience, versatility, and a longer shelf life compared to fresh meats. They are affordable and can be used in a variety of dishes, from breakfast to dinner. Some popular canned meats include ham, corned beef, chicken, Spam, turkey, beef chunks, and ground beef. These meats can be used in soups, salads, sandwiches, and more, making them a great addition to your pantry.
The Mediterranean diet is known for its health benefits and broad appeal, and one way to spice up your pantry the Mediterranean way is by incorporating unique seasonings and pantry staples. Popular ingredients like sumac and Aleppo pepper add tart, earthy, and subtly sweet flavors to dishes. Other pantry staples include za'atar, dukkah, ras el hanout, baharat, shawarma, and dry harissa, which can be used to elevate the flavors of various recipes. These spices and blends are widely used throughout the Mediterranean and can be easily incorporated into your cooking to add a touch of Mediterranean flavor.
Whole grains are a great source of plant-based protein, fiber, and a variety of vitamins and minerals. They are budget-friendly, easy to cook, and fit into a variety of recipes. Six high-protein grains to add to your pantry include quinoa, wild rice, amaranth, sorghum, teff, and farro. These grains can be used as the base for a dish or as an accompaniment to a protein, and they even work in breakfast cereals, granola, polenta, and desserts.