Healthy Pantry Staples for Easy Meals
Pantry Staple: Canned Beans
Pantry Standout: Refried Beans
All canned beans have a place in our pantry, but let's take a moment for refried beans. They come nicely seasoned, and all you need to do is heat them up. Naturally full of plant-based protein and fiber, they've also got serious comfort-food appeal. Use them for tacos, tostadas, burritos… even eggs.What to make: Meatless Mexican Tostada
Other canned bean favorites: black beans, white (cannellini) kidney beans, red kidney beans, and garbanzo beans (chickpeas)
Pantry Staple: Canned Tomatoes
Pantry Standout: Fire-Roasted Tomatoes
Crushed, diced, whole, stewed, seasoned—if you have canned tomatoes in your pantry, you're well prepared. The fire-roasted variety brings extra flavor and depth. Add it to sauces, chili, soups, salads, and more.What to make: 20-Minute Fire-Roasted Veggie Chili
Other canned veggie staples: pure pumpkin, roasted red peppers, corn, artichoke hearts, water chestnuts (Yes, we know tomatoes and pumpkin are technically fruit!)
Pantry Staple: Oats
Pantry Standout: Old-Fashioned Oats
Oats are an obvious go-to for breakfast, but they go above and beyond an oatmeal base! Old-fashioned (aka rolled) oats cook up easily and are still full of nutrients. We use them to bind meatloaf, blitz into oat flour for gluten-free muffins, create healthy cookies… You can also use them to make a satisfying savory meal.What to make: Chicken Sausage & Apple Oat Bake
Other oat staples: steel-cut oats, instant oatmeal packets (like Kodiak Protein-Packed Oatmeal)
Pantry Staple: High-Fiber Pasta
Whole Grain Pasta
Carbs have taken a reputation hit in the last few decades, but the macronutrient remains important to a healthy diet. We love to super-size our pasta with veggies. Look for varieties with some extra nutritional benefits, then cook it into a simple meal.What to make: Mega Mac & Cheese
Other pasta staples: bean-based pasta (like the kind by Banza), hearts of palm noodles (like the kind by Palmini), shelf-stable spaghetti squash (like the kind by Solely)
Pantry Staple: Tortillas & Taco Shells
Flat-Bottomed Taco Shells
There's something about seeing a box of crunchy taco shells in your pantry that feels like the day has been saved. You don't need to struggle to figure out what to make: The answer is tacos. Stuff whatever you have into them—get creative! (Egg-filled breakfast tacos are a fully acceptable dinner.)What to make: Meatless Cheeseburger Tacos
Other tortilla-type staples: whole-wheat or low-carb pitas (like the kind by Toufayan), low-carb flour tortillas (like La Tortilla Factory’s), corn tortillas
Pop-Up Fact: Canned Foods Aren’t a Healthy-Eating No-No
Research has shown that many nutrients, minerals, and vitamins remain intact throughout the canning process. Plus, there are so many options these days: organic, low in sodium, no sugar added, BPA free, etc. Read those labels, and choose what works for you!Chew on this:
Pssst… Tomorrow, May 13th, is National Apple Pie Day! These Mini Caramel Apple Pies can be ready in 20 minutes.
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