These are my top fifteen must haves to make your life easier as a vegan, or even someone who just loves plant-based food. All of these can usually be found at your local grocery, or online, making it super easy to maintain the stock.
1. Flax Seeds
These are great to buy in bulk. If you're buying the full seed, make sure to grind them before consuming for best absorption of the nutrients! Use a coffee grinder and store in fridge. Sprinkle a tbsp on morning oats, salads, veggie meals, or use as a replacement to eggs in your baking!
2. Chia Seeds
More bulk! Store these in the in fridge and sprinkle a tbsp on morning oats, salads, meals. Chia seeds can also be used as an egg replacement but I tend to use Flax more.
3. Hemp Seeds
Along with the other seeds, and everything on this list, hemp seeds are jam packed with nutrients. Also best to store in the fridge and sprinkle a tbsp on morning oats, salads, meals.
These little seeds (technically a nut), are exceptionally rich in two essential fatty acids, linoleic acid (omega-6) and alpha-linolenic acid (omega-3) and a great source of protein.
4. Chickpea flour
This is a new addition to my pantry and one I don't like to live without. Store the flour in a sealed container in the fridge. A great staple to have on hand for easy meals - chickpea quiches or pancakes. So easy, I just put one cup of flour, some spices, and some veggies in a bowl, add some water and bake.
Or, this recipe - you can use as a guideline too!
5. Bulk Beans
Black, pinto, chickpea, lentils or whatever your favorite bean might be. I like to have a few cans on hand for a quick meal in addition to bulk dried. If you have an instant pot, dried beans are super easy to make. If you have time and remember, try soaking your beans for a faster cook and nutrient absorption.
6. Tahini
Tahini is ground up sesames turned into paste, a similar consistency of peanut butter but savory. It should also be stored in the fridge. It's a bit nutty in flavor and wonderful to drizzle on salads or meals for a nice sauce packed full of nutrients. Can also be used for dressings like this miso recipe.
Try this recipe for Miso Tahini Dressing
7. Rice
Keep brown, wild, mix, stored in airtight container. If you can remember, wash and soak your rice for a faster cook time and reduce the levels of arsenic!
8. Oats
If you follow me on IG, you know that I love my oatmeal in the morning. I always have on hand steel or regular rolled (not instant) airtight container stored in the fridge. Great to have for breakfast, and to make cookies and flour.
9. Quinoa
Protein packed staple whether it's white, rainbow, or red. Store in an airtight container.
10. Nutritional Yeast
Buy in bulk or bobs red mill container found in many stores. A tbsp or so sprinkled on meals, or great in recipes for a nutty/cheezy flavor.
11. Liquid Aminos
Our favorite replacement for soy sauce, great on top of any meal and awesome for sauces.
12. Sunflower Seeds
These little seeds are incredibly nutritious and versatile. They can be a powerful replacement for cashews and easier on the wallet.
13. Peanut Butter (or any nut butter)
I tend to keep a few jars of PB on hand as it's my favorite thing in the whole world. Perfect for sauces, oatmeal, sandwiches, smoothies, everything! Find one that has only ground peanuts for more nutrition.
14. Pasta
Pasta is a life saver for those days you just don't have time to do anything. Make your pasta nights more nutrition by using chickpea or lentil brands (like Banza or Tolerant) sold in most stores.
15. Lotus Foods Ramen Packets
Especially in the winter, these are clutch to have on hand. Add some veggies + greens and you have a super quick meal.
So here you are, you're pantry and fridge are stocked with delicious things to make awesome, quick, and nutritious meals.
Madison
*Disclaimer: This is not a sponsored post, just sharing my favorite brands.