What to stock in your plant-based pantry —plus, 10 must-make recipes
If you’re like us, staying home to practice social distancing is giving you more time to focus on homebody-type activities you may not usually have time for. Like reading, listening to podcasts, knitting, and cooking.
With farmers markets closed and grocery store trips being kept to a minimum, now’s a great time to practice plant-based cooking with pantry staples. Not sure where to start? Don’t worry, we’ve got you!
Here’s your go-to guide on stocking up for staying in. Plus, 10 plant-based recipes that use pantry staples.
What to stock in your plant-based pantry
Make the most of your next grocery trip by stocking up on the items on this list. Having these basic items on hand will make cooking during self-isolation much easier.
Chances are, you have many of these ingredients already in your pantry.
Beans and legumes
- Black beans
- Chickpeas
- Lentils
A note about canned beans: When selecting canned beans, always look for BPA-free on the label, and be sure to drain and rinse beans before using them.
If you’d prefer to use dry beans, soak them in a large bowl of water for 8 – 12 hours prior to using them. This will make them easier to digest and reduce bloating.
Flours and grains
| All-purpose flour | Brown rice |
| Gluten-free flour (preference) | Old fashioned rolled oats |
| Pasta | Tortillas |
| Whole wheat flour | Quinoa |
Nuts and seeds
| Almonds | Cashews |
| Chia seeds | Flaxseed |
| Pecans | Walnuts |
A note about nuts and seeds: Where you store your nuts and seeds depends on when you plan to use them. If you expect you’ll use them within two – four months, store them in airtight, non-permeable containers in a cool, dark place. If you’ll be storing them for longer than four months, put them in the fridge or freezer.
A note about flaxseed: Ground flaxseed offers the most nutritional value. Store whole flaxseed in the fridge or freezer and grind just before using.
Oils and vinegars
| Apple cider vinegar | Coconut oil |
| Olive oil | Seasoned rice vinegar |
| Sesame oil | Soy sauce |
| Vegetable oil | White vinegar |
Herbs and spices
| Bay leaves | Black pepper |
| Chili powder | Cilantro |
| Cinnamon | Cocoa powder |
| Cumin | Curry powder |
| Garam masala | Garlic powder |
| Onion powder | Paprika |
| Parsley | Salt |
| Smoked paprika | Turmeric |
Sweeteners
| Organic brown sugar | Organic cane sugar |
| Pure maple syrup | Raw agave |
To have on hand for baking and cooking
| Baking soda | Coconut milk |
| Cornstarch | Dates |
| Hot sauce | Nutritional yeast |
| Miso paste | Tomato sauce |
| Vegetable broth |
A note about vegetable broth: To save money and prevent waste, consider using vegetable bouillon cubes. Simply add boiling water to make the exact amount of broth a recipe calls for.
A note about nutritional yeast: You may not be familiar with this delicious ingredient if you’re new to plant-based cooking. Nutritional yeast adds a cheesy, nutty flavor to plant-based dishes. It’s also very nutritious, providing plenty of protein and B vitamins. You can find it in the bulk aisle at most natural food stores.
For more on mysterious plant-based ingredients, here’s everything you need to know about 10 “weird” vegan ingredients.
Fruits and vegetables
| Bell peppers | Broccoli |
| Carrots | Cauliflower |
| Celery | Garlic |
| Lemons | Limes |
| Red onion | Shallots |
| Tomatoes |
For the fridge
Protein and dairy alternatives
- Vegan butter
- Extra firm tofu
Natural nut butters
- Almond
- Peanut
A note about nut butters: We’re obsessed with both peanut and almond butter, but it’s not necessary to keep both on hand all the time. Pick your favorite!
Plant milk alternatives
| Almond | Soy |
| Coconut | Oat |
| Pea | Hemp |
A note about plant milks: Most recipes encourage you to use your favorite plant milk, so there’s no need to stock up on all the types we’ve listed. Some recipes require unsweetened milk, so be sure to double check before you buy.
New to plant milks? Take our quiz to find out which plant milk is right for you.
10 delicious plant-based recipes you can make with pantry staples
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Chocolate Peanut Butter Overnight Oatmeal
This super easy (and ultra-creamy) breakfast recipe from the Wholesome Culture Cookbook is perfect for the home office.
Makes 2 servings
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 6-8 hours
- 3-4 tablespoons peanut butter
- 3-4 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 5 oz container (equivalent to 2/3 cups) of vanilla or plain vegan yogurt
- 3 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1 and 1/3 cup milk alternative of choice
- 2 tablespoons ground flaxseed meal
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Directions:
- In a large jar or bowl, mix peanut butter, cocoa powder, yogurt and maple syrup until smooth. Then, add in oats, milk, ground flaxseed meal, vanilla and salt. Mix thoroughly. If using a bowl, add to jar(s) or container(s).
- Seal and refrigerate overnight or for 6-8 hours.
2. Buffalo Cauliflower & Chickpea Casserole (Dump-and-Bake)
With only 10 ingredients, From My Bowl has essentially made cauliflower chick’n wings a simple and delicious comforting main dish.
3. 1-Pot Curry Lentil Soup
This subtly spicy soup from Minimalist Baker couldn’t be simpler: it requires only one pot and comes together in 30 minutes!
4. Garlicky Fettuccine Alfredo
Who Needs Salad has put together a perfectly creamy, cheesy fettuccine dish —no dairy required. We’re making this one on repeat.
5. Vegan power salad with lemon dill dressing
Protein-packed, super-simple, and ultra-fresh, this power salad from Justine Celina is our new go-to for lunch.
6. Chocolate Peanut Butter Energy Bites
Prep these energy bites from The Wholesome Culture Cookbook in minutes, freeze them – and then eat them as a sweet protein-rich snack whenever you need a quick energy boost.
Makes 10-15 bites
Prep time: 5-7 minutes
Cook time: none
- 1 cup pitted dates
- 3 tablespoons peanut butter
- 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 tablespoons raw agave
- 1 to 2 tablespoons flax meal
- 2/3 cup rolled oats
Directions:
- Roughly chop dates then add them to a blender or food processor. Add in peanut butter, cocoa powder, and raw agave. Blend or process until mixed.
- Add to a bowl and mix in flax meal and rolled oats.
- Using your hands, roll the mixture into balls, roughly 1 inch in diameter.
7. The Best Quinoa and Black Bean Salad
This hearty and healthy salad from The Detoxinista is an excellent prep-ahead weekday lunch idea.
8. Quick and Easy Noodle Soup
With this quick and easy noodle soup, Forks Over Knives has made the perfect vegan version of everyone’s comfort food favorite.
9. Vegan Goulash (American Style)
This easy weeknight dinner by The Simple Veganista is pure pasta goodness!
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Vegan Buffalo Chickpea Quesadillas
Spicy: ✔️Cheesy: ✔️Delicious: ✔️
This recipe from RainbowPlantLife checks all the boxes.
Looking for more plant-based recipes?
The Wholesome Culture Cookbook contains 80+ nourishing plant-based recipes for breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, and dessert!
And for more ways to keep busy while staying at home, check out these other posts:
- 7 podcasts that will help you live more sustainably right now
- 11 self-love book that will remind you to be your own bff
- All the awesome things you should watch, read, and listen to this year
- Pass the time by taking some of our personality quizzes!
