Pantry/food staples for students

There are some things that I always like to keep in my pantry, so that I always have something to lean back on when my imagination is falling short or so that i don't run to the store anytime I want to cook something. Here is a list of some of the things i always keep in my pantry, fridge and freezer and some tips and inspiration on how to use them!

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Pantry staples: - tomato paste

- canned diced tomatoes

- canned beans

--> I personally like kidney beans and chickpeas. Chickpeas can be roasted and put over a salad, baked sweet potatoes or put in a curry. Kidney beans are great in chilies and in bulgur salads to add some extra protein.

- olive oil

- avocado oil

-> since it has a higher smoke point than olive oil and allows you to cook with a higher heat.

- soy sauce

- Worcester sauce

- canned corn

- coconut milk

- flour

--> almond flour

- Agave syup - great substitute for sugar

- Honey

- tahini

- nuts

- walnuts are my favorite! They are great on top of salads and great for snacks with some cottage cheese and honey.

- earl grey tea

--> this is just my personal preference, any tea is good for when you feel that your throat is starting to itch and you need something soothing.

- protein pasta/whole wheat pasta

--> Quinoa pasta is my go to!

- bulgur

- brown rice

- oats

- chia seeds

--> for a overnight chia pudding or chia jam!

- lentils

- Vegetables

- onion, garlic. sweet potatoes, red cabbage, fresh ginger

Spices:

- cardamom

-->to put in your tea or oatmeal!

- cinnamon

- cumin

- paprika powder

- dried chili

- basil

-oregano

- thyme

- rosemary

--> can't roast veggies without rosemary!

- Garam masala mix

--> either homemade (which i prefer or a good store bought one)

- black pepper

- dried mint/dill

- Sumak

--> this is just my favorite spice, It has a nice citrusy, acidic flavor and is very common in middle eastern cooking.

Freezer/ Fridge:

- frozen vegetables

- broocoli, carrots, green beans

- frozen fruit

- mangoes, raspberries, blueberries, bananas (those that don't get eaten, i just put them in the freezer and use for ice cream or smoothies!)

- Tofu