Believe it or not, having a well-stocked pantry will actually decrease your grocery bill. When you're not stocked on staples, you end up paying regular prices for basic items. However, with a stocked pantry, you just refresh when items are on sale. Plus, these staples can be used in practically any recipe. Here are ten items you should always have on hand.
- Beans: This clever little legume can be used in any dish. It's hearty enough to fill you up and packs a nutritional punch.
- Pasta: Versatile, and with a long shelf life, no pantry should be without a couple pounds of pasta.
- Rice: A staple diet in many Asian countries, rise can be paired with meat, beans, or vegetables. Try having brown rice and white rice on hand for different dishes.
- Broth: Whether it's chicken, beef or vegetable, sore bought or homemade, it's always good to have on hand. Broth can be used in a wide variety of ways and can enhance many dishes.
- Liquid Condiments: A variety of vinegars, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce and others can pack a full-bodied punch to your recipes.
- Bread: Sandwiches, croutons, meat loaf... you name it! Bread can be used in many versatile ways.
- Peanut Butter: This classic sandwich staple is a great source of protein. Plus, it can be used in a variety of ways and has a long shelf life. Ants on a Log, anyone?
- Tomato Sauce: Forget the bottle of Prego for your pasta nights. Instead, pull out a can of tomato sauce, add your own seasonings and voila, a pasta sauce Mario Batali would be proud of. Plus, at 78 cents a can, you're saving quite a few pennies.
- Dried Herbs and Spices: Herbs and spices come in handy for any meal. Choose ones that fit your family's tastes, and make sure to buy them in small quantities to keep fresh.
- Oil: Whether olive oil or vegetable oil, it's important to have on hand. Full of healthy fats, oil makes a great substitute for butter in some recipes.