We’ve been doing a lot of cooking out of our pantry lately! The last time I went to the grocery store in person was more than 10 weeks ago! We’ve had great success with Amazon Fresh and InstaCart, and of course our beloved CSA Produce Box, and I am forever grateful for the delivery people that make those services happen! But even with semi regular delivery, we have tried our best to stretch what we have, dig deep into the cupboards, and make some pantry staple recipes! Keep reading for more than 25 vegan pantry staple recipes!
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Vegan Pantry Staple Recipes
When I say pantry, I don’t truly mean only dried rice and canned beans. I mean, those are some really shelf stable pantry items, and I always have them on hand, especially for an emergency. But I include other items that will last a long time like frozen vegetables, tofu (the expiration date is often more than 2 months out), frozen veggie nuggets, and even long lasting vegetables like cabbage, potatoes, carrots, and onions. All of these items last for quite some time in cold storage, or even on the countertop, despite not truly being a “pantry staple.”
Be Your Own Chef
Something to keep in mind when you’re cooking from your panty is that it’s ok to be flexible. When trying a new recipe, it’s always best to follow as closely as you can. But if you’re short on some ingredients its ok to be flexible! Your end results may be a little different, but as long as you keep an open mind, that’s ok.
Recipes that use Canned Beans
I would like to say that I prepare all of my beans from dry. But canned beans are SO convenient, especially when you are trying to feed your family in a hurry. I try to keep black beans, garbanzo beans, pinto beans, navy beans, and even canned lentils on hand for lots of variety.
Oil Free Vegan Refried Black Beans — Frijoles de Cabo
Smoky Skillet BBQ Baked Beans (Vegan Baked Beans)
Chickpea Stir Fry with Pineapple (15 Minute Meal!)
Balsamic Bean Salad
Pasta Recipes
Not a day goes by where Jonny doesn’t request pasta. It’s probably his favorite food. I always keep some boxes of pasta in my cupboard, and some of the makings for different sauces—diced tomatoes, curry paste, and jarred marinara!
Almond Butter Red Curry Noodles
Vegan Pasta Bolognese with Lentils (Pantry Staple Recipe)
Pasta with Vegan Vodka Sauce — Nut Free!
Mac and Cheese with Pumpkin
Meals that use Fridge and Freezer Ingredients
There are a lot of foods that last quite a while in the fridge, and even longer in the freezer. I like to keep a head of cabbage, and a big bag of carrots on hand, and even some frozen vegan meatballs! So many great meals start with unassuming ingredients.
Latin Inspired Cabbage Slaw
Vegan Waikiki Meatballs — Pantry Staple Meal
Vegan Cabbage Fried Rice with Tofu
Vegan Instant Pot BBQ Meatballs (+ stovetop instructions)
Pantry Friendly Soup Recipes
Soup is total comfort food, and lots of the ingredients are pantry staples! An onion, some potatoes and carrots, and some beans, and you’re well on your way to a hearty meal!
Restaurant Style Vegan Lentil Soup
Vegan Black Bean Soup
Vegan French Onion Soup
Dips and Spread
With my kids home more lately, we’ve been doing a lot of snacking! Thankfully they have pretty good taste, and are happy to eat all of my “fancy” appetizers! Bonus—these spreads are great in a wrap or a sandwich too!
Muhammara — Roasted Red Pepper Dip
Olive Tapenade
My Favorite Hummus
Vegan Rice Recipes
Ever see those giant 50 pound bags of rice at Costco and wonder who buys them? Yeah….we’re those people. And we go through it faster than you would expect. We love eating rice, and prepare it in so many different ways!
Coconut Carrot Rice
Instant Pot Arroz con Gandules (Pantry Staple Recipe)
Mujadara—Middle Eastern Rice Pilaf
Basic Beans and Grains in the Instant Pot
Don’t forget basic beans and grains! I love using my Instant Pot to cook them up quickly! Add some fresh veggies from yourCSA Produce Box and you’ve got a meal!
Instant Pot Basmati Rice
How to Cook Long Grain Rice in the Instant Pot
Instant Pot Quinoa with (optional) Coconut, Lime, and Cilantro
How to Make Perfect Black Beans in Your Instant Pot
Pantry Friendly Desserts
Don’t forget dessert! Vegan desserts are often very pantry friendly, as they don’t use eggs or dairy. In fact, many of the recipes to come out of the depression era are accidentally vegan!
Vegan Texas Sheet Cake
Vegan Thumbprint Cookies
Pumpkin Pie Chia Pudding
