When it comes to creating delicious meals at home, having a well-stocked pantry with staple ingredients is key. The foundation of your pantry can be combined in endless ways to create a variety of dishes. By ensuring you have a solid base of pantry staples, you’ll always have the necessary ingredients on hand to whip up a satisfying meal.

Westpoint sets itself apart in the realm of pantry staples by offering allergen-free options, gluten-free products, and an unwavering commitment to organic, no artificial ingredients. With their diverse range of high-quality products, Westpoint caters to the needs of individuals with specific dietary requirements while maintaining a focus on flavor, freshness, and sustainability. By choosing Westpoint, you can transform your pantry into a vibrant and nourishing space, elevating your culinary endeavors to new heights.

In this article, we’ll explore the five essential sections of a pantry foundation, from grains and pasta to oils and vinegars, and discuss the key ingredients that belong in each category. 

Grains & Pasta

To start building your pantry foundation, it’s essential to have a selection of grains and pasta. These ingredients provide filling carbohydrates and serve as the base for many dishes. Here are some must-have options: 

• Bulgur: A versatile grain with a nutty flavor, rich in fiber, B vitamins, and iron. 
• Oatmeal: A nutritious and hearty breakfast option, packed with fiber and essential nutrients. 
• Rice: A staple in many cuisines, available in various varieties like white, brown, jasmine, or basmati. 
• Popcorn: A wholesome snack option that can be easily made at home. 
• Rice Noodle: An all-around grain that you can add to a lot of dishes. Most importantly, our rice noodles are dietary friendly!

Flours & Sweeteners

Now, to help expand our culinary creations are flours and sweeteners. Both are so versatile and can elevate any dish if need be. 

• All-purpose flour: A versatile flour used in baking and cooking for a wide range of recipes. 
• Cane sugar: A common sweetener for baking and adding a touch of sweetness to various dishes. 

Spices & Herbs

In addition, a well-rounded pantry should always include a selection of basic seasonings to enhance the flavors of your dishes. Here are some essential seasonings to keep on hand: 

• Black whole peppercorn: A staple for adding a peppery kick to savory dishes. 
• Red pepper flakes: Perfect for adding heat and spice to various recipes. 
• Garlic powder: A convenient alternative to fresh garlic, providing a pungent and aromatic flavor. 
• Onion powder: Adds a savory, onion-like taste to dishes without the need for fresh onions. 
• Oregano: A versatile herb that adds a distinct flavor to Italian and Mediterranean dishes. 
• Paprika: Adds a smoky, sweet, or spicy flavor to recipes, depending on the variety. 

Oils, Vinegars & Sauces

Furthermore, having a selection of oils, vinegars, and condiments in your pantry is crucial for adding depth and tang to your dishes. Here are some pantry staples for this category: 

• Olive oil: A versatile cooking oil with a rich flavor, perfect for sautéing, roasting, and dressing salads. 
• Vinegars: Include options like white or wine vinegars and balsamic vinegar for dressings, marinades, and sauces. 
• Soy sauce: A savory, umami-rich sauce that enhances the taste of Asian-inspired dishes. 
• Hot sauce: Adds a spicy kick to your meals, perfect for those who enjoy a little heat. 
• Fish sauce: A staple in many Asian cuisines, fish sauce adds depth and umami to dishes like stir-fries and curries. 

Soup Bases

Lastly, a well-rounded pantry should include a variety of bases for creating delicious soups. Here are some essentials to have: 

• Broth: Whether chicken or vegetable, having broth on hand is essential for creating flavorful soups, stews, and sauces. Check out our Vegetarian Chicken Flavour Broth Mix. It has a longer shelf life than the liquid form and it’s a great alternative for those with dietary restrictions. Our Broth Mix is fat and gluten-free with no monosodium glutamate (MSG), hydrolyzed vegetable proteins (HVP) or mustard included.
• Gluten-Free Rice Noodle Soup Mix: As mentioned before, our rice noodles can be versatile. We actually have a soup mix that can be easily customized and is very quick to make.

Building the foundation of your pantry with staple ingredients sets the stage for culinary creativity in your kitchen. By stocking up on grains, pasta, flours, seasonings, oils, vinegars, condiments, and sauce bases, you will be whipping up delicious meals like no big deal. 

Let us know your pantry staples via our Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook!

Image credits: Nadia Pimenova via Unsplash

Also, check out a recipe from Once Upon a Chef by Jenn Segal that includes our Organic Bulgur and other staple ingredients from our catalogue!