If you’re just beginning your vegan journey, this list of vegan pantry staples is a must-have!
Make sure you have most of these items on hand:
1. Nutritional yeast
Nutritional yeast gives things a cheesy flavor, whether you are making a cheese sauce, using as a Parmesan replacement or adding to vegan cheese. Nutritional yeast is a definitely must-have!
2. Raw Cashews
When soaked, and blended, raw cashews make a silky smooth creamy sauce. You can add it to soups instead of heavy cream or pasta for an easy healthy Alfredo sauce. I ALWAYS have raw cashews in my pantry!
3. Chickpeas
Chickpeas are an amazing and easy way to add protein to your meals. Top salads, add to soup, crisp in the oven for super awesome snacking. This is a cheap way to always have some extra protein!
4. Vital Wheat Gluten
Vital wheat gluten is magical. You can make seitan to replace steak or chicken. You can add it to mashed chickpeas, lentils or beans to make meaty patties or meatloaf. Easy to use and loaded with protein. You can do almost anything with vital wheat gluten!
5. TVP
Dried TVP is such a perfect ingredient to keep on hand. It is cheap, will never go bad, and when cooked in liquid turns into the perfect, super fast ground beef replacement. When I am in a hurry, I boil some for just a minute in broth, season with taco seasoning and BOOM! The fastest tacos ever!
6. Lentils
Dried lentils are definitely something great to have on hand. Simmer with all kinds of seasoning to make soups, stews, shepard’s pie, tacos or really anything you would use ground beef for. Or mash and make burgers or meatballs!
7. Flax Seed Meal
Flax meal mixed with water can replace eggs in any baked goods super easily. Use for your favorite cookies, cakes or pancakes and waffles. Wonderful to have on hand to throw in smoothies as well. Flax is super high in Vitamin B, Calcium and so many other vitamins and minerals. Just whisk 2 tablespoons of ground flax with 3 tablespoons of water to replace 1 egg!
8. Apple Cider Vinegar
I LOVE apple cider vinegar. Add to non dairy milk to make a buttermilk replacement. Add to any sauce or cheese replacement for a bright and delicious flavor!
9. Turmeric
I add turmeric to cheesy sauces for flavor and color. Perfect for all you vegan mac and cheese needs!
10. Vegetable Broth
Any recipe that calls for chicken or beef broth can easily be replaced with vegetable broth. I always have a few boxes of vegetable broth in my pantry. Perfect for soup, stew, sauces, gravy and so much more!
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