We’ve all been there. You’d rather pop a jar of tomato sauce for your next pasta dish in your basket, or a (very questionably priced) jar of pickles for burger night, than make it yourself. And our grocery stores know this all too well (Woolies and Checkers, we’re looking at you). In the rush of our daily lives, convenience is welcomed, but at what cost?
With the cost of living rising, DIY pantry staples have become increasingly popular. Not only does it allow you greater control over ingredients, but it also saves you a few bucks on grocery bills and adds a personal touch to everyday meals that you can be proud of.
Let’s explore our list of 10 pantry items that you can effortlessly create in your own kitchen.
Pantry staples you can make at home
1. Pickled onions
Pickled onions are such a versatile pantry staple that adds a punch of flavour to any sandwich, salad, or late-night snack. The best? Once you’ve mastered the basic brine, you can create your very own pickle combo. Think homemade pickles for burger night, or pickled curry veggies to serve with a hearty stew, or wow at your next bring-and-braai with lip-smacking pickled beetroot.
2. Homemade cashew, coconut, and rose granola
Although convenient, most store-bought granolas are high in sugars, include gluten and other allergens, and unhealthy fats. This homemade granola recipe is great for those looking for lower-sugar, gluten-free, and wheat-free granola. Make this in bulk and store in an airtight container for up to four weeks. Additionally, change up the flavour combinations every month to keep it interesting. For example, substitute the coconut with cranberries, the cashews for almonds, and the rose flavouring with homemade apple sauce.
3. Homemade tomato sauce for every occasion
There’s something really special about homemade tomato sauce that beats the store-bought stuff. And it’s called autonomy. You get to show off your personality and tastes that a store-bought jar would never be able to. Make a big batch and freeze the portions for your next pizza night, 30-minute pasta dish, or homemade lasagne on a cold winter’s night. Add your flair to it with a bunch of your favourite homegrown herbs or substitute tinned tomatoes for freshly grown heirloom ones. Or throw in some spices and condiments you’ve collected along the way.
4. Homemade stock
Not only do homemade stocks help you reduce your grocery bills, but they also help you reduce waste by utilising kitchen scraps that would otherwise have been discarded. One of the most important pantry staples, homemade stocks can elevate any dish by creating layers of full-bodied flavour. They may take a few hours to make, but with minimal effort! Make sure to collect and store kitchen scraps like vegetable peels and cut-offs, like celery cut-offs and onion skins, and meat carcasses, like a chicken carcass from Sunday roast, and store them in the freezer. No need to buy additional stock ingredients!
5. Flavoured salt
Instead of reaching for a store-bought flavoured salt, why not make your own? The flavour combinations are endless. Think lemon and mixed herbs salt, garlic and rosemary salt for your next leg of lamb braai, or even vanilla salt, perfect for cookie dough. Let your creative juices flow, your wallet will thank you.
6. 2-Ingredient bagel
Whether you’re looking for the perfect breakfast, brunch, lunch or in-between treat, bagels ought to hit the spot. The best part? This recipe only needs two ingredients! Make a big batch and freeze half for a quick breakfast or snack when you’re in a hurry.
7. Infused oils 3-ways
Why use plain oils when infused oils add bold, punchy flavours, elevating your meals tenfold. Start with your choice of oil for the base, like olive, peanut, or avocado oil, and mix with our favourite flavourful ingredients: garlic, chilli, and chives. Once you’ve mastered these base recipes, let your imagination run wild. Pick some fresh rosemary and lemons from your garden, or grab a big bunch of thyme from your local vegetable-and-fruit store and infuse your favourite oil. Elevate your next roast chicken, homemade pizza, or hearty stew.
8. Easy pancake mix
South Africans are suckers for a pancake on a rainy day or lazy Sunday morning (I mean who can blame us). Fill it with cinnamon sugar and a generous splash of lemon juice, and we’re happy. Instead of buying a store-bought pancake mix, save some bucks and make your own. Use this base recipe to mix the dry ingredients and store in an air-tight container, ready for when the craving (or the rain) hits.
9. Almond milk
With alternative milk prices rising, why not try your hand at making your own? Once you’ve mastered this almond milk recipe, substitute the almonds with oats, rice, or coconut.
10. Basic white bread
Become the master baker at home by combining the simplest ingredients to bake a soft, fluffy white loaf perfect for sandwiches or as the base for an Italian-inspired bruschetta. All you’ll need is yeast, white flour, salt, sugar, water, and a little butter. Or, substitute white flour with brown, whole wheat, or gluten-free flour for a healthier and more flavourful alternative.
Embrace a more sustainable and health-conscious lifestyle by incorporating these pantry staples into your routine. Not only will your wallet feel fuller, but so will your stomach.
Also See: Every bite matters — eat (or skip) your way to being healthy
Every bite matters — eat (or skip) your way to being healthy
