6 pantry essentials
Eggs
Packed with protein, eggs are on the list of the most versatile foods ever. Whether you’re having one hard-boiled for breakfast or a snack, scrambled and mixed into your fried rice for dinner or throwing one raw into your post-workout shake, you can enjoy them guilt-free.
Honey
Not only can you keep it in your cupboard for ages but it’s a quick remedy for flu and even hangovers. Use it to sweeten your tea, sauces or salad dressings, and drizzle on waffles, pancakes, scones and toast.
Oats
Most of us grew up having oats for breakfast and there’s a reason: it’s filling and nutritious, but there are more ways to enjoy it. Add it to other cereals, or chopped fruit and top with plain yoghurt. It also works for making coatings when baking.
Quinoa
For a low carb, fast-cooking alternative to rice and pasta, try quinoa. It’s ready in 15 minutes and is high in B vitamins and iron.
Fresh herbs
Every well-seasoned cook knows the power of herbs. They’re filled antioxidants and add new flavours to food, raw or cooked. Keep stock of basil, parsley, cilantro and rosemary.
Dark chocolate
Keeping a bar or two on hand won’t just help you get through your chocolate cravings in a healthier way but it’ll give new life to desserts, marinades and dips.