Pantry Staples

I have a friend who asked me what my pantry staples are.  There are a ton of things you can make on whim if you stock some of the basics.

These are the contents of my pantry to make quick weeknight meals:

• Rice (Basmati, Jasmine, and Brown...bonus points for wild.)  That's points for wild rice, not for being wild
• Lentils/Daals (red (masoor), toor (yellow), moong, ...bonus pts for urad, puy (brown)  
• Flour (whole wheat, all purpose)
• Pasta (whole wheat penne, orzo, orecchiette, lasagna)
• Vermicelli or Pho Noodles
• Quinoa (for salads, sides, and fillings)
• Couscous
• Breadcrumbs
• Dried Beans (black, kidney, garbanzo (chickpeas), and bonus pts for cannellini)
• Dried Fruits (Cranberries, Apricots, golden raisins, dates, prunes)
• Nuts (walnuts, almonds, pecans and pinenuts)
• Garlic
• Onions (red and yellow)
• Sweet Potatoes
• Sugar (Brown and White)
• Peanut Butter
• Canned beans (black, kidney, garbanzo (chickpeas), vegetarian refried)
• Vegetable Stock/Broth
• Can of Chipotles in Adobo sauce
• Can of Water chestnuts
• Can of baby corn
• Can of bamboo shoots
• Can of green chilies
• Can of coconut milk
• Can of Tomato paste
• Can of Tomato Sauce
• Can of Diced Tomatoes
• Can of Crushed Tomatoes
• Spices
• Vinegars (white wine, red wine, rice wine, and balsamic)
• Oils (olive and grapeseed, and small bottle of sesame oil)
• Jar of Roasted Red Peppers
• Soy Sauce
• Salsa (regular and tomatillo)
• Cheese (cubes, shredded blend, artisan cheddar, goat, parmesan)
• Tortillas (corn and flour)
• Bread (whole wheat slices, mini bagels, artisan on occasion)
• Eggs
• Yogurt (Plain)
• Butter
• Milk
• Citrus (lemon/limes)
• Frozen Veggies (peas, broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, spinach)
• Frozen Dumplings or Potstickers