In episode 115 of Lady Journey, we discuss how to stock a tiny pantry. Check out the full episode or read on for a comprehensive tiny panty guide!

Pantry Journey

One of my many journeys is keeping a fully stocked pantry in the tiny confines of my NYC kitchen. We’ve got a one bedroom apartment with a dinky little galley kitchen and… a mini fridge. So for me keeping the staples on hand with limited space is a big deal!

I love the idea of walking in the evening and stopping to pick up veggies and maybe some chicken, and heading home to make an amazing meal with my pantry staples. The reality is that I usually hit up Trader Joes for 1 recipe then end up dragging 3 full bags for 10 blocks. Only to then remember that I’ve been out of salt for a month. So I’ve come up with a list of my pantry basics to keep on hand as well as some hacks for restocking with out pulling you back.

Containers

Containers are the key to making the most of your storage space and also giving yourself a little eye orgasm when you open those cupboards. So organized! SO see-through! I recommend ordering a set from amazon. Also pick up a couple stair shelf organizers so you can actually see whats in your cupboards. Lastly don’t forget those spice jars!

Restocking

I’m all for stocking pantry staples online. Again if you don’t have a car and life in a small space, don’t put yourself through the nightmare of an impromptu heavy lifting workout just so you can make a focaccia. For the love! Order those staples online at Fresh Direct – there’s barely a delivery fee and they are so flexible. It’s perfect for a quarterly restocking. Or get the basics from target and throw in a candle and some sweatpants while you’re at it! However, if you’re really committed to restocking in person, because of deals or maybe you just love Trader Joes, (I get it), then make a specific trip to restock. Don’t try to do it all at once!

Stock a Tiny Pantry

Adjust these items depending on your own tastes. The MO for this list is to make any dinner at a moments notice, but it doesn’t include a lot of specialty ingredients. I love to make soups and pastas, but only bake every now and then. Also I rarely eat beans, but again, you do you!

Grains

• Penne Pasta
• Shells
• Short Grain Brown Rice
• Quinoa

Cans

• Canned Pumpkin
• Canned Whole tomatoes
• Tomato Sauce
• Coconut Milk
• Chickpeas
• Black Olives
• Artichoke Hearts
• Sardines
• Tuna
• Tomato Paste

Jars

• Pasta Sauce
• Indian Simmer Sauce
• More Olives
• Calabrian Chili paste
• Capers
• Pesto

Sweeteners

• Brown Sugar
• Honey
• Maple Syrup

Oils

• Vegetable oil
• Olive Oil
• Coconut Oil
• Sesame Oil

Sauces

• Red Wine Vinegar
• Balsamic Vinegar
• Soy Sauce

Baking

• All Purpose
• Almond Flour
• Corn Flour
• Corn Starch
• Baking Soda
• Baking Powder
• Vanilla Extract

Spices

• Salt
• Pepper
• Italian Seasoning
• Oregano
• Basil
• Rosemary
• Garam Masala
• Cumin
• Chili Powder
• Garlic Powder
• Paprika
• Turmeric
• Cayenne Pepper
• Onion Powder
• Cinnamon
• Nutmeg
• Red Pepper Flakes

Soup Bases

• Chicken Stock
• Vegetable Stock
• Beef Broth
• Better than Boulon Jar

Nuts / Seeds

• Almond Butter
• Almonds
• Pistachios
• Pecans
• Chia Seeds
• Flax Seeds
• Cocoa Powder

Dried Foods

• Green Lentils
• Red Lentils
• Raisins
• Apricots
• Flake Coconut

In Case of Emergency

• Dark Chocolate
• Peppermint Tea
• Manuka Honey
• Graham Crackers
• Pretzels

What are your pantry staples? Comment below and let us know if you have something indispensable to add!

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