Plant-Based Pantry Staples (with recipes)

People often ask me, “What ingredients do you keep in your kitchen cupboard?”

Honestly, I could make it on a desert island with just a bag of quinoa, a jar of tahini – and maybe a cheeky stash of dates hidden under a palm tree. Fortunately, I’m home at the moment, and my pantry is full of simple, nourishing essentials that make plant-based cooking so happy and easy.

These are the humble heroes I keep stocked so I can make soulful, speedy meals without overthinking. You won’t find and store-bought plant milks here because I make mine from scratch – but you’ll spot the nuts, seeds and simple bits I use every week.

Here are the ingredients I always reach for — the gentle heroes in so many Kind Earth recipes:

Grains & Seeds

Rolled oats – My breakfast best friend and baking staple. You know, in those cookies and comfort bakes. (Keep an eye out for future recipe round-ups!)
Oats (gluten-free) – porridge, cookies, crackers… oats are the quiet achievers. Try them in my Super-Crunchy Gluten-Free Crackers
Brown rice – the sturdy base for stews, curries and bowls. Fancy a sunshine side? Make Perfect Yellow Turmeric Rice
Buckwheat groats – an earthy, toasty, brilliant super healthy grain.
Quinoa (whole) – protein-rich sprinkles of joy. Toss into my Warm Quinoa Medley Salad
Quinoa flakes – Light, quirky, and full of goodness. – my speedy secret for burgers and bars. Roasted Squash & Quinoa Flakes. Bake my Quinoa Bars with Quinoa Flakes & Almonds.

Legumes & Beans

Chickpeas – So dependable. They star in my quick 15-Minute Chickpea Curry and sneak into the classic Kind Earth creamy, dreamy Sweet Potato & Chickpea Curry.
Black beans – Perfect for burgers and savoury treats. Try them in the lush Black Bean & Mushroom Burgers.
Red lentils – the 20-minute dinner superstar. Stir up my Super-Easy Red Lentil Dahl or the vibrant Beetroot Masala Dahl.

Nuts & Nut Butters

Cashews – Magical when soaked and blitzed into creamy sauces and spreads. They’re the heart of many of my luscious hot drinks, raw desserts, dressings and dips.
Tahini – My dependable mate in the kitchen. You’ll find it starring in treats like my Two Minute Tahini Pudding and Tahini Dressing.
Walnuts – buttery omega-3 loveliness. Enjoy these celebration-worthy Raw Superfood Brownies with Coconut & Lucuma.
Almonds – the star of so many of my raw dessert bases. Start simple with my Date & Almond No-Bake Brownies.
Chia seeds (superfood) – tiny seeds, big pudding energy. Make a gorgeous no-bake Sweet Cherry Chia Pie.
Pumpkin & sunflower seeds – for pâtés, clusters and crunchy toppings. Try them in my Sweet Potato Seed Patties.

Spices & Seasonings

Turmeric, cumin, ground coriander, smoked paprika, cinnamon, black pepper, garlic, ginger and sea salt – my trusty spice team. They pop up in curries, stews, bakes… all over the place. My beautiful friend Kirsten has a recipe using a few of these here: Butternut Squash Curry

On the windowsill: basil, parsley, coriander, mint, rosemary, thyme, chives, lemon balm.
They turn “hmm” into “oh HELLO deliciousness” in seconds.

Oils, Sweetness & Baking Bits

Olive oil & coconut oil – Kitchen classics. Olive for everyday warmth, coconut when I’m feeling a little tropical.
Maple syrup & dates – The sweet whisperers. Dates are the heart of most of my raw food desserts and maple is that gentle hug in many of my baked sweet treats.
Dates & raisins – nature’s caramels; perfect for superfood sweet treats.
Coconut sugar – gentle sweetness with character. Cozy dessert idea: Golden Rice Pudding with Turmeric & Coconut.
Cacao/cocoa powder – because chocolate is a love language. Craft dreamy Homemade Vegan Chocolate.

A Few Superfood-Friends

Creamed coconut – my shortcut to velvety curries and dreamy sweet treats. Try my Creamed Coconut Chocolate Fudge.
Apple cider vinegar – brightness in a bottle.
Matcha – calm focus in a cup (and a cheeky frosting, sometimes). My fave Creamy Matcha Drink.
Maca – malty magic in breakfasts and chocolate. see my Homemade Maca Chocolate.
Lucuma – caramel-kissed sweetness; try Raw Caramel Bliss Balls.

Final Thoughts on My Plant-based Pantry Staples

With just these simple ingredients in your pantry, you can always whip up something that’s nourishing, playful, and filled with Kind Earth warmth. Plant-based cooking doesn’t have to be fussy – sometimes, the tiniest staples unlock big joy.

So next time you’re about to hit “What can I make?” – just peek in your cupboard, and let those familiar ingredients guide you. And, in the spirit of true preparedness… make sure batch make a few things ahead to keep you going when you don’t feel like cooking. You know you’ll need it. 😉

Love & Plants
Anastasia x