30 Plant-Based Store Cupboard Essentials
Here are 30 of my favourite plant-based recipes using everyday store cupboard ingredients like pulses, grains, rice, nuts, seeds, and more…
With the simple items from your pantry, you can create wholesome, flavour-packed, and eco-friendly meals for both you and your family.
Most of the recipes on my blog start with staple ingredients from the cupboard, using them as the core or crucial elements of the dishes. While a few fresh ingredients may be needed to elevate the dish, some tried-and-true recipes like hummus can be made using just pantry staples.
I’m a huge fan of my plant-based store cupboard! Whether I’m restocking it with quality, affordable ingredients, feeling inspired by its contents, or turning its treasures into exciting meals using one of my recipes, it’s always a rewarding experience.
I see my traditional pantry as a space filled with dry goods—herbs, spices, and more. And let’s not forget the freezer, which I consider a second pantry. Frozen foods are not only convenient but also a great way to store ingredients for future meals. That’s why I’ve included some recipes using frozen items as well.
The recipes below are organised into helpful categories, and I’ll keep adding more, so be sure to check back for more inspiration!
Dried Staples
Dried ingredients like various types of rice, red split lentils for a flavourful dal, earthy Puy lentils, and quinoa—a complete plant protein that’s a great addition to your meals.
An incredibly delicious and wholesome green lentil and spinach dal served with spinach flatbreads. Make a huge batch freeze in portions for a speedy meal.
An incredible risotto with juicy mushrooms and beautifully flavoured with basil pesto and lots of lemon. The popping roast tomatoes take it to the next level tasty.
Delicious smoky Puy lentils on a bed of vibrant beetroot hummus and protein packed quinoa flatbreads. Super healthy and packed with flavour.
Flours
Flours such as wheat flour, gluten-free buckwheat, and gram flour, plus the nutty flours made from ancient grains like rye and spelt.
Super delicious mini spelt pizzas with pesto and roast veg, they really tick all the boxes. Healthy, but super tasty - perfect for lunch or dinner with a salad.
These delicious spiced caramelised pear and fig pancakes are such a gorgeous brunch or special breakfast dish. You’ll love them!
Golden gram flour crepes with turmeric then topped with spiced butter beans and roast courgette and tomatoes. Vibrantly colourful and super healthy.
Nuts & Seeds
Add crunch, texture, and good fats with a variety of nuts and seeds. Nut butters, especially tahini, are perfect for making hummus, dressings, and more.
A simple dessert which celebrates the abundance and juicy goodness of berries with a gorgeous crispy topping.
Delicious pistachio dukka It’s a nutty, crunchy, spicy Middle Eastern dip that you sprinkle on your food or dip your bread into. It’s delicious & totally addictive!
Sticky banana, tahini and walnut bars - packed with lovely middle eastern flavours with the tahini, dates and sesame seeds and then topped with sliced bananas.
Canned Goods
Stock your pantry with canned essentials like beans, chickpeas, and tomatoes for quick curries, dips, and salads, along with coconut milk or cream for rich curries and creamy desserts.
A creamy bowl of coconut dal - lightly spiced coconut lentils, topped with sticky spiced caramelised onions. Serve with fluffy flatbreads, gorgeous.
I love this recipe, a rich spiced tomato sauce, cubes of aubergine, comforting pasta and pesto which lifts the dish and adds tons of flavour. It’s incredibly tasty and utterly more-ish.
A beautiful fresh and summery dish with courgettes, aubergines, lots of tomatoes - simple and so tasty. Served with incredible pan griddled bread.
Oils for Cooking
Oils like olive oil for general cooking and roasting, extra virgin olive oil for flavourful dressings and dips, toasted sesame oil for distinctive Asian dishes, and coconut oil for use in plant-based recipes.
This delicious crispy tofu with a crunchy, nutty sticky coating is amazing! Combined with a fresh and super nutty roasted peanut salad - a taste explosion.
Packed with lovely seasonal ingredients - my deliciously simple roast tomato and roast potato salad with pesto dressing, toasted seeds and olives.
Decedent, rich and smooth chocolate cherry expresso pots. Mouthfuls for gooey chocolate with a little coffee hit and sweet cherries - totally dreamy.
Fresh Herbs
Herbs add flavour and bring colour to your meals. I love using mint for fresh dips and desserts, coriander for vibrant Asian dishes, basil for pesto, and thyme for hearty tomato-based meals.
Nothing says summer quite like an enormous slice of luscious lemon tart–A crispy nutty base combined with creamily sweet but zesty lemon curd filling.
These green and gorgeous spinach crepes are absolutely delicious - filled with juicy oyster mushrooms and a classic rich basil pesto. You’ll love them.
This whole roast cauliflower dish is AMAZING. Perfectly cooked and served with a delicious smoky tomato sauce and creamy mint dressing - so good!
Spices
Spices are the secret to transforming a meal. Indian spices like cumin, turmeric, coriander, and garam masala, smoked paprika, and ancho chilli add depth and heat. For a Middle Eastern twist, try fennel and caraway, while sweet spices like cinnamon and mixed spice offer warmth. Garlic powder is a great all-rounder for adding savoury notes.
A super simple, delicious, nutrient-dense curry packed with chickpeas and spinach, topped with a creamy zesty coconut chutney that you can make in 15 minutes!
This roast pepper and chickpea stew is like an enormous hug in a bowl. The beautiful deep flavour of the roast peppers and tomatoes is just gorgeous.
Lovely, smoky cauliflower and lentil stew - super wholesome and incredibly delicious. A recipe you’ll make again and again.
Condiments
Condiments like soy sauce, tamari, Sriracha, and harissa bring a depth of flavour to your dishes. Nutritional yeast is a must-have for making creamy cheese sauces and dressings.
The tastiest Asian style cabbage pancake - filled with a tasty mix of spring onions, cabbage and Asian flavours - easy to make and absolutely delicious!
This special meal deliciously combines creamy baba ganoush piled with nutty cauliflower steaks, harissa chickpeas and crunchy dukka. Yum!
These cute and delicious little tarts are incredible - a nutty crust filled with creamy cashew cheese, pesto and cherry tomatoes. So tasty!
Seasonings
Seasonings like sea salt, lemon juice, and ready-made stock cubes can enhance the taste of your meals. Don’t forget the huge variety of seasoning mixes available in most shops for quick and easy flavour boosts.
A stunning dish - fresh, delicious and healthy crispy tofu & veg stacks with pea puree and lemon herb sauce are bursting with flavour, colours and texture.
Made with just five ingredients, these plant-based chocolate and oat squares have a delicious swirl of tahini and sea salt to create a delectable dessert the whole family will love.
A celebration of beautiful seasonal tomatoes in the delicious risotto. Topped with vibrant basil pesto, it’s an incredible combination of taste and texture.
Frozen Ingredients
Frozen ingredients are your pantry’s best friend! Veggies like peas can be turned into tasty dips or mashed, while frozen sweetcorn, edamame, and berries like raspberries and blueberries are fantastic for quick meals and desserts.
Super simple, golden and crisp almond crepes filled with nut butter, warm gooey berries and topped with coconut yogurt and fresh mint. The perfect treat for the whole family.
The most delicious charred cabbage served with a fresh and tasty sesame edamame salad and crunchy, salty gomashio sprinkle.
Super healthy - green pea & mint soup! Full of plant proteins and really easy to make. A great way to get in the green goodness.
