Chapter Six
With Fall just around the corner, we’re gearing up for heartier meals, but who says heartier has to mean unhealthy?
This installment of Pantry Diaries is all about healthy cooking staples. We all know (and love) cranberry sauce, pure maple syrup, and all those other amazing Fall staples, but there are some other great ingredients you can use as the base of any meal to give it a healthy boost.
*Check out our other Pantry Diaries for more kitchen staples and ideas: Chapter One, Chapter Two, Chapter Three, Chapter Four, Chapter Five.
LENTILS
Lentils are the boss of nutrition. They literally have ALL OF THE nutrients, and you can use them in countless preparations.
We use lentils as the base of everything from tacos to burgers, and even stuffed mushrooms. Get a healthy dose of protein, fiber, iron, and more way quicker than any other legume with lentils found at your local market.
Here are some of our favorite brands:
Bob’s Red Mill Brown Lentils ($3.69)
Arrowhead Mills Red Lentils ($4.86)
JACKFRUIT
Jackfruit is the coolest new produce to hit the shelves in years. If you haven’t heard of it yet, don’t worry – you’ll be seeing it everywhere soon.
This crazy giant fruit grown in tropical regions around the world is a source of amazing plant-based fiber and potassium that is incredibly sustainable to grow.
AND the best thing we love about jackfruit - when you cook young jackfruit it sucks in all the flavor you give it, and has the texture of pulled meat. Finally, a great substitute to use in tacos, pulled sandwiches, and more!
Check out these great brands:
The Jackfruit Company BBQ Jackfruit ($51.66 for 6 pack)
Upton’s Naturals Original Jackfruit ($5.29)
QUINOA
This gluten-free power grain was all the rage a few years ago when it first became popular here in the US. People fell in love with all of the amazing nutrients found in quinoa and it’s incredible functionality. Can we blame them?
Fast forward a few years, and quinoa is definitely here to stay. We eat it on the reg in quinoa bowls, salads, and more. Get some for yourself and try incorporating quinoa into your diet.
Here are a few of our choice brands:
Ancient Harvest Organic Quinoa ($5.52)
Alter Eco Organic Royal Black Quinoa ($8.08)
TORTILLAS
Tortillas may seem like a strange addition to a healthy pantry, but they’re actually a good alternative to bread and the perfect vessel for eating all kinds of other delicious veggies and proteins.
We’re partial to corn tortillas because they’re gluten-free and have all the fiber and antioxidants from the corn. Make some yummy tacos, fry them up as nachos, make a wrap, or a quesadilla. Options are endless.
Here’s the scoop on some of our favs:
Trader Joe’s Corn Tortillas ($.97+)
La Banderita Corn Tortillas ($28.88 for 12 pack)