Pantry Staples for Indian Meal Prep
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Considering meal prepping? Make sure you have a few pantry staples always available in the kitchen so that you can meal prep whenever you have time.
![Variety of pulses with caption Indian Meal Prep Pantry Staples](https://simpleindianmeals.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Indian-Meal-Prep-Pantry-Staples.jpeg)
It is frustrating when you’re starting to meal prep and suddenly realize you’re missing ingredients. Since the meal prep process that I use to make Indian food looks very similar week after week, I made a list of grocery items that I make sure I have in my pantry before I start work in the kitchen.
This list is very specific to how I cook. Use this list as a base to create your own.
Produce – I ALWAYS make sure that I have these items stocked in my refrigerator because they form the base of most curries and dals.
- Onions
- Tomatoes
- Ginger
- Garlic
- Curry leaves
- Cilantro
- Green chilies
- Potatoes
- 3-5 seasonal fruits
Whole spices, spice mixes and seasonings
- Mustard seeds
- Cumin seeds
- Coriander powder
- Cumin powder
- Turmeric powder
- Garam masala
- Chole masala
- Pav bhaji masala
- Rasam powder
- Sambar powder
- Kasoori methi
Grains and flour
- Whole wheat flour (atta)
- Besan (Bengal gram flour)
- Rice (Basmati and Brown rice)
- Rolled Oats
- Idli rice
- Pasta
Breakfast
- Rolled Oats
- Chia seeds
- Sabudana
- Sooji
- Nuts
- Nut butter (homemade or storebought)
- Bread and eggs
- Idli rice and urad dal – Idli and dosa are a staple in our house.
Condiments
- Tamarind chutney
- Homemade green chutney
- Ketchup
- Soy sauce
- Sambal Olek
- Salt
- Black salt
Legumes (Pulses and dals)
- Tuvar dal
- Moong dal
- Chickpeas
- Rajma
- Chowli
Frozen food
- Paneer
- Corn
- Peas
- Grated coconut
- Beyond meat burgers
- Orange chicken
- Salmon burgers
- Kawan paratha
- Frozen shrimp
- Strawberries
- Cauliflower
Dairy, Milk and Cheese
- Whole milk
- Yogurt
- Sliced cheese
- String cheese
Canned foods
- Pasta sauce
- Condensed milk
- Broth
Baking supplies
- All-purpose flour
- Baking powder
- Baking soda
- Brown sugar
- Yeast
- Vanilla essence
Oils / Vinegar
- Avocado oil
- Olive Oil
- Coconut oil
- Vinegar
Helpful resources
- How to stock your kitchen – Learn how to create a master grocery list, track your pantry items, and have a well-stocked kitchen so that you can cook delicious meals anytime you want!
- How to meal plan – A detailed guide on how to start meal planning.
- Meal themes – how to use them – Check out these 20+meal themes that’ll help you create delicious meals that your whole family will love.
- How to meal prep Indian food – Meal prep is the secret behind stress-free weekday meals. Learn how to meal prep like a pro even if you are a beginner.
- 30+ tips for meal planning success – Review these easy-to-follow tips and strategies that will help you meal plan and prep like a pro.
- Out of milk app – Learn how to use your phone to track your pantry items and create shopping lists by store.