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    Home » Mains

    30 Vegan Pantry Recipes from Pantry Staples

    Published: Mar 15, 2020 · Modified: May 3, 2021 by Rosa · This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases, meaning if you click through and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you.

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    Whether you live in a remote area, or find yourself in an emergency, these vegan pantry recipes will help get you through. With 30 delicious dinner recipes to choose from, this list will keep you covered until your next visit to the supermarket.

    collage of 4 recipes: shepherd's pie, pasta and beans, gnocchi, and a vegan burger

    Living in Canada means I often stock the pantry with non perishables, and vegetables that last through the winter months.

    When we get caught in a storm, the last thing anyone wants is to trek to the supermarket.

    If you live in a remote area and can’t make daily or weekly shopping trips, cooking from the pantry or freezer is essential. That’s where these vegan pantry recipes come to the rescue!

    collage of 4 recipes: baked beans, veggie stew, thai noodles, mac and cheese.

    It’s pretty easy to come up with a meal with a fridge full of fresh produce, but when the fridge is running low on fresh ingredients, a little creativity is in order.

    And I’m here to help!

    These healthy vegan pantry recipes to follow are perfect for using up pantry staples and frozen ingredients.

    collage of 4 recipes: burritos, meatloaf, spaghetti, and a vegan curry.

    If you’re new to a vegan lifestyle or plant based diet, here’s my favourite pantry essentials to help you get started.

    Rosa’s top 15 vegan pantry essentials:

    1. Beans: Both dried for longer cooking and soups, and canned are great for salads
    2. Lentils: Again, both dried and canned are great for stocking. Since lentils cook quicker than beans, I tend to keep more dried than canned.
    3. Rice: Any variety you like, but brown is best for unrefined.
    4. Nuts: From cashews, to almonds, to peanuts, nuts are a staple protein in a vegan diet.
    5. Seeds: Of course, if you’re allergic to nuts or watching your fat intake, seeds are the next best thing. I like having hemp hearts, flaxseed and pepitas on hand at all times.
    6. Vegetable Stock: Either cartons of premixed, or seasoning that you mix with water is always essential to have on hand, and for far more than just soup.
    7. Nutritional Yeast: Some hate it, most love it. I’m of the latter. I just love the cheesy flavour and richness this special ingredient can add to a dish. (Not to mention the boost of nutrients it provides.)
    8. Maple Syrup: This unrefined sweetener is a great replacement for refined sugars to sweeten a dish. Great in both desserts and savoury dishes like my Baked Beans.
    9. Plant Milk: From nut milks, to oat milk, to soy milk, the varieties are (almost) endless.
    10. Oats: I keep both rolled and steel cut oats in my pantry. They’re great for baking desserts, and work as a great binder for burgers too!
    11. Potatoes: They keep a very long time out of the fridge, and they’re filling. Plus, who doesn’t love potatoes?
    12. Apple Cider Vinegar: This one may seem odd, but it’s incredible how many vegan recipes call for apple cider vinegar (or lemon juice, which, if you don’t have lemons, sub for apple cider vinegar in almost any application.)
    13. Dates: A great alternative to a sweet treat. They’re naturally sweet, great on their own, and they also make wonderful desserts, like my healthy Nutella.
    14. Canned Tomatoes: When all else fails, boil some pasta and add some canned tomatoes, and call it dinner!
    15. Pasta: My favourite pantry item. 🙂 There’s nothing quite as comforting or filling as a bowl of pasta. Opt for whole grain varieties to keep it free from refined flour.

    So if your pantry is stocked and ready to go, what to make? Let’s get to the recipes!

    Healthy vegan pantry recipes perfect for dinner!

    Lentil Shepherd’s Pie [Oil Free]
    This vegan shepherd's pie is made using pantry and freezer ingredients like lentils, potatoes, frozen veggies and seasoning. Fluffy mashed potatoes cover a bed of lentils and veggies for a nutritious meal that will please even your pickiest of eaters.
    GET THE RECIPE!
    slice of lentil shepherd's pie in plate with fork.
    Pasta e Fagioli (AKA Pasta + Beans)
    This classic Italian dish is made using vegan pantry staples like canned beans and pasta for a hearty, nourishing meal that will please the entire family. Feel free to skip the celery and sub the fresh basil for dried. Stove top and Instant Pot directions available for this one!
    GET THE RECIPE!
    two bowls of pasta e fagioli with parsley garnish
    Smoky Slow Cooker Baked Beans (You won’t miss the meat!)
    Cooked low and slow, these incredibly flavourful baked beans are smoky, creamy and delicious. Use dried white navy beans, or any other dried beans you have in your pantry.
    GET THE RECIPE!
    cooked beans in sauce spilling over the side of purple bowl
    Jackfruit Nachos
    All you need is a can of jackfruit and tortilla chips to make these delicious vegan nachos. Kid and adult approved, and fun for the entire family. Use store bought BBQ sauce or make your own!
    GET THE RECIPE!
    Platter of nachos with jackfruit, jalapeno, and corn on top.
    Sweet Potato Burgers
    Another win for vegan pantry recipes! These burgers are bursting with flavour and have wonderful texture, with perfect, crispy edges. Incredibly delicious, with just a hint of spice, and loved by vegans and omnivores, alike. A wholesome patty for the entire family to enjoy.
    GET THE RECIPE!
    Veggie burger in bun with pickled jalapenos, avocado, onion and ketchup on cutting board.
    Vegan Baked Pasta
    This one is the ultimate comfort dish! Tender pasta, vegan ricotta cheese and a hearty Bolognese sauce that will have you salivating! Made entirely from your pantry for an easy, peasy family dinner.
    GET THE RECIPE!
    plate of baked pasta dish with fork inside.
    Air Fryer Spaghetti Squash
    The most perfectly tender spaghetti squash noodles with just a few ingredients and 25 minutes needed! Spaghetti squash can last for weeks on your counter, making it a great choice for stocking up!
    GET THE RECIPE!
    close up of cooked spaghetti squash sliced in half with parmesan cheese and parsley garnish on top.
    Vegetable Barley Soup
    With vegan pantry staples like barley and beans, you can be sure to whip this up any time of year. This soup is made using veggies that keep for months, like onions and carrots, plus frozen peas and corn, available all year long. Sub the fresh spinach for frozen, or omit if you don't have any.
    GET THE RECIPE!
    Bowl of vegetable barley and bean soup with spinach.
    Vegan Mac + Cheese
    You can never go wrong with mac + cheese, and this one is not only made from your pantry, but it's easy and delicious! With both stove top or Instant Pot directions available, you can choose what works for you!
    GET THE RECIPE!
    vegan mac and cheese in blue bowl with chives garnished on top.
    Vegan “Chicken” Burgers
    Incredibly delicious vegan patties made using canned chickpeas, potatoes and brown rice, then seasoned to perfection with all your favourite poultry spices. Eat with or without a bun, but don't forget the vegan mayo!
    GET THE RECIPE!
    Vegan chicken burger in bun with onion, tomato, lettuce and mayo.
    Instant Pot Mexican Casserole
    Rice and beans have never tasted this good, or been so easy to make! Your hands off Instant Pot takes out all the guesswork and this dish is ready in no time at all, using vegan pantry staples.
    GET THE RECIPE!
    Rice and beans in white plate with tomato, onion and avocado garnish.
    Slow Cooker Vegetable Pot Pie Stew
    This low calorie spin on your favourite, traditional pot pie is made using winter veggies like carrot and potato, frozen peas and corn and the perfect blend of seasoning. This vegan pantry recipe is then slowly cooked to perfection.
    GET THE RECIPE!
    two bowls of vegetable soup with white dish towel beside them.
    Vegan Pumpkin Pasta Sauce
    Pasta smothered in rich and creamy pumpkin sauce is made in minutes using canned pumpkin puree, broth and seasoning. It's filling, it's satisfying, and it's absolutely mouth watering. This one's a truly comforting choice for your vegan pantry recipes collection.
    GET THE RECIPE!
    close up of fettuccini pasta in pumpkin sauce
    Socca AKA Chickpea Flatbread
    If you don't have yeast, and want to make bread, this chickpea flatbread (also known as socca) is the answer! Made using garbanzo flour, that you can grind yourself in a high speed blender if you don't have any available. Use it as flatbread for dipping, a pizza base, or switch up the seasoning and turn this into pancakes. So versatile!
    GET THE RECIPE!
    chickpea flatbread pizza cut into four slices on cutting board
    Vegan Pumpkin Gnocchi made from scratch!
    Just 2 ingredients to make these pillowy soft, utterly delicious gnocchi! Pumpkin puree and flour are all you need. Use canned pumpkin puree for convenience, or roast your own pumpkin from scratch.
    GET THE RECIPE!
    Forkful of gnocchi inside plate with more gnocchi.
    Brown Rice Vegetable Risotto
    With no prep work required, this easy and nutritious risotto is the ultimate of vegan pantry recipes. All you need is rice and frozen veggies, and you have a healthy vegan dinner ready in no time at all. Made in your hands off Instant Pot for a truly fuss free meal.
    GET THE RECIPE!
    Instant Pot brown rice risotto in white plate.
    Three Bean Chili
    Three bean chili is made using canned beans, tomato sauce, broth and seasoning. Sub the fresh mushrooms for canned, and omit the celery and pepper if you can't get your hands on any. Feel free to add in some frozen veggies to the mix, but either way, this dish will satisfy.
    GET THE RECIPE!
    vegan chili in bowl with avocado garnish
    Jackfruit Burritos
    Jackfruit smothered in homemade BBQ sauce (or sub for store bought) is wrapped up with rice, corn, black beans and salsa for a satisfying, comforting and simple meal.
    GET THE RECIPE!
    Hands holding up jackfruit burrito that is cut in half.
    Chickpea Meatloaf with Smoked Maple Glaze
    Can you believe this "meatloaf" is made entirely from vegan pantry ingredients? Canned chickpeas, oats, carrots, onion and seasoning become a hearty, delicious, filling meal. Serve it with a side of mashed potatoes for the ultimate dinner.
    GET THE RECIPE!
    sliced vegan loaf with red sauce glazed on top
    Vegan Pumpkin Risotto [Instant Pot or Stove Top]
    All you need is a few pantry items plus canned or frozen peas to whip up this delicious risotto in your Instant Pot, or on stove top. It's creamy, dreamy and completely drool-worthy.
    GET THE RECIPE!
    white plate with pumpkin risotto and fork on top and sage garnish.
    Chickpea and Mushroom Curry w/ Rapini
    A one pot curry dish that’s packed with big, bold flavour! It's fresh and tasty, rich and filling, and completely and utterly delicious. Tastes like comfort food, but it’s nutrient dense and healthy. Sub the mushrooms for canned if you don't have any on hand.
    GET THE RECIPE!
    white bowl of chickpea mushroom curry with naan bread and lime garnish
    Sweet Potato Mac + Cheese
    Mac + cheese is always a welcome meal, but this version sneaks in plenty of nutrients from sweet potatoes and cashews hidden right into the sauce. Your picky eaters will never know the difference. Another vegan pantry recipe, for the win!
    GET THE RECIPE!
    serving spoon scooping out mac and cheese from baking dish
    Instant Pot Lentil Sloppy Joes (with stove top instructions)
    This versatile dish makes a wonderful stew, or a deliciously messy sandwich, using mostly pantry items. Sub the peppers for carrots if you don't have any on hand and get those napkins ready. Dig in!
    GET THE RECIPE!
    Sloppy joe sandwich with pickles and coleslaw on the side.
    Instant Pot Lentil and Split Pea Soup [Or Stove Top]
    Rich and flavourful lentil split pea soup is the friendliest of vegan pantry recipes. Add in some chopped carrots, or use frozen! This easy, peasy dish comes together in no time in your Instant Pot or on stove top.
    GET THE RECIPE!
    Blue bowl with handle filled with lentil and vegetable soup.
    Baked Chickpea Nuggets [Allergen Free]
    Made using staples like canned chickpeas, sundried tomatoes and oats, these fun, tasty nuggets will be thoroughly enjoyed by all. Just add a sauce to this vegan pantry recipe and dip, dip, dip.
    GET THE RECIPE!
    Chickpea and vegetable nuggets in white serving dish.
    Pumpkin Black Bean Burgers
    All you need is 7 ingredients and 30 minutes from start to finish to whip up these vegan pantry friendly black bean burgers. They're hearty, nutritious and absolutely mouth watering.
    GET THE RECIPE!
    burger in bun with tomato, onion, pickle, spicy mayo
    Spicy Thai Peanut Noodles
    Spicy Thai noodles made using mostly pantry ingredients is ready in no time at all, using your hands off Instant Pot. (Stove top directions also included.) Skip the pepper if you don't have any on hand, and enjoy.
    GET THE RECIPE!
    White bowl of noodles, carrots and peppers with lime wedge garnish.
    Quick + Simple Chickpea Salad Sandwich No Mayo!
    Ready in only 5 minutes, using items from your pantry, this delicious chickpea salad tastes great on its own, or in between two slices of bread. It's flavourful, and simple to make, and literally ready in minutes.
    GET THE RECIPE!
    Sandwich resting on cutting board with chickpeas, tomato, celery, peppers and dill.
    Vegan Penne Alla Vodka
    As easy, family friendly dinner that everyone will enjoy. This unique take on penne alla vodka is loaded with nutrients from hidden white beans. Sub the fresh mushrooms for canned to make this a 100% vegan pantry friendly meal.
    GET THE RECIPE!
    Plate of penne alla vodka with green onion garnish.
    Lentil Meatballs
    Vegan meatballs made using lentils, oats and pumpkin seeds are savoury and "meaty" without the meat! These delicious bites are baked, not fried, for a healthy, nutritious option. Pair them with your favourite noodles and enjoy.
    GET THE RECIPE!
    Plate of pasta with vegan meatballs and tomato sauce on top.

    Happy cooking everyone. Hope you find some useful recipes to help you eat your way through your vegan pantry ingredients.

    If you tried any of these recipes, please let me know about it in the comments below. I always love hearing from you! Don’t forget to Subscribe to This Healthy Kitchen to be among the first to get my new recipes! You can also FOLLOW ME on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest and Twitter to see more delicious food and get all the latest updates.

    Buon appetito,
    Rosa

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    1. Ileana

      March 15, 2020 at 9:07 pm

      I cooked the VEGAN PASTA E FAGIOLI. Did it substituting the white wine for vegetable broth and added more water. Had to boil a little because carrots did not soften up enough. And add water to make it lighter. Also did not have the white kidney beans so used another beans. It is delicious!!! Dont think were huge substitutions.
      Good recipe!!! Love it!!! Thanks!

      Reply
      • Rosa

        March 16, 2020 at 9:11 am

        Glad you enjoyed! Thanks for the feedback. 🙂

        Reply

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    Hi, I'm Rosa! Welcome to This Healthy Kitchen where you'll find tasty and nutritious, plant-based recipes. I'm an avid home cook who believes food is medicine. Each recipe is made using wholesome ingredients, and under 400 calories per serving with several gluten-free and oil-free options! Occasional cheat days included. 😉

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    859 shares