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Vegan pantry recipes feature easy-to-make meals from stuff you already have in your kitchen. Canned goods, frozen vegetables, pasta, grains, and shelf-stable vegetables. No need to make a trip to the supermarket!
Jump to:
- What Is A Pantry Meal?
- What Are Pantry Staples?
- Vegan Pantry Staples
- How To Organize Your Vegan Pantry
- Vegan Pantry Recipes
- Beans and Lentils
- Pasta and Noodles
- Grains
- Canned Goods
- Frozen Foods
- Shelf-Stable Vegetables
- Vegan Pantry Recipes: Smoky Lentil Bolognese
What Is A Pantry Meal?
A pantry meal is any meal made mostly with ingredients that are shelf-stable.
Shelf-stable ingredients include canned goods like beans, lentils and canned fruits and vegetables; dry goods such as pasta, grains and rice; frozen vegetables and fruits; and even some long-lasting fresh ingredients such as potatoes and winter squash.
Ingredients such as these can be stored for several months or years without going bad.
If you don’t have the time or the energy to get to the grocery store, you may think to yourself “what can I make with stuff I already have?”.
That’s where vegan pantry recipes come in!
A can of beans, a cup of rice and some herbs and seasonings can make a delicious and satisfying meal even when your fridge is bare.
What Are Pantry Staples?
Pantry staples are basic and versatile ingredients that you use often and like to keep on hand in your kitchen.
Pantry staples normally have a long shelf life and are usually inexpensive.
Each person’s pantry staples will be different depending on your tastes and what kind of recipes you like to cook.
You can make a vegan pantry recipes composed entirely of pantry staples, or your pantry staples can form the base of a meal to which you add a few fresh ingredients.
Vegan Pantry Staples
A lot of people think that veganism is expensive because fake meat and cheeses are expensive. Other people complain about not having “vegan options” where they live.
In fact, most of my meals start off with basic pantry staples that are easily accessible and very economical.
Below are some suggested ingredients that you can use to build your vegan pantry.
Of course, this list is non-exhaustive and will vary from person to person depending on your personal tastes and preferences.
In the cupboard
Beans and legumes: Any type of beans and lentils. Canned beans are convenient to just open and use, while dried beans are much cheaper but take longer to cook.
Grains, pasta and noodles: Keep a bag or two of your favourite type of pasta or noodles on hand for a quick and easy meal. Rice, couscous, barley and quinoa are versatile grain options. Oats are great for breakfast as well as baking and binding veggie burgers together.
Canned fruits and vegetables: I see a lot of people on social media saying that it’s hard to go vegan when the price of fresh produce is so expensive. Why are canned vegetables so overlooked? Mixed vegetable medley, whole or diced tomatoes, corn, green beans, beets, carrots, peas, pumpkin puree, etc. Keep a few cans of your favourite vegetable on hand to toss into a soup, stew, curry, pot pie or whatever.
Baking ingredients: If you like baking, you’ll want to keep flour, baking soda, baking powder, white and brown sugar, and yeast on hand.
Spices, seasonings and oils: A selection of your favourite herbs, spices and seasonings. I most often use smoked paprika, cumin, basil, curry powder, and chili powder. Olive oil for low-heat cooking and dressings, canola oil for stir fry. Peanut butter and tahini are good for breakfast as well as for making sauces and dressings. Balsamic, white vinegar, sriracha and soy sauce are staples in my cupboard.
Vegetable stock: Either jarred, canned or in cubes, vegetable stock is handy to have for a quick soup, stew or chilli.
Fresh produce: Potatoes, sweet potato, onion, garlic, squash and pumpkins can all be stored in a cool, dark place outside of the fridge for several weeks up to several months.
In the freezer
Fruits and vegetables: Just like with canned fruits and vegetables, frozen fruits and vegetables are often overlooked but are very versatile for a multitude of vegan pantry recipes. I like to keep a good stir fry mix for a quick dinner. Many, if not most, fresh vegetables can be blanched and frozen for another day if you’re not going to be able to eat them right away. Frozen berries are cheaper than fresh and great for smoothies and desserts.
Bread and baked goods: Bread, muffins, scones, cookies and biscuits can be frozen.
Freezer meals: Freezer meals are meals you prepare ahead of time with the intention of freezing for another day or any leftovers of a large meal you’d like to keep. I compiled a list of over 50 vegan freezer meals to give you some ideas.
In the fridge
Sauces and condiments: Vegan mayo, mustard, bbq sauce ketchup, sweet and sour sauce, chili sauce, or teriyaki sauce. These can be kept in the cupboard until opened and then refrigerated after opening.
Tofu, seitan, tempeh: Unopened in the fridge, these will usually keep for a couple of weeks. Just check the expiration date when you buy it.
Fresh fruit and vegetables: Whichever fresh fruits and vegetables you use the most often will be a staple in your kitchen.
Plant milk: There are so many different kinds of plant milk available nowadays. Choose your favourite!
How To Organize Your Vegan Pantry
How often have you discovered something at the back of your pantry that you didn’t know that you had?
When we’re unpacking groceries, it’s easy to just place everything on the front of the shelves and push the older items to the back where they get forgotten.
Try to get into the habit of pushing older items to the front and placing the newer items behind.
Also, don’t forget to check the expiration dates from time to time.
Have you ever seen those social media videos where the grandkids try to find the oldest, most expired item in their grandma’s pantry? Don’t be featured in the next one!
Try to group ingredients together. For example, keep pasta and pasta sauce in close proximity. Or keep all your grains together and all your beans together so you’ll know exactly where to reach when you need them.
If you want, you can transfer your grains and dried goods to storage containers that are easy to stack to help save space. It also makes your pantry more Instagram-worthy!
Keep your most-frequently used items at eye level. If you’re not a super avid baker, more the flour and yeast to a higher shelf. Keep your beans, rices, pasta and sauce where they’re easy to see and reach.
Vegan Pantry Recipes
I've scoured the Interwebs to find more than 60 of the very best vegan pantry recipes featuring canned good, frozen vegetables, pasta, grains and shelf-stable vegetables like potatoes and pumpkin.
No matter what you've got in your cupboard, you're sure to find a recipe here! Plus, I've included a bonus smoky lentil bolognese recipe at the bottom. Check out there recipes here:
Beans and Lentils
Vegan Curry Lentil Soup
This one-pot vegan curry lentil soup is easy to prepare and perfect for a quick dinner on a chilly evening. It’s packed with a mix of economical and wholesome ingredients and is super delicious! Serve it as is in a bowl or over rice to get even more meals for just pennies more!
Check out this recipe
Vegan Enchiladas with Pumpkin and Black Beans
Enchiladas makes for a fun and easy weeknight meal. Just mix the pumpkin and black bean filling in one big bowl, roll the enchiladas and bake. You can even prep these ahead of time and pop them in the oven when you’re ready for dinner. It doesn’t get much easier than that.
Check out this recipe
Red Lentil Curry
This vegan red lentil curry recipe is super flavourful and easy to make with a short list of ingredients. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner because it’s ready in just 30 minutes!
Check out this recipe
Vegan Black Bean Burgers
These vegan black bean burgers are simple to make and packed with smoky flavours. If you’ve been looking for a simple yet delicious go-to plant-based burger recipe, this is it!
Check out this recipe
Pinto Bean Soup
This easy and economical vegan pinto bean soup is packed with flavour and spice. This creamy soup uses canned beans for a quick meal that’s ready in 30 minutes.
Check out this recipe
Vegan "Beef" and Bean Burritos
This vegan burrito recipe is simple to make and super hearty with mashed pinto beans and a “meaty” vegan substitute flavoured with herbs and spices. Add your favourite sauce and toppings for a delicious hand-held meal!
Check out this recipe
Yellow Lentil Dal with Curry
This easy and delicious yellow lentil dal is full of protein and bright flavors! Great served over fragrant Basmati rice for a quick meal.
Spanish Vegan Stew
This vegan stew features classic Mediterranean flavours and ingredients in a hearty plant-based dish that’s ready in just 30 minutes.
Check out this recipe
Cuban Black Beans and Rice
Cuban black beans and rice is a simple vegan recipe that’s full of flavor and cheap to make. A hearty and delicious plant-based meal!
Easy Lentil Shepherd’s Pie
This Easy Vegan Lentil Shepherd’s Pie is made in less than 30 minutes! A healthy, budget-friendly recipe that’s 10 ingredients, gluten-free, allergy-free!
Chhole (Chickpea Curry)
Made with convenient canned beans, this quick and healthy Indian recipe is an authentic chickpea curry that you can make in minutes.
Vegan Split Pea Soup
Learn how to make vegan split pea soup without using ham! A richly flavorful recipe that uses simple plant-based ingredients to build flavor.
Three bean chili
Three bean chili with pinto, black, and Great Northern beans – the perfect warm-you-up dinner. It’s a one pot meal that’s ready in less than half an hour. Vegan & gluten-free.
Kidney Bean Burgers
Kidney Bean Burgers with loads of flavour and texture. They are quick and easy to make, perfect for midweek meals and great for making ahead too!
Mexican black bean hand pies
Child-friendly, flaky pastry vegan hand pies with a Mexican inspired black bean and corn filling.
Chipotle Hummus Quesadillas
Frozen corn and canned black beans are transformed into colorful quesadillas with a smoky chipotle hummus and mango salsa.
Pasta and Noodles
Vegan Ramen
This is the best vegan ramen recipe! It starts with a killer creamy broth made from pantry staples and adds on simple and economical toppings for a filling and delicious bowl of noodle soup.
Check out this recipe
Creamy Vegan Pasta
This easy creamy vegan pasta is cashew-free, tofu-free and not just plant-based milk thickened with flour. Make this creamy tomato pasta with just four ingredients and in 10 minutes.
Check out this recipe
Pasta e fa*gioli Soup
This pasta e fa*gioli soup recipe is true to its rustic Italian origins as a thick stew of pasta and beans in a creamy broth. It’s a simple one-pot meal that’s incredibly economical.
Check out this recipe
Vegan Pumpkin Pasta
This vegan pumpkin pasta recipe is super quick to prepare, uber creamy and full of healthy and wholesome ingredients.
Check out this recipe
1-Pot Creamy Lasagna Soup
Easy 1- Pot Creamy Lasagna Soup. Such a comforting soup you can make time and time again. Made with delicious noodles, tomatoes, lentils, and italian seasoning.
Mexican Shell Soup (Sopa de Conchitas)
Mexican shell soup is a simple but filling meal that is a staple in Mexican households everywhere. You’ll be surprised how easy it is to make!
10-Minute Peanut Sauce Rice Noodles
Sweet and spicy peanut sauce rice noodles ready in less than 10 minutes making it perfect for a quick dinner or lunch recipe. Vegan, gluten free and so healthy and yummy!
Vegan Creamy Cannellini Bean & Tomato Pasta
This easy Vegan Creamy Cannellini Bean & Tomato Pasta recipe is one of those speedy store cupboard standby recipes that you can make on a cold, grim night in the middle of winter, or enjoy made with freshly picked tomatoes after a long day out and about in late summer.
Tahini Pasta
This incredibly rich and creamy tahini pasta recipe is SO easy to make and only calls for 5 simple basic ingredients. Great weeknight dinner!
Creamy Corn Pasta
This creamy corn pasta with basil and lemon comes together in just 20 minutes. The flavorful corn sauce is made from blending up buttery corn with aromatics. Perfect for a last minute, yet impressive vegan meal worth sharing with company.
Garlic Linguine with Vegan Whipped Pea Ricotta
This mouth watering olive oil and garlic linguine is served atop an easy vegan whipped pea ricotta. It’s a delicious dinner and easily made gluten free!
Grains
Spanish Rice and Beans
This easy Spanish rice and beans recipe is a one-pot vegan meal that’s great as a main dish with some leafy greens on the side or as a side dish to your favourite vegan Mexican-inspired meal!
Check out this recipe
Vegan Shakshuka
This vegan shakshuka is a take on the traditional Israeli dish that is made with quinoa and white beans for a healthy breakfast!
Vegan Fried Rice
This Best Vegan Fried rice recipe is a takeout classic that can simply make at home. Vegetable fried rice is a quick and easy one-pan meal that is gluten-free, filling, delicious, and budget-friendly.
Lemon Chickpea and Rice Casserole
A super easy dump-and-bake meal for the family! This Lemon Chickpea and Rice Casserole is a healthy, hearty, vegan, gluten-free, & allergy-free dinner idea!
Authentic Mujadara
Mujadara is a signature Middle Eastern dish of lentils and rice w/ crispy fried onions. Popular flavor-packed dish. Makes for a healthy feast! Vegan, GF
Vegan Quinoa Curry Bowl
This vegan quinoa curry bowl is quick and easy to make. Use stir-fry frozen veggies along with fresh ginger, garlic, and curry powder for a burst of flavors.
Vegan Jollof Rice
Make this vegan Jollof Rice for an easy dinner that’s full of flavor! This version is inspired by travels to Ghana, made without meat.
Couscous with Chickpeas and Frozen Vegetables
A simple mixed couscous recipe featuring canned tomatoes, chickpeas, frozen corn and frozen green peas.
Vegetable Barley Soup
ThisVeggie BarleySoup uses a combination of fresh and frozen vegetables, making easy to prepare.
Canned Goods
Creamy Vegan Tomato Soup
This easy vegan tomato soup recipe is the richest and creamiest tomato soup recipe out there. Made with three tomato products from your pantry for ultimate depth of flavour, this vegan soup is nut-free, soy-free and can be made oil-free!
Check out this recipe
Easy Chickpea Curry
This super-tasty vegan chickpea curry is easy, healthy and delicious! It’s perfect for a midweek meal or Indian curry night. Coconut-free. 20 mins, one pot.
Pumpkin Veggie Stew
This pumpkin veggie stew is perfect for keeping you warm on a chilly day! Packed with beans and flavor, this comforting and filling vegan chili is vegan and gluten-free.
Vegan Corn Casserole
Our vegan corn casserole combines three types of corn and green chiles to create a moist, bread-like casserole topped with melty cheese.
Easy Refried Bean Vegan Quesadilla Recipe
An easy vegan quesadillas recipe filled with refried beans, roasted corn and veggies and baked in the oven. Refried bean quesadillas are perfect for parties and weeknight dinners and a favorite with kids and adults.
Spanish Beans with Tomatoes
This 1-pot flavourful Spanish Beans recipe take just 20 mins and 7 ingredients! This bean stew is great as tapas, main or side. Readers love this dish!
Vegan Corn Fritters
Vegan Corn Fritters – the perfect crispy bite! Loaded with corn, bell peppers, and green onions, these fritters are packed with flavor and done in 25 minutes or less
Vegan Peanut Stew
With a rich peanut and tomato sauce, sweet potatoes, collard greens, and crunchy peanuts, this Vegan Peanut Stew is comfort in a bowl!
Baked Bean Cornbread Casserole
This hearty vegan casserole features savory-sweet baked beans topped with a glorious golden layer of cornbread!
Mexican Bean Bake
This vegetarian Mexican-inspired bake will be a hit with the whole family. Serve it with all the fixin’s like salsa, guacamole and corn chips. Use vegan sour cream or omit.
Slacker Vegan Cream of Mushroom Soup
Canned mushrooms and silken tofu make for a cheap yet rich, creamy, andverysumptuous vegan cream of mushroom soup.
Frozen Foods
Frozen Stir-Fry Vegetables in Sesame Ginger Sauce
Quick, super-tasty frozen stir-fry vegetables with a savory sesame ginger sauce. A family favorite that’s ready in 15 minutes!
Vegan Cauliflower Gyros
Frozen cauliflower roasted in Greek spices served with tzatziki & fresh veggies, wrapped in warm flatbread – these vegan cauliflower gyros are easy & delicious!
Baked Green Pea Fritters
Tasty, healthy, easy and frugal pea fritters! These are gluten-free as they’re made with chickpea/gram flour and naturally vegan too.
Frozen Vegetable Stir Fry
Frozen Vegetable Stir Fry is an effortless one-pan, 20-minute meal. All you need are pre-cut frozen vegetables, my homemade stir fry sauce, and some rice!
Simple Frozen Vegetable Soup
This super simple frozen vegetable soup is ready in under 30 minutes and doesn’t require any chopping! This recipe is vegan, paleo, Whole30
Vegan Buffalo Veggies
Bursting with tangy, robust, spicy Buffalo flavor, this healthy Vegan Buffalo Veggies is ultra-fast, super easy, and perfect for Buffalo hot sauce lovers.
Easy Vegan Pea and Potato Stew
This easy vegan pea and potato stew is a simple yet satisfying dinner that's quick to make in one pot. The rich tomato sauce makes it the perfect comfort food to pair with a chunk of fresh crusty bread that you can dip in the yummy juices.
15-Minute Vegetable Curry
Creamy coconut milk, flavorful vegetable broth, and curry powder come together to create a simple yet delicious vegetable curry.
Miso Vegetable Soup
Tofu, rice and plenty of vegetables transform miso soup from a light accompaniment into a dish that’s substantial enough to leave you feeling satisfied.
Saag Aloo with Frozen Spinach Recipe
This saag aloo with frozen spinach is warmly spiced, creamy, vegetarian, & gluten free. Spinach and potato curry- served with rice or naan.
Vegan Tater Tot Green Bean Casserole
This from scratchcasserole is full of mushrooms and frozen green beans and topped with tater tots, making it the ultimate vegan comfort food.
Shelf-Stable Vegetables
German Potato Soup
Homemade German potato soup (Kartoffelsuppe) which is creamy and tasty! The recipe of this stew is gluten-free, dairy-free, and easy to make!
Vegan Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
These vegan stuffed sweet potatoes feature a delicious Mediterranean quinoa filling and a creamy olive hummus dressing. They’re made with simple ingredients and are super filling!
Check out this recipe
Vegan Butternut Squash Soup Recipe
Our dairy-free butternut squash soup recipe is the best vegan soup for dairy-free kids or adults, vegans, or those allergic to dairy or lactose.
Restaurant Style Aloo Matar
Aloo matar is a delicious Indian dish made of potatoes and peas in a spiced tomato sauce. It’s so easy to make and is vegan and gluten free!
Creamy Vegan Sweet Potato Lentil Soup
This easy gluten free, vegan sweet potato lentil soup is a nutritious and tasty meal that is guaranteed to satisfy both your hunger and your tastebuds.
Vegan Twice Baked Potatoes
Deliciously cheesy vegan twice baked potatoes which are crispy and caramelised on the outside but soft, buttery and fluffy inside!
Easy Vegan Pumpkin Curry with Chickpeas
This easy one-pot pumpkin chickpea curry is an Indian inspired autumnal curry made featuring warming spices, veggies, chickpeas, and pumpkin
Easy Homemade Vegan French Onion Soup
Vegan French onion soup that tastes like traditional French onion soup. Made with vegetable stock and vegan butter and mozzarella cheese.
Spicy Vegan Chickpea Lentil Stuffed Spaghetti Squash
With this Spicy Vegan Chickpea Lentil Stuffed Spaghetti Squash recipe, you can have a tasty, low-carb dinner on your table in 40 minutes.
Vegan Pantry Recipes: Smoky Lentil Bolognese
This lentil bolognese recipe is unlike any you’ve had before. Flavoured with loads of garlic, herbs and smoked paprika, this sauce is easy to make with cheap ingredients (as always!) and comes together in just 15 minutes!
5 from 1 vote
PrintPin Recipe Rate
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Total Price: $2.39
Price per Serving: $0.60
Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 389kcal
Ingredients
- 1 medium onion diced - $0.15
- 4 cloves of garlic minced - $0.32
- 2 cups (480 ml) tomato sauce - $0.90
- 2 cups (340 grams) cooked lentils, canned or cooked from dry - $0.68
- 1 ½ teaspoons smoked paprika - $0.15
- 2 teaspoons oregano - $0.10
- 1 teaspoon red wine vinegar - $0.04
- ½ teaspoon salt - $0.02
- A few grinds of pepper - $0.03
- Pasta of choice
Instructions
Heat a pan over medium-high heat and add the onion, garlic, and a splash of water (you can use oil if you prefer). Sautee until soft then add the remaining ingredients and cook for a few more minutes to heat the lentils through.
Cook pasta according to the package directions. Serve pasta with the lentil bolognese sauce on top.
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Nutrition
Calories: 389kcal | Carbohydrates: 69g | Protein: 27g | Fat: 2g | Saturated Fat: 0.2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.3g | Sodium: 880mg | Potassium: 1363mg | Fiber: 32g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 955IU | Vitamin C: 16mg | Calcium: 101mg | Iron: 9mg
Nutritional information is provided as a courtesy and is approximate only. Please refer to our nutrition disclaimer for more information.