Pantry storage for singles: simple, sustainable and delicious
Stockpiling or prepping is very much in vogue. Even the Federal Office of Civil Protection now recommends that people stock up for around 10 days. However, this can be a real challenge, especially for singles, as most pack sizes are designed for couples or families, which is not a bad thing for stockpiling - but it is for consumption. There is also the problem of space, as most singles will not have the storage facilities that a family with a house has, for example.
Nevertheless, keeping stocks is not impossible, even for single people. But how do you start? And what belongs in a single person's pantry that should be both practical and inspiring?
The storage cupboard: a small universe full of possibilities
The heart of any pantry, whether for singles, couples or families, is the larder. The following list is just a good starting point and not something you have to stick to slavishly. Your pantry should always reflect your individual preferences. There's no point in storing five packs of rice, for example, if you don't eat it at all. It will probably take some time to put together the perfect stock for you, but we're not aiming for perfection here. Always keep in mind: a little stockpile is always better than no stockpile at all. Feel free to experiment and adapt.
Staple foods:
Grains and pseudocereals: quinoa, rice, couscous, bulgur and of course pasta - choose whole grain varieties for an extra nutritional kick.
Pulses: Lentils, chickpeas and beans (dried or canned) are nutritious, versatile and have a long shelf life.
Nuts and seeds: Perfect as a quick snack between meals, as a topping or ingredient in many dishes.
-Spices and herbs: They are the magicians in your kitchen. A well-stocked spice rack can really make a difference. Also stocks, sauce cubes and the like.
Preserves and jars:
Tomato products: Strained tomatoes, tomato paste and whole peeled tomatoes can serve as a base for numerous dishes.
Pickled vegetables: Cucumbers, olives, artichokes and more offer quick flavor kicks and enrich salads and hot dishes. However, pickled vegetables are not for everyone. If you don't like them, it's no problem if they don't make it into your pantry.
Pickled fruit: For desserts, as a topping for breakfast porridge or simply as a snack between meals. Of course, the same applies here as for pickled vegetables, if you simply can't stand pickled fruit.
Miscellaneous:
Vinegar and oil - vinegar in particular has an eternal shelf life if left unopened
Sweeteners: honey, maple syrup or agave syrup. This also includes sugar and sweeteners such as erythritol. These should be stored in an airtight container if possible, as both can absorb water and then clump together.
Sometimes less is simply more: meaningful pantry management
It is, of course, extremely tempting to jump at every offer in order to replenish your stock as quickly as possible. This makes perfect sense when you're just starting to stock up. But it doesn't make sense if you have to throw the food away after a while because it starts to spoil. Of course, there is a solution to this too. The magic word (or rather the magic words) is “active stockpiling”. When you stock up, use up the food that is about to expire first. You can use the pantry app to monitor when this is the case. Then simply buy more of the product.
Practical tips for everyday life
- Plan your meals: This may sound like a lot of work and completely overwhelming at first, at least that's how it was for me. I then started to take a step-by-step approach and first planned my meals for two days in advance and then went shopping accordingly. I also got into the habit of always taking an extra packet of pasta or oatmeal, for example.
2. First in, first out: actually quite logical. Use up what you bought first. It is best to record the food in the pantry app immediately after shopping.
3. Preserving jars: I personally love preserving jars. I use them for multiple purposes. As drinking glasses, as pen storage and for storing dry food. I have also converted some of them into lanterns.
4. Creativity is required: I have to admit that I hate having to throw food away, which is why we make sure we only buy what we really like when we go shopping. If, contrary to expectations, there is food that urgently needs to be used up, we try to get creative with the recipes so that we can use up as much as possible before it has to go in the garbage can.
Finally, one more recipe
Quick lentil and tomato soup
1 cup of red lentils
1 tin of peeled tomatoes
1 onion, diced
2 cloves of garlic, finely chopped
vegetable stock
spices: Cumin, paprika powder, salt, pepper
Optional: a dash of coconut milk for extra creaminess
Sauté the onion and garlic in a pan with a little oil. Add the lentils, tomatoes and stock. Season with spices and simmer for about 20 minutes. You can puree the soup for a smoother consistency. Done!
Download our Smantry.App now to optimise your storage even in a single household. This is your helper if you don't want to throw food away and if you want to keep an overview about everything you have in your pantry!