100 Plant-Based Essential Pantry Recipes - Curated Life Studio (2024)

The top 100 plant-based essential pantry recipes for the vegan, gluten-free or vegetarian kitchen! Substitutions with a FREE 80+ Kitchen Pantry Essentials Checklist!

In the last month we have all been united by a common challenge, COVID-19. Countries have closed their borders, businesses are closing their doors and thousands of people are loosing their jobs. The global Stockmarket has crashed and in amidst of these challenges, we are told to remain inside and defy our natural instincts of coming together at a time of crisis. To stand 1.5 metres apart, to not shake hands or come together in social gatherings.

It’s been a roller coaster of emotions. Indifference. Fear. Uncertainty. It’s been difficult on so many levels.

In times like this, I return to the kitchen to find solace. But escaping amongst my pots and pans hasn’t been on my terms. With the scarcity in our markets and shops,I have struggled with the lack of fresh produce available. I no longer have theliberty to choose what I eat, but to make do with the ingredients available. Surrendering to this has been difficult. But, I have attempted to approach this situation as a fun challenge –to prepare delicious and healthy recipes using mostly pantry essentials and frozen or canned vegetables.

Although I have been busy with work and unable to share many of my recipe creations (some of them delicious, others not worth mentioning). To help you, I have created the below list of my favourite plant-based pantry essential recipes and a kitchen pantry essentials checklist for when you’re in self-isolation.

I like to think that these circ*mstances will provide us with the opportunity to become united. To adopt healthier habits and cultivate stronger connections. To return to our roots in tending our gardens, cooking in our kitchens, preparing meals from scratch and in checking in with one another. Spending more time cuddling, focusing on family or making time for our health.To explore creativity and to question what parts of “normal” are worth returning to.

I have created you an easy Plant-Based Kitchen Pantry Essentials Checklist to help get you started in creating a functional plant-based kitchen!

This checklist provides you with 80+ Plant-Cased Essential Pantry Items for healthy eating and gluten-free pantry staples for a a functional vegan, or vegetarian kitchen, including:

I’ve compiled a list of my favourite plant-based recipes using pantry items from some of my favourite food bloggers online (and I included a few of my own!)

They are relatively easy pantry meals with some great pantry lunch ideas or quick pantry dinners. The best of all, they are all so delicious and creative you will forget you’re eating staple items!

Easy Vegetarian Soup Recipes

1. Easy Indian Lentil Soup (GF, Vegan)

Easily adapted with canned tomatoes, or any red or yellow lentils available, this Lentil Soup recipe is delicious and very simple to prepare. Serve with delicious homemade naans.

2. Potato & Corn Chowder (GF*, Vegan)

Photo Credit:www.ilovevegan.com

Prepared using ingredients found in the pantry or freezer, this recipe is perfectly creamy, comforting and easy to cook!

3. Easy Black Bean Soup (GF, Vegan)

Mouth-watering, comforting and easy to cook with dried beans, change up the spices to transform this recipe into a Mexican Black Bean Soup or Cuban Black Bean Soup.

4. Winter Minestrone Soup (GF*, Vegan)

Photo Credit:laurencariscooks.com

Filled with an abundant of vegetables and hearty pasta, this recipe can easily be prepared with long-life root veggies and canned tomatoes.

Using long-life root vegetables like sweet potato and carrots, delicious spices and coconut milk - this delicious recipe will make your forget your in self-isolation.

6. Soupe Au Pistou (GF, Vegan)

Photo Credit:www.healthyseasonalrecipes.com

Oh la la! This delicious French soup can be prepared using frozen herbs or any vegetables you have available! Perfect for dinner & the romantic soul!

7. Creamy Broccoli Soup (GF, Vegan)

Using ingredients which support the immune system, this creamy soup is simple and can be prepared using frozen broccoli, kale or spinach.

8. One-Pot Turmeric Soup (GF, Vegan)

Photo Credit:gratefulgrazer.com

Prepared in one pot containing nourishing turmeric, root vegetables and spices from the pantry, this delicious soup recipe is a must! Especially if you're feeling under the weather!

9. 5 Ingredient Roasted Tomato Soup (GF, Vegan)

Photo Credit:savvybites.co.uk

Bought tomatoes in bulk? This recipe is perfect to prepare in advance and store for later. If you reduce the liquid you can also transform it into a pasta sauce.

10. Leek & Potato Soup (GF, Vegan)

Photo Credit:www.thelastfoodblog.com

Creamy, buttery and completely guilt-free. Delicious root vegetables and spring leek, this recipe is not only easily but incredibly moreish!

11. White Bean & Kale Soup (GF, Vegan)

Photo Credit:www.vibrantplate.com

Feeling lazy and needing something nutritious? Prepared in 30 minutes using pantry staples and frozen kale, this recipe is creamy and perfect for dinner-nights!

12. Hearty Vegetable Soup (GF, Vegan)

Photo Credit:www.mychefsapron.com

Loaded with healthy vegetables, potatoes and pantry-staple beans, this soup is comforting and as satisfying as a full main meal.

13. Leek, Carrot & Lentil Soup (GF, Vegan)

Photo Credit:essentiallyemma.co.uk

Easy to prepare with items found in the pantry or fridge, this soup is hearty, healthy and absolutely delicious!

14. White Lasagna Soup (GF*, Vegan)

Photo Credit:www.rabbitandwolves.com

Prepared on staple panty items, this recipe can easily be adapted to be gluten-free or using whatever pasta is available.

15. Wild Rice & Mushroom Soup(GF*, Vegan)

Photo Credit:joeats.net

A satisfying soup with sh*take mushrooms which are great for the immune system & can be bought dried! Delicious & easily GF!

16. Wontons with Curry Broth (Vegan)

Photo Credit:healthynibblesandbits.com

If you're running tight for time or ingredients, store-bought wontons would be a good alternative. Delicious & therapeutic!

Vegetarian Stew & Curry Recipes

17. Chilli Con Carne with Black Beans (GF, Vegan)

Cooked with either canned or dried cooked black beans, this recipe is packed with protein, fibre and delicious quinoa. Serve with brown rice, and your favourite frozen veggies.

18. Cauliflower & Chickpea (GF, Vegan)

Photo Credit:myfoodstory.com

Delicious cauliflower, chickpea and coconut curry prepared using staple pantry items & love!

19. Easy Chana Masala (GF, Vegan)

Photo Credit:www.makingthymeforhealth.com

On the table in under 30 minutes, this Chana Masala is prepared using entirely pantry staple items! Did I mention it's absolutely delicious?!

20. Creamy Chickpea & Spinach Curry (GF, Vegan)

Photo Credit:cupfulofkale.com

With most ingredients found in the pantry or freezer, this dish is easy to put together and so nourishing for the soul! Use either dried or canned chickpeas or frozen spinach.

21. Persian Herb & Chickpea Stew (GF, Vegan)

Photo Credit:www.halfbakedharvest.com

One pan, 30 minutes - this recipe will make you question why you haven't tried Persian cuisine earlier!

22. Dal Makhani / Madras Lentils (GF, Vegan)

Photo Credit:ministryofcurry.com

Prepared using only staple items, this dish is a regular in our house because of it's simplicity & deliciousness!

23. Mushroom bourguignon (GF, Vegan)

Photo Credit:www.easycheesyvegetarian.com

Using long-life root vegetables and delicious mushrooms, this mushroom bourguignon will transport you back to France.

24. Zucchini Stew with Tomato & White Beans (GF, Vegan)

Photo Credit:withfoodandlove.com

Easily prepared with canned tomatoes and dried beans and frozen kale, this dish will come together perfectly!

26. HARISSA EGGPLANT WITH CHICKPEAS (GF*, Vegan)

Photo Credit:thefirstmess.com

Serve with gluten-free couscous or quinoa, this recipe is perfect with canned tomatoes or dried chickpeas. Like a ratatouille only better!

27. Bean, Coconut & Roast Pepper Stew (GF, Vegan)

Photo Credit:www.rebelrecipes.com

The recipe easily adapted to use pantry staples; this stew is comforting & perfect with slices of chunky gluten-free toast.

28. MAURITIAN BUTTER BEAN CURRY (GF, Vegan)

Photo Credit:goodeatings.com

I prepared this recipe for the first time and feel in love! It's a staple in our kitchen & easily adapted to panty ingredients!

28. Creamy Beetroot Curry (GF, Vegan)

Photo Credit:thebellephant.com

A combination of earthy and sweet flavours, this Sri Lankan classic uses pantry staples and is so delicious you'll ask for a second bowl!

29. Mushroom Lentil Stew with Mashed Potatoes (GF, Vegan)

Photo Credit:minimalistbaker.com

This is nothing more comforting than mash potatoes served with a warming mushroom gravy.

30. Coconut Eggplant Curry (GF, Vegan)

Photo Credit:foodrecipes.pinindec.com

Who can say no to a succulent eggplant curry with coconut? Perfectly balanced and completely mouth-watering !

31. One-Pot Smoky Eggs & Beans (GF, Vegetarian)

Photo Credit:thebellephant.com

On the table in under 35 minutes, this dish is similar to shakshuka but a thousand times better! Super simple and SO delicious!

32. Thai Green Curry (GF, Vegan)

Photo Credit:www.lazycatkitchen.com

There isn't a person alive who doesn't love green curry! This recipe tastes delicious no matter what veggies you use!

Pantry Staple Salad Recipes

Prepared with nutritious quinoa and long-life root vegetables, this delicious quinoa & sweet potato salad will spice up any meal!

34. Buddha Bowls with Sweet Potato, Chickpeas & Chard

Photo Credit:www.makingthymeforhealth.com

Dried grains, long-life root vegetables & frozen chard - this is a perfect recipe for using staple items!

35. Quinoa Tabbouleh (GF, Vegan)

Photo Credit:frommybowl.com

Prepared in under 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect served alone or as a side. Fresh, delicious and super simple to make your own!

36. Mexican Three Bean Salad Recipe (GF, Vegan)

Photo Credit:www.lemonblossoms.com

This 3 Bean Salad is insanely delicious and very easy to make. Did we mention it's a perfect way to use up all your dried beans?

37. Vegetarian Lentil Salad (GF, Vegan)

Photo Credit:cozypeachkitchen.com

Using lentils & chickpeas and a delicious honey mustard vinaigrette, it's favourable & perfect for meal prep!

38. Cauliflower Burrito Bowls (GF, Vegan)

Photo Credit:pinchofyum.com

Healthy, delicious, vegan burrito bowl featuring spicy roasted cauliflower & black beans (canned or dried).

39. Kale Detox Salad w/ Pesto | Well and Full

Photo Credit:wellandfull.com

Using long-life root veggies, chickpeas, dried herbs and rice, this recipe is perfect for using pantry items & not skimping on flavour!

40. Moroccan Spiced Chickpea Veggie Bowl (GF, Vegan)

Photo Credit:simplenaturalnutrition.com

Filled with protein, fat and fibre this salad is as satisfying as it is delicious which will keep you going for days!

41. Thai Tahini Veggie Soba Noodle Bowls (GF*, Vegan)

Photo Credit:www.nospoonnecessary.com

Using your favourite noodle of choice and frozen edamame beans, this salad is delicious, filling and refreshing!

42. Taco Pasta Salad (GF* Vegan)

Photo Credit:www.veggiebalance.com

You could have regular pasta salad, OR you could have taco pasta salad. Easily adapted to gluten free, this salad is perfect for all.

43. Butternut Squash & Cranberry Quinoa Salad (GF, Vegan)

Photo Credit:www.littlebroken.com

Using long life grains, vegetables, fruits and seeds this salad is the best for a cosy autumn meal & to use those pantry ingredients!

44. Mixed Sprouts Salad with Coconut (GF, Vegan)

Photo Credit:www.thedeliciouscrescent.com

If you're unable to find fresh greens, this salad is super healthy, easy and delicious with ingredients you have in the pantry.

45. Roasted Brussels Sprout & Couscous Salad (GF*, Vegan)

Photo Credit:www.anotherroot.com

Simple to prepare and so delicious this salad is easy to adapt to gluten-free by using quinoa or millet instead.

46. Broccoli Quinoa Salad (GF, Vegan*)

Photo Credit:www.eatingbirdfood.com

Nourishing sweet potato, frozen kale, broccoli and dried chickpeas, this salad is perfect for meal prep and using pantry ingredients!

47. MARINATED Veggie Pasta Salad! (GF* Vegan*)

Photo Credit:www.recipetineats.com

Marinate your veggies to make them last longer, or use store bought, this salad is deliciously addictive!

48. Roasted Root Vegetable Salad with Chimichurri (GF, Vegan)

Photo Credit:familystylefood.com

Chimichurri livens any dish and this salad is no exception! Warm, colourful & bursting with flavour!

Pantry Pasta & Noodle Recipes

49. Roasted Red Capsicum Pesto with Cashews (GF, Vegan)

Easily adapted to any meal, this pesto can be stirred through pasta, spread on a flatbread or served as a delicious dip with chips. The best bit? It's simple and SO delicious!

50. Cacio e Pepe with Crispy Garlic Basil Chickpeas. (GF, Vegan)

Photo Credit:www.halfbakedharvest.com

Made in 15 minutes with pantry staple ingredients, this dish is simple and easily adapted to be gluten-free or vegan. Pasta, butter, pepper and cheese - you’re ready to eat!

51. Vegetable Chow Mein (GF*, Vegan)

Photo Credit:cupfulofkale.com

On the table in 20 minutes, frozen vegetables are a perfect alternative if no fresh are available. Easy to adapt to gluten-free by changing the noodles and substituting the soy sauce for tamari.

52. Instant Pot Creamy Broccoli Mac and Cheese (GF, Vegan)

Photo Credit:damndelicious.net

Easily adapted to gluten-free and vegan, this recipe would work perfectly with frozen broccoli or other vegetables you available. Delicious!

53. Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta (GF, Vegan)

Photo Credit:www.eatwell101.com

Besides being incredibly easy to make, this Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta cooks up super fast, and leaves you full and happy!

54. 20-Minute Lemon Pesto Penne (GF, Vegan)

Photo Credit:pinchofyum.com

20 minutes preparation using 8 ingredients, this recipe is perfect for speedy dinners & easily adapted for food intolerances.

55. Singapore Noodle (GF, Vegan)

With a simple sauce and easy to adapt with the vegetables you have available, fresh or frozen, it's always an easy favourite!

56. Pappardelle with Portobello Ragu (GF*, Vegan)

Photo Credit:familystylefood.com

Hearty, autumnal pappardelle pasta with fresh rosemary and portobello mushrooms. Easy vegan substitute by omitting the parmesan.

57. 3 Cheese Spinach Lasagna (GF*)

Photo Credit:www.dinneratthezoo.com

With ricotta, parmesan and mozzarella, this lasagne is perfect for a decadent date night. Frozen spinach could be used as a substitute.

58. Thai Drunken Noodles (GF*, Vegan)

Photo Credit:choosingchia.com

Healthier than take-out, this recipe is delicious, easy to make and is on the table in less than 30 minutes!

59. Easy Creamy Spinach Orzo (Vegetarian)

Photo Credit:cooktoria.com

Ready in 15 minutes, this recipe makes a perfect side dish or even a full meal. It’s cheesy, creamy, and kids are crazy about it!

60. One-Pot Pumpkin Alfredo (GF*, Vegan)

Photo Credit:www.rainbowplantlife.com

Filled with pumpkin, warming spices and earthy herbs, this dish is so creamy & comforting you would forget it's even vegan!

61. Eggplant Puttanesca (GF*, Vegan)

Photo Credit:simple-veganista.com

The perfect blend of tender eggplant, spicy red pepper flakes and salty olives and capers will take you back to the streets of Sicily.

62. Lemon Orzo Pasta Salad (Vegan)

Photo Credit:www.lifeasastrawberry.com

6 ingredients, 3 minutes and mostly pantry staples this dish is fresh, perfect for summer and easy to put together!

63. Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta (GF*, Vegan)

Photo Credit:www.littlebroken.com

One pot dish using ingredients found in the pantry, this flavour loaded pasta is so easy to make & amazingly delicious!

64. Creamy Chickpea Pasta (GF, Vegan*)

Photo Credit:cooking.nytimes.com

Luxurious, hearty, cheap & easy, this recipe uses mostly pantry staples, requiring just a few fresh ingredients - complete perfection!

65. Vegan Pad Thai (GF*, Vegan)

Photo Credit:choosingchia.com

Easily adapted to GF with tamari sauce, this recipe is prepared using mostly pantry staple ingredients and is mouth-wateringly delicious!

Vegetarian Recipes with Rice

Prepared using ingredients found in the pantry like brown rice, canned tomatoes and a delicious homemade creole seasoning, this recipe is a favourite!

67. Instant Pot Mushroom Risotto (GF, Vegan*)

Photo Credit:damndelicious.net

No stir, no fuss mushroom risotto that can be prepared using frozen peas, spinach or other veggies available. Have I mentioned that it's absolutely delicious!?

68. Easy Mexican Rice (GF, Vegan)

Photo Credit:www.seededatthetable.com

Perfect for a main or as a side dish, this dish is delicious as own or with some cooked dried beans and fresh veggies!

69. Indian Rice Salad with Mango (GF, Vegan)

Photo Credit:cinnamonandcoriander.com

Perfect with left over rice, this recipe is packed with exotic flavours. Healthy & easily prepared using frozen mango.

70. Cranberry, Pecan & Sweet Potato Rice Pilaf (GF, Vegan)

Photo Credit:therecipecritic.com

Infused with many incredible flavours and textures, this dish is easy to come together & uses only pantry ingredients!

71. Veggie Brown Rice Sushi (GF, Vegan)

Photo Credit:minimalistbaker.com

For when you're missing sushi, this easy 10 ingredient recipe is healthy and completely delicious!

72. Vegan Dirty Rice

Photo Credit:healthiersteps.com

With a handful of staple ingredients, this dish is a flavourful take on the classic Southern comfort dish. Comforting & delicious!

73. Butternut Squash & Kale Risotto (GF, Vegan)

Photo Credit:www.makingthymeforhealth.com

Perfect for the autumn months, not only will this recipe go far it can be used with frozen kale and other root vegetables!

74. Basil Fried Rice (GF, Vegan)

Photo Credit:runningonrealfood.com

Perfect for using any available vegetables, fresh or frozen, this dish a fail-proof, easy to put together and completely delicious!

75. Slow Cooker Burritos (GF*, Vegan)

Photo Credit:www.thereciperebel.com

Easily prepared with frozen corn and cooked dried black beans this meal is mouth-watering and so delicious!

76. Spanakorizo - Greek Spinach Rice (GF, Vegan)

Photo Credit:cooktoria.com

Filled with herbs, this simple, delicious, and authentic recipe makes a filling vegetarian meal or side dish!

77. Marinated Teriyaki Eggplant (GF*, Vegan)

Photo Credit:cupfulofkale.com

Sweet, sticky and salty marinated eggplant is a delicious & easy dinner recipe. (Easily adapted to gluten free with tamari sauce.)

78. Spiced Lentil and Rice (Mejadra) (GF, Vegan)

Photo Credit:www.recipetineats.com

An ancient Middle Eastern pilaf prepared in 20 minutes & perfect for using kitchen staples! Simple and *so* delicious!

79. Roasted Vegetable Risotto (GF, Vegan)

Photo Credit:www.wallflowerkitchen.com

Creamy & bursting with flavour, this recipe is perfect to load up on fresh Mediterranean vegetables & use up all that rice!

80. Brown Rice Paella (GF, Vegan)

Photo Credit:www.veggiesociety.com

A flavourful Spanish recipe using plenty of spices, rice and long-life marinated vegetables! Delicious & easily adaptable.

81. Pesto Risotto with Mushrooms (GF, Vegan)

Prepared in under 40 minutes, this recipe is perfect for romantic nights in when you're wanting something a little decadent.

Vegetarian Oven & Baked Good Recipes

No eggs? No problems! Simple, delicious, freezable and easy to adapt with ingredients in the pantry! Try it with sun-dried tomatoes, olives & dried herbs or even caramelised onions.

83. Tomato Tart with Puff Pastry (Vegan)

Take you back to summer picnics. Using frozen or homemade pastry and stove-reduced canned tomatoes, this tomato tart is easy and so moreish.

Easily adapted to using any veggies you have on hand, or frozen spinach, this frittata is fool-proof and so simple to put together!

Did you love my favouritepantry food recipes? If would love to hear your favourite pantry meal ideas in the comments section below! 🙂