Daphne Oz’s 7 Pantry Must-Haves

Daphne Oz’s 7 Pantry Must-Haves

Still finding excuses (“It’s too hot to turn on the stove!”) not to cook? A well-stocked pantry is your crucial defense against dial-in dinners. We asked home-cooking advocate Daphne Oz, co-host of ABC’s The Chew, author of Relish and yes, daughter of America’s favorite doctor, to share seven pantry staples she can’t live without:

1. Nuts. Protein, fiber, and healthy fats in one crunchy, tasty package. Oz tosses them into soups and salads, blends them into sauces to thicken them, and makes her own almond and cashew butter to spread on toast for a quick breakfast. “I’ll also add a spoonful to smoothies for an easy protein and flavor boost,” she says.

2. Dried fruit. “It can be high in sugar, but it’s a great alternative to candy when you’re craving sweets,” says Oz. “It’s also great for adding contrasting flavor to savory dishes like salads, pilafs, braises, bakes, and stews.”

3. Extra-virgin coconut oil. “Even though it’s a saturated fat, studies have shown that coconut oil can help with weight loss, healthy joints, and preventing heart disease,” she says. Give recipes a health boost by swapping butter for coconut oil   in a ratio of ¾:1(And no, it doesn’t taste like coconut).

4. Canned beans. What can’t you do with these protein- and fiber-filled wonders? Add them to soups and stews, make dip or salad, and power up your morning meal, says Oz: “I make a killer breakfast with pinto or black beans, sweet onion, jalapeño, and tons of cumin and oregano.”

5. Popcorn. Possibly the world’s best snack: whole-wheat, high-fiber, and you can eat it by the handful. Make it on your stovetop using #3 above and season it to your taste. “Your taste buds will never get bored, and it’s a snack that travels well,” says Oz.

6. Olive oil and vinegar. Store-bought salad dressings are often loaded with sugar, fat, and preservatives. Oz’s solution: “I put good-quality olive oil, vinegar, a dollop of dijon mustard, a squeeze of honey or splash of OJ, and salt and pepper in an empty jar and shake it up.” For extra punch, smash some garlic and let it sit in the oil for 20 minutes before using it in dressings or marinades.

7. Chile jam. “I don’t eat a lot of fruit preserves, since they add tons of sugar and calories to my diet without much payoff,” says Oz. “But chile jam is a versatile spread that works as a quick meat glaze, or baked onto Brie in place of sticky-sweet toffee. It even works as a cheesecake topper for a delicious sweet and savory and spicy treat.

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