The 6 Canned Goods That Are Always in Kitchn Editors’ Pantries
We’re firm believers in the power of the Miracle Meal around here, a not-exactly-glamorous kind of meal that you pull off when you need to get dinner on the table — quickly. Obviously, Miracle Meals need to start with pantry staples that you probably already have on hand. And a quick poll of Kitchn editors proved that some of the staples we rely most heavily on are canned goods.
Here are the ones we find ourselves reaching for most often. When you feel like you just can’t pull dinner together, just remember: Yes you CAN.
1. Goya Chickpeas, $1.50 for 15.5 ounces
“I know that I can always have a can of chickpeas on hand and make some sort of pasta dish with at least one healthy ingredient. Plus, we have all these other ideas on the site. ” — Lisa Freedman, Lifestyle Director
2. Wild Planet Albacore Wild Tuna, $34 for 12, five-ounce cans
“I always have at least a few cans of tuna on hand. Sometimes I’ll use it for sandwiches, but most often I mix it into my lunch salads. It makes even the simplest salad filling.” — Kelli Foster, Associate Food Editor
3. Goya Black Beans, $1.50 for 15.5 ounces
“Canned beans, specifically black beans, are a family favorite. We use them to make quick dinners (tacos and burritos!) and dips, too.” — Meghan Splawn, Associate Food Editor
4. Cento Certified San Marzano Whole Peeled Tomatoes, $4 for 28 ounces
“Cento San Marzano tomatoes blow any other canned tomato products out of the water. They’re naturally sweet, with a deeply concentrated tomato flavor and just the right amount of acididty. I like to use them as a one-ingredient pizza sauce and they’re also a shortcut to the easiest shakshuka. ” — Grace Elkus, Senior Food Editor
5. Vigo Baby Artichoke Hearts, $4 for 14-ounces
“If there’s any canned good that counts as fancy, artichoke hearts would be it. I keep a can or two in my pantry at all times to dress up dinner and add for a briny addition to lunchtime salads. They are easier to find than frozen artichoke hearts and take significantly less time to prep than fresh.” — Patty Catalano, Kitchn Contributor
6. 365 Everyday Value Cannellini Beans, $1 for one 15.5-ounce can
“My pantry is pretty trim, given the limited space I have in my apartment kitchen, but one thing I always keep on hand is a can of cannellini beans. Their versatility alone is enough reason to keep them around all the time. I love to throw them in salads, stir them into soups, and even make meatless burgers with them. My favorite way to prepare them right now is this marinated white beans recipe.” — Sheela Fiorenzo, Associate Food Editor
What canned goods are always in your pantry? Tell us in the comments below!