As I read news of toilet paper flying off the shelves it got me thinking. What would my ultimate pandemic pantry be?
If the latest Coronavirus, Covid-19, gets to the point where I have to stay at home, then living for two weeks on chickpeas and rice isn’t an attractive thought. Right damn horrifying, to be honest. Akin to channelling my inner Neil from The Young Ones.
Due to the lack of vaccine or treatment, if it comes to the point of staying at home or self-quarantine, I am going to do it in delicious style. But what would a foodie’s emergency food pantry look like?
Tongue in cheek (or maybe not) I share my essential food pantry list for tastily sitting out the pandemic.
What's in this post
Pandemic Pantry Canned Goods
As people stock up on rice, canned beans and tomatoes have a long hard think about eating that for two weeks solid.
Okay, all of those items are staples in my pantry, but let’s think a few notches up regarding canned goods people!
Foie Gras
Did you know that canned foie gras has an amazingly long shelf life? What’s not used from the pandemic pantry will be perfect for entertaining guests next Christmas.
Margo Ibérico
Translates as an expensive luncheon meat. Magro de Cerdo Ibérico is canned lean pork cooked in its own juices. Basically, it’s a snob’s version of spam from Spain. I picked up my tin when in Macao.
Crab
Budget tip just between us, canned crab isn’t too bad. I’ve used it many times and if being cooked in a dish, nobody will notice nor care if marooned at home.
Anchovies
Simply place anchovies on some grilled baguette from your freezer stash (or freshly baked due to your new boredom busting baking skills). Also a great flavour enhancer in your Italian chickpea ragu.
Smoked Oysters
I am a fan of the old smoked oyster. Plonk one on a Jatz or Ritz cracker with a splash of lemon juice and cracked pepper. A nice smoked addition to the walk in pantry.
Other Seafood
Stock up on anything in a tin from Spain or Portugal, you seriously can't go wrong. Plus you won’t be short on variety, tuna, baby scallops, squid, mussels in escabeche, octopus, sardines and mackerel. Eat straight from the tin with a nice glass of wine (see that booze guide!).
Artichoke Hearts
I love the slight umami flavour of artichoke hearts. They're great for topping homemade pizza or adding to a pasta dish.
Chickpeas
I know I poo-pooed the old chickpeas, but they are very versatile and the aquafaba (chickpea water) is the perfect substitute for egg whites when your egg stash runs out.
Tomatoes
Okay, okay, okay, another one which is obvious, but so versatile. Go one step further and stock up on sun dried tomatoes and tomato pesto.
Olives and Pickles
I couldn’t survive for two weeks without either of these items. They will go perfectly with your Spanish/Portuguese tinned seafood extravaganza.
Pesto
You'll thank me for this one when the basil runs out. Smear on some baguette that has seen better days. Top with freezer cheese and bake. Perfecto!
Dry Goods to Survive Armageddon
Rice Rice Baby
But not just any old rice. Stock up on a variety of rice! Jasmine rice cakes are simple and go deliciously with a jar (or homemade) peanut satay sauce. Japanese sushi rice to make tinned tuna or salmon sushi. And don’t forget the basmati to make a pilu using pantry staples of sultanas and pistachios.
Flour
By the end of two weeks you will be the Goddess (or God) of baking. What else are you going to do? Life cannot go on without freshly baked bread, cakes and cookies. Change things up with various flours. Have fun experimenting now you have more time on your hands than you know what to do with.
Chocolate
You can't have a pandemic pantry without chocolate. If you don't know what chocolate is for, you are dead to me.
Nuts about Nuts
Coconut, macadamia nuts, almonds and cashews. Can be used in baking (remember you're a baking God now), smoothies, sweet and savoury treats. Or make your own nut mix to have with that dry gin martini.
Freeze-Dried Fruit Powders
Add these to anything for a flavour and colour kick. I'm a big fan of blueberry. Great in cakes, smoothies and meringues. Alternatively, smear it over your body and do a Violet Beauregarde impersonation. Another way to break the boredom, or when your arms are sore from kneading dough.
Truffle Salt
Is there a more perfect way to finish off that ever so delicious aquafaba omelette filled with Magro Ibérico than with a sprinkle of black truffle salt? Probably.......
Keeping Things Liquid
Oil
You are not going to survive without oil. Trust me around day five you are going to have a craving for unobtainable deep fried food. Even if you are pious and don’t touch the stuff, that craving is going to hit you hard!
Coconut Water
While others strip the shelves of water, go grab that shelf stable coconut water. Perfect to make smoothies with that stash of frozen berries.
Tonic
Goes with the gin. Need I say more? (see booze section of this post)
Japanese Liquids
If I didn’t have a stash of soy sauce, mirin and cooking sake I would be a shaking mess of Japanese withdrawal by the end of two weeks. Not a pretty sight, trust me.
Putting the Chill on Covid-19
You neeed more in your freezer than frozen pepperoni pizza. My freezer is my best friend at normal times. Being faced with two weeks of coronavirus isolation will make it my BFF!
Dairy Items to freeze
You may not have thought of freezing dairy items before, but many freeze well. I always have a stash of shredded cheese in my freeze. Butter, cream and buttermilk all defrost well to use in cooking. Try Buttermilk Chive Scones for example.
Carb Cache
To avoid a carb withdrawal meltdown, stock the freezer with bread rolls and sliced bread. Defrost bread rolls and re-heat in the oven. Toast bread from frozen. An easy peasy solution, because some of us still eat bread.
Fruit and Berries
Blueberries, bananas, plus other various fruits and berries. I also like a stash of frozen coconut pieces in the freezer too. Great for baking, but all mainly used for my morning smoothie.
Meat my Deep Freezer
A variety of ground/minced meat, chicken, beef or a veal and pork mix is perfect for so many dishes. Pork fillet is lean and versatile.
Don't forget the beef and gourmet snags. If in self isolation, why not treat yourself to a gourmet BBQ. Plus, if we lose electricity, you may be sick of barbecues by the end of it. Fill those gas bottles!
Seafood Forever
Prawns, both raw and cooked, freeze like troopers. Make sure you clean and shell them first. They are perfect for prawn toast or garlic butterfly prawns.
Salmon fillets are another versatile ingredient, and trout makes things a little more exciting during a coronavirus meltdown.
Bringing the Chill to my Chilli
I freeze a lot of things and chillies are one of my favourites. So easy to chop and de-seed when frozen. Prime cook's tip right there folks. Don’t forget to freeze a variety of herbs as well. Chives, thyme and rosemary are great freezer candidates.
Bacon
Just like chocolate. If you don't know why, move along now, we can't be friends.
Limoncello
If the apocalypse is coming I plan to be happy when it arrives and shall sup cold limoncello. See booze section below.
Fur Babies Forever
The all important dog pantry should not be forgotten. Get a nice stash of their favourite dry dog food. Harley has a preference for Ziwis, that damn expensive gourmet doggo!!
If you make their meals yourself, as we do, make extra packs for the freezer. Plus treats, we all need treats in our life, including Fido. These peanut butter and carob dog treats should do the trick.
Booze Baby Booze
Last but not least the all important booze section. Make sure you have a good stash of alcohol. No pandemic pantry would be complete without booze. If you haven’t started your wine cellar yet now is a good time to do so.
I would also add vodka, a couple of decent whiskies, and some sake to pair with your tinned tuna sushi. Plus gin, don’t forget the damn gin!
A few other things I couldn't go without are instant ramen, coffee beans, and Pana chocolate. Let me know in the comments what you would have to stock in your pandemic pantry!
Sara xxx
Recipes from a Pandemic Pantry
Super Easy Spelt Pita Bread
Piragi
Irish Potato Bread
Chocolate Swirl Meringues
Indian Rice Doughnuts
Coconut Slice
Fall Out 4 Dirty Wastelander Cocktail
Coconut Cardomom Burfi
Chocolate Brazil Nut and Ginger Cookies
Chocolate Sour Cherry and Almond Cookies
Japanese Rice Soup
Pork Bacon Cheese Sausage Rolls
Easy Sultana Cake
Serious Covid-19 Info & Links
For reliable and realistic information on stocking up your emergency pantry, WA Department of Fires & Emergency Services have a great emergency pantry list. It is fire related but a lot on the list applicable.
This is an interesting link to John Hopkins CSSE up to date information regarding Coronavirus Covid-19 Global Cases including Australia.
This link is one is to a healthmap.org showing an animation of the spread of Novel Coronavirus Covid-19 from day to day. It's pretty damn scary.
Sue R
When I told my SIL about my pantry being stacked more than when she last visited and gasped at it she made me send her a photo LOL.
No Covid here for now but darn it I'm ready for when all the tourist bring it up here to Nth QLD! I also freeze just about anything including all my nuts (use from frozen and tastes just like when you bought them) and brie when close to expiry date.. I just buy them all and freeze till I want to have a platter or to cook with it. Does great in there. I haven't tried with wedges from a large wheel, only the small ones. I've started freezing my home-made pesto too. Chop excess lemons or limes into wedges and freeze. Comes in handy!
We've watched just about ever Young Ones ever made too 🙂
Sara McCleary
Hi Sue,
Firstly I am a little jealous of you being up in N QLD, while I sit in the cold in Sydney. Now that the borders are open, I am looking forward to heading up to QLD to visit my dad.
You are definitely a woman after my own heart. I am yet to freeze brie, but will be giving it a go!
Cheers Sara
Judy Johnson
We should consider this a dry run. The stores are still open and we can get stuff, though there have been some shortages. Start a list of things that you found yourself short of when the panic buying started. Look at things you use every day and ask yourself if you can find an alternative. Yes, I'm talking about TP. I have used cloth for urine for some years and sailed right through the shortage. Feminine hygiene needs as well. It is NOT unsanitary. Learn how to bake bread before you need to. I have been prepping for years and got through the first few weeks not having to purchase more than fresh veggies. I should have stocked more coconut and evaporated mild as well. I still had canned and frozen veggies. My biggest OOPS was that I didn't have much in the way of disinfecting supplies. Though, as I live alone, this hasn't been an issue. But should keep in mind for the future. Thanks for your post
Sara McCleary
Hi Judy,
You sound like you are completely on top of things! This was meant to be a bit of a tonuge in cheek post, with a few reality items thrown in . Please don't think I am stocking up on foie gras and iberico!
The one thing I did fail to stock up on, and did mention in my list is flour. This has been a real pain for me, especially with Easter baking. Notice no Easter treats on the blog this year? I go through much more flour than the average Jo, as I triple test my recipes. No room for that kind of testing sadly in the current situation.
I'm like you, and the items that I needed were the fresh fruit and veg, that you really can't stock up on.
All great tips and really appreciate you adding them for readers.
Cheers, Sara
Judy Johnson
If you enjoy the fois gras and iberico, well it's your pantry and your business. I have never had those. But I do love smoked oysters. As long as you have good healthy food, there is nothing wrong with some treats. Cheers 🙂
Kirsten Pastor
Love the reference to The Young Ones!
Sara McCleary
Thanks Kirsten, totally showing my age!
Debbie
Really enjoyed your humorous post! I was completely unprepared but I have spent the last few months stocking my pantry as much as I possibly can. COVID has stolen so much...but it’s nice to know it hasn’t stolen our ability to laugh! ??
Sara McCleary
Hi Debbie
So glad that I was able to give you a chuckle during these strange times that we are living in.
Cheers, Sara
Bronwen
love it!
Sara McCleary
Thanks Bronwen!
M from Finland
I think your list has pretty little in the veggie department. We should, after all, eat 500g minimum each day.
Most root veggies last for months without preserving. Cabbages too, of course, cauliflowers etc. I've had many others last for two weeks as well - even courgette, fresh tomatoes, peppers, some lettuces (think more robust varieties).
The same with fruits. Apples and citruses are among those that last well beyond 2 weeks, even 2 months (I still have one apple left from the batch that I bought for new year).
Sara McCleary
Hi M from Finland,
I totally agree with you regarding fruit and vegetables they are such an important part of our daily diet. You may have missed the part where I said this was a "tongue in cheek" post. It was aimed at a foodies' idea of the ultimate indulgent pantry. Sadly we don't tend to think of fruit and vegetable staples as indulgent.
Unfortunately here in Australia due to the weather our fresh fruits and vegetables just don't stand up to be stored out of the fridge for very long.
Even though I store my potatoes and onions in a cool dry place out of the frige they won't last even a month. Cauliflower and cabbage would be starting to ferment on their own within a week during summer if stored out of the fridge. Our hot climate can be brutal at times.
Cheers Sara