Antipasto favourites

Jars of olives, marinated artichokes and strips of charred capsicum are just some of the favourites that can add oodles of flavour to your sandwiches, pasta dishes, dips and as a go to snack when unexpected friends call in.

Canned beans and chickpeas

These pantry favourites can be quickly transformed into dips for entertaining, purees to serve alongside your favourite grilled meat or fish or vibrant veggie soups. Keep plenty of hand, from large butter beans for minestrone to chickpeas for hummus.

Coconut milk and cream

Whether it’s in a laksa, a dessert or as part of a curry, coconut milk makes an ideal go-to ingredient for spring eating. And for those extremely decadent dishes where you want an extra coconut flavour choose coconut cream.

Condensed milk

As the weather grows warmer, we start moving away from the heavy winter puddings and to more tropical flavoured desserts. Here, condensed milk rules, transforming slices, flans and fruity purees, and making light work of entertaining.

Curry paste

Whether you want to make a curry or just add some flavour to a spicy soup, curry paste is a great addition to a spring pantry. Try stocking up on Thai favourites, like red and green pastes, and Indian versions such as korma and tikka masala.

Noodles

Pair up your veggie stir fries and Asian soups with a range of noodles to turn them into a filling meal. Filling, nutritious and quick-cooking, they make an easy meal on a weeknight.

Pasta

Keep quick-cooking varieties like angel hair or spaghetti on hand for transforming into quick meals. Then, you can simply add some chopped fresh herbs, olive oil and a little garlic and chilli to the hot strands for an easy meal.

Pesto

If you’re after a vibrant, quick meal, keep a jar of pesto on hand to stir through hot pasta, as a sandwich filler or as a coating on grilled chicken. And don’t just think about basil pesto – sundried tomato, chilli and rocket are just as full of flavour and make a nice change in your favourite dishes.

Rice

Some of our favourite spring dishes are all about rice: paella with peas; risotto with fresh leafy herbs; Thai fried rice with broccolini; and, rice slices packed with veggies. Stock up on all types, such as Arborio, jasmin, basmati and short grain to make light work of spring meals.

Click here for your free Australia’s Best Recipes pantry checklist.