Building a Vegetarian Pantry

Having a well-stocked pantry is a boon to the busy cook, as it helps you to quickly put together meals throughout the week. Depending on what type of foods you include in your diet, stocking the pantry requires a little extra thought when you are living a vegetarian lifestyle. For example, if you love Thai and Vietnamese food, but are a practicing vegan, fish sauce is not an option for you. Instead, stock your pantry with mushroom soy sauce for a similar hit of flavor. Vegans should read the labels of Thai curry paste and Worcestershire sauce as well, to ensure they contain no fish or shellfish products.