Stocking your tiny pantry

1. The Basics: Let's begin with the pantry essentials that every kitchen, big or small, should have. These foundational items will form the backbone of your culinary adventures:

• Rice and Pasta: These versatile staples can be the base for countless dishes.  If you are on a gluten free or low carb diet, substitute your items appropriately.
• Canned Goods: Beans, tomatoes, and canned fish are awesome for quick, nutritious meals.  I prefer canned tuna, but you could add canned salmon, shrimp, crab and mackerel.
• Oils and Vinegars: Olive oil, coconut oil, ghee and a selection of vinegars add depth and flavor to your cooking.  I take butter and make my own ghee.
• Herbs and Spices: Have a stock of what you use daily.  Salt, fresh pepper, Italian seasoning, oregano and basil are my main item.  Curry powder, chili powder, taco seasonings of choice, fresh onions and garlic, also onion powder and flakes and garlic powder.  
• Flour and Sugar: For baking and cooking, your preferred all purpose flour and sugar.  If you bake often, add in yeast, baking powder and baking soda.
• Frozen fruits and vegetables: Pick your favorites.  Buy the best quality you can afford.  You can repackage them if you need to compact your freezer storage further.

1. Space-Saving Storage: In a tiny kitchen, every inch of space matters. Invest in clear, airtight containers to store your pantry items.  Square or rectangular shaped containers are more space efficient. They not only keep your ingredients fresh but also maximize shelf space.
2. Freshness and Organization: Frequent organization is essential in a small pantry. Check the expiration dates regularly and use the first-in, first-out (FIFO) method to ensure you're always using the oldest items first. Label your containers for quick identification, and keep an inventory list on the pantry door to help you stay organized.  Consider an inventory list for your refridgerator and freezer also.  I use these to make my grocery list.  Professional kitchens keep a list with a number to maintain in stock.
3. Smart Ingredient Selection: In a tiny kitchen, it's crucial to choose ingredients that are versatile and have a longer shelf life. Opt for long-lasting vegetables like onions, garlic, and potatoes. Purchase frozen vegetables and fruits to minimize waste and maximize convenience. Stock up on canned proteins like tuna, salmon, and chicken. These ingredients can be the base for a variety of dishes and have a longer shelf life.  If you don't have a way to utilize left overs, use smaller package sizes, and make just enough for the number of people you cook for.
4. Meal Planning: Meal planning is your best friend in a tiny kitchen. By planning your meals ahead of time, you can ensure you only buy what you need and use what you have. It also helps you make the most of your limited pantry space by avoiding unnecessary purchases.  Kitchen waste averages 25%.  Not purchasing ingredients you always waste will save space, money and time!
5. Building Blocks of Flavor: Even in a tiny kitchen, you can infuse your dishes with incredible flavors. Invest in a few high-quality condiments and sauces like soy sauce, hot sauce, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. These can transform simple dishes.  I also have sweet chili sauce and fish sauce in my pantry for umami.  
6. Minimalist Appliances: Consider paring down your appliances to the essentials. A compact blender or food processor can be more space-efficient than a larger one. Multi-functional appliances like Instant Pots can replace several kitchen gadgets, saving both space and money.  My stick blender came with a mini food processer, a whisk, and the blender that I use regularly.  It is kept in a square basket in one of the kitchen drawers.

Conclusion: Stocking a pantry in a tiny kitchen requires thoughtful selection, organization, and planning. By focusing on versatile, long-lasting ingredients and maximizing your storage space, you can create a pantry that's both functional and inspiring. With a well-stocked pantry and a bit of creativity, you'll be amazed at the culinary wonders you can conjure up, even in the coziest of kitchens. Happy cooking!