A practical pantry shelf

Start with ingredients that work together.

A useful pantry is built around meals you already like to make. Rice, lentils, pasta, a few tins of tomatoes, and a familiar oil offer more options than a shelf full of ingredients kept for a single recipe.

Store older packets in front and label jars when the contents are no longer obvious. Clear storage is only helpful if you can tell what is inside. Keep cooking instructions from the original packet when decanting unfamiliar grains.

Before shopping, choose one ingredient that needs using and plan a meal around it. This is usually easier than planning several dishes first and discovering that each needs something different.