This should have been a top 5 of arthritis diet friendly cupboard staples but I couldn't leave out the anti-inflammatory spices. These are the healthy ingredients that you can tuck at the back of your pantry and feel smug in the knowledge that you will always have some nutritious goodies on standby, even when your fridge is bare. Follow the links included to my favourite arthritis friendly recipes using these store-cupboard staples.Couscous - so ridiculously easy to cook, it's virtually instant. You can simply pour boiling water over couscous and leave it to steam so there is no messing about with heavy pans full of hot water. Mix with grated or grilled vegetables and herbs for a quick salad. Serve alongside grilled meats or fish as a tasty alternative to rice or potatoes.
Good quality low salt stock cubes - a great base for quick, healthy soups and sauces. You can even mix one with a little olive oil and use to marinade chicken or fish. I like the Kallo brand best.
Oats - make summer porridge by soaking them overnight in fruit juice and serving with yoghurt for a breakfast rich in in heart healthy soluble fibre. Bake with them or use them to give a crispy, fibre rich coating to fish fillets.
Almonds - high in healthy mono-unsaturated fats, vitamin E and fibre, almonds make a great snack or addition to cereal, salads and stir-fries.
Cans of beans - cannelini, chickpea, butter beans - whatever you like best, keep a few cans of them handy. You can mash the beans to serve alongside grilled fish, add them to stir fries instead of noodles to add protein and fibre, toss them into salads or whizz them up into great tasting dips.
Spices - turmeric, ginger and cinnamon are all anti-inflammatory spice cupboard staples. Dried chilli flakes and garlic are also a great no-chop alternative to the fresh ingredients.
What are your arthritis diet cupboard essentials?
