My Go-To 5 Indian Pantry Essentials (That Save Me Time as a Busy Mom)
As a 41-year-old mom of 3 young kids, I feel like my brain always has 50 tabs open at once: chauffeuring the kids to different activities, managing doctors' appointments, work deadlines, birthday RSVPs, remembering who likes chutney with their samosas, and who doesn’t. The last thing I want to do is stand in an aisle, second-guessing which brand of basmati rice or flour to buy.
That’s why having a list of go-to trusted brands has been the most underrated #momhack for me:
- Folex to instantly remove spots and stains from carpets, rugs, and upholstered furniture. I cannot tell you how many times I've reached for this in the past year alone.
- Aarika's Clothing for comfortable Indian clothes my kids will wear without complaining that they're too itchy
- Laxmi for pretty much all of my Indian pantry staples like rice, spices, ghee, flour, and frozen food.
When it comes to these items, I don’t have to waste mental energy debating options (or opening up actual tabs on my browser) - I know exactly what I’m grabbing. It's not only a time saver but a great stress-relief, too.
Here are the five essentials I never let my kitchen run out of:
1. Basmati Rice
Rice is non-negotiable in my house. Whether it’s a fried rice for me, biryani for my husband, or simple dal-chawal for my kids, basmati is always on the menu.
What I love about Laxmi Extra Long Basmati Rice is how the grains cook up fluffy and separate — no clumps, no mush. For everyday meals, it feels comforting, and for special occasions, it feels elevated - especially when cooked with peas and saffron. One bag carries us through both.
2. Whole Wheat Flour
Rotis are on rotation for my kids because they love to eat them rolled up like a burrito. My son will occasionally help our nanny roll out the dough (even if his circles end up looking more like ovals). I've always believed that the more you include kids in making the food, the more they're likely to actually eat the food.
I stick with Laxmi Sharbati Chapati Flour, which makes soft rotis that stay fresh longer (because we don't make them daily). It feels wholesome without being too heavy, and it’s versatile enough for pooris or parathas, when the mood strikes. Having this flour on hand means one less excuse to order burritos for takeout.
3. Ghee
My mom used to drizzle ghee over hot rotis and rice, and now I find myself doing the same for my kids. I suppose it's a rite of passage all moms go through.
Beyond the nostalgia, ghee is a powerhouse of nutrition. It’s rich in healthy fats and fat-soluble vitamins that are essential for growing kids. It supports digestion, boosts immunity, and provides long-lasting energy - which, I just wish my kids would channel in the right ways.
But the main reason I find myself constantly reaching for Laxmi Pure Ghee is that it's so versatile. I stir a spoonful into dal, spread it on toast, or melt it over steamed veggies. It adds a depth of flavor while sneaking in nutrients, so I don’t have to think twice about whether my kids are getting enough good fats in their diet.
4. Frozen Vegetables
I'll eventually get better about meal preppping but I'm not there yet. Which is why weekday dinners sometimes still feel like a race against the clock. Fresh tindora or okra aren’t always available locally, and even when they are, chopping them can eat up half an hour I don’t have.
That’s why my freezer always has Laxmi frozen bhindi, green peas and mixed vegetables. They’re already cleaned and cut, and they cook beautifully into curries or stir-fries. It’s a lifesaver when I need to save time without compromising taste.
5. Spices
#FACT: no Indian kitchen runs without its masala dabba. The right spice profile can literally make or break a dish. In fact, most dishes I make typically do use the same ingredients - the only thing that changes is the portions.
From turmeric and cumin to garam masala, I keep my spice rack stocked with Laxmi spices because they were one of the only Indian brands ranked in a Consumer Reports article that tested herbs and spices for heavy metals like lead and arsenic. Knowing this gives me peace of mind because swapping out my entire spice cabinet is not something I ever want to worry about.
Where to Shop
Luckily, you can find Laxmi products in almost every local Indian grocery store, including Subzi Mandi, Patidar, Apna Bazar, and India Bazaar. Many websites and apps (including Amazon!) also carry them online if you prefer delivery.
The Bottom Line
As moms, our mental load is already overflowing. The fewer decisions I have to make, the lighter it feels. Knowing that Laxmi covers my family’s basics - rice, flour, ghee, frozen veggies, and spices - means I can walk into the store, pick up what I need, and get back to the million other things waiting for me.