A monthly pantry checklist for a family of four

A family of four typically uses 10–12 kg of atta, 5 kg of rice and 3–4 kg of dal a month, along with 3 litres of cooking oil and a kilo of ghee.

Buying staples in larger packs saves money, but only if they are stored well: airtight containers, a cool cupboard and a bay leaf or two in the dal keeps pests away.

Restock spices every few months — ground masalas lose their aroma long before they "expire".