Top 10 Easy and Delicious Recipes Using Pantry Staples
In times of uncertainty or when we can’t make it to the grocery store, having a well-stocked pantry can save the day. Pantry staples are those essential ingredients that you always have on hand, and they can be transformed into delicious meals with just a little bit of creativity. In this blog post, we will share with you our top 10 easy and delicious recipes using pantry staples.
1. Pasta aglio e olio – This classic Italian dish only requires pasta, olive oil, garlic, and chili flakes. Cook the pasta al dente, sauté the minced garlic and chili flakes in olive oil, then toss in the cooked pasta. Finish with some grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of parsley. It’s a simple yet incredibly flavorful pasta dish that never disappoints.
2. Tuna salad – Canned tuna is a versatile ingredient that can be used to make a delicious salad. Combine canned tuna, mayonnaise, diced celery, diced red onion, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. You can serve it on a bed of lettuce, in a sandwich, or even stuffed in a pita pocket. It’s a quick and healthy option for lunch or a light dinner.
3. Chickpea curry – Canned chickpeas are another great pantry staple that can be used to make a flavorful curry. Sauté onions, garlic, and ginger in oil, then add spices like cumin, coriander, turmeric, and curry powder. Add the canned chickpeas, vegetable broth, and coconut milk, and let it simmer until the flavors meld together. Serve it over rice or with some crusty bread.
4. Tomato soup – This comforting soup can be made with just a few pantry staples. Sauté onions and garlic in butter, add canned tomatoes, vegetable broth, and a touch of sugar. Let it simmer for about 20 minutes, then blend until smooth. Serve it with a grilled cheese sandwich for the ultimate comfort food meal.
5. Lentil salad – Lentils are not only nutritious but also a great pantry staple. Cook the lentils according to the package instructions, then toss them with diced tomatoes, diced cucumbers, chopped parsley, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. It’s a simple yet satisfying salad that can be enjoyed as a main course or a side dish.
6. Red beans and rice – This classic New Orleans dish is made with canned red beans, rice, onions, garlic, and spices like paprika, thyme, and cayenne pepper. Sauté the onions and garlic, add the spices and canned beans, and let it simmer for about 30 minutes. Serve it over fluffy rice for a hearty and flavorful meal.
7. Oatmeal pancakes – Pancakes can be made even when you don’t have eggs or milk. Mix together oats, flour, baking powder, sugar, salt, and water until you have a smooth batter. Cook the pancakes on a greased skillet until golden brown on both sides. Serve them with your favorite toppings like maple syrup, fresh fruit, or a dollop of yogurt.
8. Spaghetti aglio, olio e peperoncino – Similar to pasta aglio e olio, this dish only requires spaghetti, olive oil, garlic, and chili flakes. Cook the pasta al dente, sauté the minced garlic and chili flakes in olive oil, then toss in the cooked pasta. Skip the Parmesan cheese and parsley this time, and you’ll have a quick and satisfying dinner option.
9. Easy black bean soup – Canned black beans can be transformed into a flavorful soup with just a few ingredients. Sauté onions, garlic, and bell peppers in olive oil, add canned black beans, vegetable broth, cumin, and chili powder. Let it simmer for about 20 minutes, and serve it with a dollop of sour cream and some chopped cilantro.
10. Chocolate chip cookies – No pantry staple recipe list would be complete without a sweet treat. You can easily make delicious chocolate chip cookies with flour, sugar, butter, baking soda, salt, vanilla extract, and of course, chocolate chips. Mix all the ingredients together, drop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet, and bake until golden brown. Enjoy warm with a glass of milk.
Having a well-stocked pantry is essential for any home cook. These top 10 easy and delicious recipes using pantry staples will help you create a variety of meals without having to rely on a grocery store run. Give them a try and enjoy the convenience and tastiness of cooking with pantry essentials.
