Quick Meals You Can Make with Pantry Ingredients

Most of us have experienced those days when the last thing you want to spend time doing is preparing a meal, which takes a lot of time. This is why having a fully stocked pantry is a godsend. Those are some valuable items that will help you when you are in dire need of food. Here are seven essential pantry staples that can work wonders as you are trying to avoid heading back to the store very soon. That's why even simple food items can be easily transformed into delicious meals that do not take longer than half an hour to make.

In this blog post, I will introduce a variety of meals you can cook using staple foods at home: pasta and soup meals, stir and flat air, etc. Well, let's get into some of these recipes that are quick but delicious at the same time.

1. One-pot pasta with Tomato and Garlic

Pasta, my all-time favorite pantry staple, is a lifesaver when feeding a crowd with minimal ingredients. One-pot pasta meals, in particular, are a godsend when juggling a lot, as they not only require minimal washing up but also are a breeze to prepare, relieving you of the cooking and cleaning burden.

Ingredients:

• 8 oz dried spaghetti or any pasta

• One can (14 oz) diced tomatoes

• Four cloves garlic, minced

• 4 cups water or broth

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tsp dried oregano or basil

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions:

1. Place 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot; fry garlic until they turn slightly brown or release a pleasing aroma.

2. Mix it with the diced tomatoes and water, then add the pasta. Add the dried herbs, salt, and pepper, and stir.

Boil it, then let it simmer on low heat. Toss gently to combine, about every 3-4 minutes, and again, once the pasta is almost tender and the liquid mostly evaporates, about another 6-8 minutes. It is best served with a powder made from cheese such as Parmesan. You can also garnish it with fresh herbs or a drizzle of olive oil for an extra flavor and presentation. This pasta dish described below is relatively easy but tasty at the same time. Dispersed with tomatoes and garlic, it forms a delicious sauce that envelopes the pasta, and with only one pot to wash – a stress-free meal plan.

1. Chickpea and Spinach Stir-Fry

This is a good source of plant-based protein that can be used to prepare different meals after it has been canned. Serve it with frozen or canned spinach for a quick, easy, healthy stir fry that will fill you up and taste great.

Ingredients:

• One can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed

• One can (14 oz) spinach (or 2 cups frozen spinach)

• One onion, chopped

• Two cloves garlic, minced

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tsp cumin

• 1 tsp smoked paprika

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Lemon wedges (optional)

Instructions:

1. Heat a quarter cup of olive oil over a large pan over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic to the same pan and sauté them until they soften.

2. Stir in the chickpeas, cumin, paprika, salt and pepper. Stir-fry for about 5- 7 minutes; this should help crisp the chickpeas slightly.

3. Add the spinach into the mix for 3 minutes or until it is hot.

4. Eat it while it is still warm, and if it's too dry in your mouth, you may add a dash of lemon juice to enhance the taste.

As explained below, this chickpea and spinach stir-fry is best eaten for dinner or lunch once prepared. The spices give dimension to the dish, and the lemon zests up the dish. You can customize this dish by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting the spices to suit your taste, empowering you to create a meal that suits your preferences.

1. Black Bean Tacos

Tacos are incredibly convenient and require little preparation; using black beans as the foundation is a healthy meal choice. You can put whatever you have on them, from salsa to shredded cheese.

Ingredients:

• One can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed

• Eight small tortillas

• 1 tsp cumin

• 1 tsp chili powder

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Salsa, sour cream, shredded cheese, or avocado for topping

Instructions:

1. Warm the remaining olive oil in a pan and stir-fry the black beans in cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper for 5 minutes.

2. Heat the tortillas in a non-greased skillet or microwave.

3. Place the black beans on each tortilla, then sprinkle it with salsa, sour cream, cheese, or avocado.

Black bean tacos are a canvas for your culinary creativity. You can customize them in countless ways, from adding canned corn for a pop of sweetness to sprinkling pickled jalapenos for a tangy kick. Fresh cilantro herbs can also be a great addition, enhancing the dish's flavors and making it uniquely yours.

1. Lentil Soup with Vegetables

The pantry stars Lentils are packed with protein, fiber, and many nutrients. This lentil soup, enriched with canned or frozen vegetables, is a nutritious and satisfying meal that can be prepared in under half an hour, giving you a healthy and quick meal option and reassuring you about your meal choice.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup dried lentils, rinsed

• One can (14 oz) diced tomatoes

• One onion, chopped

• Two cloves garlic, minced

• 4 cups vegetable broth or water

• 1 tsp cumin

• 1 tsp thyme

• 2 cups canned or frozen mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, green beans)

• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, melt butter, add the onion and garlic, and stir until tender.

2. Lift the heat to bring it to a boil, then add the diced tomatoes, lentils, broth, cumin, thyme, salt, and pepper.

3. It will take some time for the juices to bubble; as soon as they allow them to soften, cook the ground turkey on low heat. Continue cooking for 20 minutes or if you want tenderness of the lentils.

4. Add the canned or frozen vegetables and cook for 5 minutes, after which you should see that the vegetables are heated.

Lentil soup is a great meal because it can keep you full for a long time and is perfect for meal prep. Take caution not to fry all at once as this will make it hard for you to use later should you decide to freeze it for future use or even store it in the fridge for up to a week.

1. Tuna and White Bean Salad

Tuna canned in water is another good pantry ingredient as it contains many proteins and omega fatty acids. Combined with white beans, it can be served as a pretty simple yet filling salad, which is acceptable for consumption all alone, with crackers or bread.

Ingredients:

• One can (5 oz) tuna in water, drained

• One can (15 oz) white beans, drained and rinsed

• One small red onion, finely chopped

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tbsp red wine vinegar or lemon juice

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Add the tuna, white beans, and red onion in a large bowl.

2. Finally, pour the olive oil and vinegar (lemon juice) on it and mix properly.

3. Add salt and pepper to enhance the flavors, and if you can, add fresh herbs.

This light-satisfying tuna and white bean salad can be served for lunch or dinner. This protein-rich meal is easy to prepare and does not need cooking since it can be stored in the pantry.

1. Tomato and Egg Shakshuka

Shakshuka is an extensively popular Middle Eastern dish that consists of eggs, usually baked or poached in tomato-based gravy. You can prepare it using ingredients you will likely find in most houses, such as canned tomatoes and dried herbs.

Ingredients:

• One can (14 oz) diced tomatoes

• Four large eggs

• One onion, chopped

• Two cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tsp cumin

• 1 tsp paprika

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Olive oil

• Fresh cilantro or parsley (optional)

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil and sauté the onion and garlic in a large skillet until it becomes soft.

2. Add the diced tomatoes, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Allow it to simmer for 10 minutes because the flavors need to blend.

3. Whisk the sauce and create little indentations, then break an egg into the indentations.

4. Remove the skillet from heat and let the eggs steam for about 5-7 minutes, covered.

5. Sprinkle the freshly chopped coriander or parsley over the gravy, if you have it, accompanied by the baked bread loaf or rice.

Shakshuka is tasty and warm, perfect for breakfast, and I've also had it for lunch or dinner. It is an excellent way to empty the pantry while making a fulfilling meal.

1. Peanut Butter and Oat Energy Bites

Energy nibbles, perfect if you're in a rush for your quick snack or breakfast, are pretty simple as you only need oats, peanut butter, and honey. They are very convenient and perfect, especially for a quick snack.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup rolled oats

• 1/2 cup peanut butter

• 1/4 cup honey

• 1/4 cup chocolate chips or dried fruit (optional)

• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Put all the above ingredients in a large bowl and stir until the ingredients have blended properly.

2. Spat the mixture into small balls and put them on a baking tray.

3. Return to the refrigerator and chill for at least 30 minutes before you serve it.

This is an attractive-looking snack and a healthy one because they have protein and fiber.

Conclusion

Everyone should develop some habits to cook at home because, with some ingredients in the pantry, one does not have to go to the supermarket to buy what to cook. For instance, pasta dishes, robust soups, energy bites, and salads are some dishes made from pantry items. This way, you always have the base 'stocked up' and are never far from a few bangin' dishes like canned beans, lentils, pasta, spices, etc. Don't lock up the creativity of pantry cooking; it relieves meaning to every busy day.