You haven’t been to the grocery store since last week, you’re hungry and you have no ideas.
There are two options:
1) You can panic as your blood sugar rapidly drops and turn to the trusty takeaway, or
2) You can open up the cabinets and treat what you find like your personal Ready, Steady, Cook. Onions? A can of chickpeas? A wan tomato? A jar of pesto? (Or even sparser—garlic, eggs, water?)
Challenge accepted.
This soup-from-a-stone kind of meal, is sometimes the most satisfying. You’ve wrung every last thing you possibly can from your pantry and fed yourself. To give a little inspiration, we bet your pantry and refrigerator dregs could produce at least a few of the following recipes.
01
Chilli, lemon and garlic spaghetti
Chilli, lemon and garlic spaghetti
This light pasta dish can be ready in just half an hour, making it a great choice for midweek dinners.
02
Pea fritters with avocado goat’s cheese
You may need to make a few adjustments if you can’t find goat’s cheese – but with some frozen peas, a little flour and a few more staples you can whip up these tasty pea fritters with avocado goat’s cheese.
03
Rice-cooker bibimbap
A colourful mix of rice, meat and veggies, this is the Korean bibimbap in rush mode. Don’t forget to top it up with the egg. It adds a creamy richness that binds everything together.
05
Couscous tabbouleh with chickpeas
Couscous tabbouleh with chickpeas
Ideal as part of a low-fat diet, this salad is satisfying, tasty and healthy.
07
Spiced vegetable omelettes
Start your day off on the right tastebuds with this delicious spicy vegetarian omelette.
08
Toast with avocado, tahini and sumac tomatoes
Toast with avocado, tahini and sumac tomatoes
This healthy and delicious toast topping combination will leave you wanting savoury breakfasts every day. The combination of creamy smashed avocado, nutty tahini and roasted sumac tomatoes creates a beautiful meal.
09
Spicy red beans and rice
These Mexican-spiced kidney beans with rice make an easy and tasty vegetarian meal.
10
Vegetable noodle omelettes
This is such a quick and healthy dinner and easy on the pocket, too. The vegetables can be varied to whatever you like.
11
Spaghetti carbonara
This authentic Italian spaghetti carbonara uses egg yolks – not cream – to achieve its iconic silky texture.
12
Penne Napoletana
This flavour-packed pasta dish is quick and easy to throw together, making the ultimate weeknight family dinner. The timeless combination of tomato, olives and creamy feta works brilliantly together to channel Italian vibes.
13
Roasted capsicum and tomato pasta with salsa verde
Roasted capsicum and tomato pasta with salsa verde
There’s no need to feel guilty with this delicious pasta. Brimming with fresh capsicum, capers, garlic and tomatoes it’s as healthy as it is delicious.
14
Spinach and broccolini pasta with rocket and walnut pesto
Spinach and broccolini pasta with rocket and walnut pesto
The walnuts in this divine homemade pesto offer a veritable array of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory nutrients. Plus, it tastes incredible tossed through this tasty vegetarian pasta dish.
15
Pasta with spinach, mushrooms and almonds
Pasta with spinach, mushrooms and almonds
This delectable vegetarian pasta is packed with mushrooms, pecorino and crunchy almonds. Delish! It’s also good for diabetics.
16
Pasta with zucchini and lemon garlic sauce
Pasta with zucchini and lemon garlic sauce
This delicious yet simple pasta dish is packed with veggies and can be whipped up quickly and easily. In fact, you’ll have most of the ingredients in your pantry and fridge already.
17
Broccoli mac and cheese
It’s the holy grail of all pasta bakes, so here’s how to make an even better version of the traditional family favourite.
18
Tomato, prosciutto and mozzarella tart
19
Zucchini ‘spaghetti’ with tomato and fetta
Zucchini ‘spaghetti’ with tomato and fetta
Spaghetti-like strands are created from zucchini in this recipe instead of any actual pasta, which also makes this dish a great gluten-free option.
20
Corn and kidney bean quesadillas with tomato salsa
Corn and kidney bean quesadillas with tomato salsa
Stuff tortillas with cheese and vegetables and grill – kind of like a Mexican toasted sandwich and serve with a fresh tomato salsa.
21
Turkey meatballs with simple tomato sauce
Turkey meatballs with simple tomato sauce
An easy dish of turkey meatballs with simple tomato sauce for all ages to enjoy.
22
Tuna and mushroom pasta
If you are lucky enough to have a tin of tuna and some pasta in your cupboard – whip up a quick and tasty tuna pasta.
23
Simple satisfying lasagne with basic tomato sauce
24
Tuna and rice bake
Some leftover rice, a can of tuna and a few pantry ingredients are all you need to whip up this simple and satisfying tuna and rice bake for dinner tonight.
25
Garlicky lemon chicken
This easy chicken recipe is delicious served with a crisp green salad or beans.
26
Chicken, tomato and feta rissoles
Chicken, tomato and feta rissoles
Take your rissoles in a tasty new direction with chicken mince, and the delicious flavour of crumbly feta and acidic tomatoes.
28
Honey soy chicken skewers
Grabbed the last pack of chicken thighs or had some in the freezer? These tasty skewers will help chase away the hunger.
29
Corn & bacon fritters with avocado dressing
These corn and bacon fritters are quick to make and delicious to eat with or without all the trimmings!
30
Vegetable and chickpea fritters
Vegetable and chickpea fritters
Fabulously tasty and loaded with veggies, this handy fritter recipe is a perfect quick and easy meal. You can also serve them with bacon and a lovely poached egg for more substantial meal.
