Question

What minimal ingredient meals can be made with pantry staples? Get a list of simple recipes for when your fridge is empty but your pantry is full.

Answer 1

Several minimal ingredient meals can be made with pantry staples, including pasta with garlic and oil (aglio e olio), lentil soup, and rice and beans. These meals are quick, affordable, and require only a few basic ingredients.

Detailed Explanation:

Creating meals from pantry staples is a great way to save money and reduce food waste. Here are a few examples with step-by-step instructions:

1. Pasta Aglio e Olio (Garlic and Oil):

1. Cook pasta according to package directions. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and cook until the garlic is fragrant and lightly golden, about 2-3 minutes. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
3. Add the drained pasta to the pan with the garlic and oil. Toss to coat.
4. Add a little of the reserved pasta water at a time, tossing continuously, until the sauce emulsifies and coats the pasta.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately. You can add a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if you have it.

2. Lentil Soup:

1. Rinse lentils thoroughly.
2. In a pot, combine lentils with water or broth (vegetable or chicken). Use about 3 cups of liquid per cup of lentils.
3. Add diced onion, carrots, and celery if available. If not, just the lentils and liquid will work.
4. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until the lentils are tender, about 20-30 minutes.
5. Season with salt, pepper, and any other spices you like (cumin, coriander, or smoked paprika work well).
6. Serve hot. A squeeze of lemon juice can brighten the flavor.

3. Rice and Beans:

1. Cook rice according to package directions.
2. While the rice is cooking, heat a can of beans (black beans, kidney beans, or pinto beans work well) in a saucepan. You can add a little water or broth if needed.
3. Season the beans with salt, pepper, and any other spices you like (cumin, chili powder, or garlic powder).
4. Serve the beans over the rice. You can add a dollop of sour cream or salsa if you have it.

Pro Tip:

Don't be afraid to experiment with spices and herbs to add flavor to your minimal ingredient meals. Even a simple dish can be elevated with a pinch of smoked paprika, a dash of chili powder, or a sprinkle of dried oregano.