What quick meals can be made from just 5 pantry staples? Get a list of simple recipes for when your grocery supply is low.
1 Answer
Several quick meals can be made from 5 pantry staples, including pasta with garlic and oil, rice and beans, quesadillas, oatmeal, and scrambled eggs. These meals are fast, affordable, and require minimal ingredients.
Detailed Explanation:
Creating meals from a limited pantry is a great way to save time and money. Here are some examples using common pantry staples:
Pasta with Garlic and Oil (Aglio e Olio): All you need is pasta, garlic, olive oil, red pepper flakes (optional, but adds flavor), and salt. Cook the pasta, sauté the garlic in olive oil with red pepper flakes, and then toss everything together. A simple, flavorful, and quick meal.
Rice and Beans: Rice and beans are a classic combination. Cook rice according to package directions. Heat canned beans (black beans, kidney beans, or pinto beans work well) in a saucepan. Season with salt, pepper, and any other spices you have on hand. Serve the beans over the rice.
Quesadillas: Tortillas and cheese are the base for a quick quesadilla. Place cheese between two tortillas and cook in a skillet or microwave until the cheese is melted. You can add other pantry staples like canned corn or beans if available.
Oatmeal: Oatmeal is a quick and healthy breakfast or snack. Cook oats with water or milk (if you have it) according to package directions. Add a pinch of salt and any sweeteners or spices you have, such as cinnamon or honey.
Scrambled Eggs: While eggs aren't strictly a pantry item, they are a common refrigerator staple. Scramble eggs with a little milk or water (if available) and cook in a skillet. Season with salt and pepper. Serve with toast if you have bread on hand.
Pro Tip:
Don't be afraid to get creative with seasonings! Even simple meals can be elevated with spices like garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, or dried herbs. A little seasoning can go a long way in making a basic meal more flavorful.