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    Pantry Recipes: flavor-packed recipes using staples Recipe Index

    Pantry Recipes: flavor-packed recipes using staples

    Published: Mar 25, 2020 · Modified: May 17, 2021 by Nicki Sizemore · This post may contain affiliate links

    Easy pantry recipes 

    These pantry recipes are some of my can’t-live-without back-pocket staples. Cooking from the pantry does not have to be boring! These recipes are inexpensive, they come together easily, and they go big on flavor. Be sure to read the descriptions below, as I’ve included variations so that you can adapt the recipes according to what you might have on hand.   

    Vitamix Tomato Soup

    Tomato soup on a serving board.

    This is my kids’ very favorite soup, hands-down, and it’s made with a 28-ounce can of whole, peeled tomatoes (don’t worry, if you don’t have a Vitamix you can use a regular blender). You can swap out the fresh herbs for ⅛ teaspoon of dried Italian seasoning mix and use onion (preferably sweet onion) in place of the shallot. Also, you can use canned coconut cream in place of the heavy cream. 

    Vegan Quinoa Burgers

    Quinoa and white bean burger on a plate with a hand grabbing it.

    These vegetable burgers are bound with cooked quinoa and white beans! You can use any canned white beans you have, such as cannellini, navy or Great Northern, or you go in a different direction and use black beans instead. The recipe calls for cilantro and scallions, which you can omit. You can also amp up the dried spices (for instance, try adding a teaspoon of chili powder). 

    Curried Millet Cakes

    Curried millet cakes, a pantry recipe, on a plate.

    If you haven’t tried cooking with millet before, these healthy cakes are a great place to start! They’re flavored with garlic, ginger and curry powder, but you can switch up the flavors according to what you have on hand (don’t have ginger? No sweat; just omit it). They also contain shredded carrots, scallions and frozen peas, all of which can be omitted if you don’t have them on hand (although I do love the sweetness that the carrots impart). 

    Instant Pot Pinto Beans

    Grid showing ways of using Instant Pot pinto beans in pantry recipes.

    This technique for cooking pinto beans can be used to cook other dried beans, such as black beans or even white beans! You can omit the bacon if you don’t have it. The beans can be used in a zillion easy pantry recipes!

    Chickpea Waffles

    Chickpea waffles on a plate.

    These savory chickpea waffles are made with just chickpea flour, water and olive oil. You can turn them into a nutritious meal by topping them with eggs, greens, beans and/or leftovers. The waffles also freeze beautifully, making for quick lunches. 

    Slow Cooker Sweet Potatoes

    Stuffed sweet potatoes on plates.

    Sweet potatoes are one of my favorite pantry staples, and this is probably the easiest way to cook them (spoiler alert: just throw them in the slow cooker!). You can serve the sweet potatoes just as they are as a side dish, or you can turn them into a full meal by topping them with easy fixings. Some favorites include: chickpeas or lentils with greens (if you have them) and tahini; leftover or canned chili; black beans and cheese; and any leftover stews or braises!

    Healthy Sweet Potato Soup

    Sweet potato soup in a pot with bowls alongside.

    This easy soup is another great way to put sweet potatoes to use. It freezes beautifully so feel free to make a double batch. You can use 1 small onion in place of the leek and swap out the cinnamon and chili powder for other spices, according to what you have or like (think ginger and curry powder, or chili powder and cumin). Also, you can use all water in the soup, instead of half water and half broth. 

    Canned Salmon Cakes

    Canned salmon cakes on a plate.

    These salmon cakes are another easy pantry recipe using canned salmon. They make for a protein-packed and delicious lunch or dinner (my kids love them too!). They're paleo, gluten-free and dairy-free. You can use canned tuna in place of the salmon. Also, the recipe calls for a bit of chopped celery, which can be omitted. 

    Creamy Grits

    Grits in a bowl.

    There are few foods as comforting as these creamy grits or polenta, and you only need dried cornmeal, milk and water. You can even omit the milk if you don’t have any. Serve the grits as a bed for stewed beans, roasted vegetables, meats or fish. Or just spoon them straight out of a bowl, as I do!

    My Favorite Granola

    Gluten free granola in a bowl with spoons alongside.

    This not-too-sweet granola is a staple in our house, and it makes a big batch that lasts for weeks. You can swap out the pumpkin seeds for sunflower seeds (or omit them altogether), and you can use any nuts you have on hand. You can also use a neutral vegetable oil in place of the coconut oil. Use any dried fruits you like (although the granola is still tasty without them).

    Almond Coconut Cake

    Almond cake on a plate with fruit alongside.

    For a snack cake that tastes like sunshine, stop here. This healthy almond cake is sweetened with honey and gets its rise from eggs alone. You can serve it as-is for a snack (or breakfast!) or dollop it with whipped cream (or whipped coconut cream) and fruit for dessert. If you don't have fresh fruit, try warming up frozen berries (we love warm wild blueberries!).

    One-Bowl Gluten-Free Chocolate Cake

    A slice of chocolate cake, showcasing easy pantry recipes.

    If you have chocolate, eggs, sugar and almond flour in the house, you can whip up this one-bowl chocolate cake. It's rich and chocolaty but light - the perfect mid-week pick-me-up. Just like the Almond Coconut Cake, it can be served on its own, or you can doll it up with whipped cream and berries (I love topping it with these port-braised frozen cherries!).

    More pantry recipes

    Check out these other pantry-friendly recipes!

    • Vegetable Potage Soup
    • Granola Clusters
    • Blueberry Blender Muffins
    • Baked Oatmeal Bars

    I invite you to make each of these recipes your own. What are your favorite pantry meals?

    I'd love to answer any of your questions and see what you're cooking!! Don't forget to rate this recipe and leave a comment below. Follow along on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube & Pinterest, and be sure to tag @fromscratchfast so that I can share your creations!

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      Easy Sausage Baked Pasta with Ricotta (One Skillet!)
    • Whole smoked chicken on a serving platter with lemon wedges and parsley.
      Ultimate Whole Smoked Chicken Recipe (Traeger Smoked Chicken)
    • Yogurt marinated chicken pieces on a platter with grilled lemons and a serving fork.
      Juicy Yogurt Marinated Grilled Chicken

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    Meet Nicki

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    Welcome! I’m Nicki Sizemore, a trained chef, recipe developer and cookbook author. My mission is to help you make wholesome & delicious food from scratch without spending hours in the kitchen. All of my recipes are naturally gluten-free.

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