I’ll be the first to admit that when life gets busy (which is, let’s be honest, typically always), I’ll go for ready-made and takeout foods more often than not. So to have the chance these days to get back to some more home-cooking lately has been amazing! I consider it a great opportunity to hunker down, clean out the pantry, and use up ingredients that have been collecting dust.
This post is filled with our all-time favourite recipes focusing on non-perishable staples you are likely to find in your pantry. If you don’t have the ingredients on hand, chances are you’ll be able to find them easier at your local grocery store than fresh ingredients these days. Also, remember to substitute ingredients, as needed, to suit what is available. I always consider recipes as a starting point for inspiring new crave-worthy culinary creations and encourage you to do the same.
Happy cooking!
1. Pumpkin Energy Bites
Energy bites are one of our fave crave-worthy and satisfying snacks! They’re the perfect snack for when mid-afternoon hunger strikes, for a pre- or post-workout boost or even as part of a balanced breakfast. Plus, who doesn’t love pumpkin spice and everything nice?
2. Quinoa Breakfast Bowl
Grain bowls are on-trend right now. They also happen to be a great way to put together a balanced meal – one that incorporates complex carbs, healthy fats and plenty of protein. It’s nice to switch up the typical breakfast foods with this savoury dish and give you the chance to dust off that bag of quinoa in your pantry. Plus, one-dish meals means less to clean up! No eggs? Substitute with canned chickpeas.
3. Make Ahead Breakfast Egg Cups
This recipe does focus on fresh ingredients but it’s also a great way to limit waste by using up veggies that are starting to go bad. You can also use frozen veggies (I used frozen spinach that had been in my freezer almost too long and needed to be used up) and you can freeze the leftovers for any time you need them.
4. Spicy Lentil Dal
Dal is both an ingredient and a plant-based dish. It refers to a type of dried split pea or lentil and the deeply spiced stew made from simmering the split peas until nicely broken down. This dish makes a lot, so feel free to freeze some for later.
5. Prune and Mango Parfait
Prunes (aka dried plums) are not only healthy for your gut, but also your bones and heart! Don’t knock prunes until you’ve tried this parfait. You will be making it many times over! Make them in reusable jars for an on-the-go snack. If you don’t have yogurt, you can create a basic chia pudding mix (2 tbsp chia seed, 1/2 cup almond milk, 1 tsp pure maple syrup).
6. Tasty Tuna Melt
For those days when you don't want to use the stove and have cans of tuna to use up. Need I say more?
7. Apple Pie a la Mode Parfait
This parfait is fun and easy to make! Make them in reusable jars to keep a few on hand. You can sub out the yogurt for chia pudding (mentioned in #5) for this one too.
8. Morning Glory Muffins
Moist, nutritious and flavourful is there any better breakfast option or afternoon snack than a morning glory muffin? Not to mention, being at home with little to do is the perfect opportunity to get to that homemade baking you never seem to find the time for.
9. Chai Tea Raspberry Overnight Oats
This easy make ahead recipe is the perfect fibre packed treat for breakfast or snack!
10. Crispy Quinoa Cakes
These simple Crispy Quinoa Cakes are a simple versatile plant-based dish! They're a great meatless, protein rich option that even meat eaters will love!
11. Smart Snackin' Rice Cakes
Rice cakes may be boring on their own but when topped with your favourite ingredients, they are transformed into a versatile and tasty treat that takes only minutes to make.
12. Crunchy Oven Roasted Chickpeas
Have you tried making roasted chickpeas before only to find they were soft, not crunchy? This is my all-time favourite roasted chickpeas recipe where the chickpeas are actually crunchy! You can make these a little more festive with the cinnamon and brown sugar blend topping, but my favourite is salt, pepper and cayenne!
13. Berry Smoothie Bowls
I like to say that I have been making smoothie bowls since before they were cool. Use any frozen fruit you have on hand and sprinkle with your favourite toppings (cereal, nuts, seeds…many of which are probably already in your pantry!). Here are two of my go-to, dietitian-approved, smoothie bowl recipes that not only taste great, but also make for great pics!
WHAT'S THE BOTTOM LINE?
Healthy eating doesn’t need to be complicated. It doesn’t have to be boring either! Food is meant to be enjoyed and when downtime presents itself, it’s an opportunity to get your feet back into the kitchen and explore new tastes (that just might become your new everyday fav’s for when life gets busy again). Remember, balance out your meals (50% vegetables and fruit; 25% whole grains/starchy veggies; 25% protein-rich foods), eat mindfully, and most of all, enjoy your food.
Jodi Robinson, dietitian & founder of Craving Health, is a healthy eating coach who helps busy people clear their confusion about healthy eating and discover simple and sustainable meal and snack solutions. She is most passionate about helping her clients realize healthy eating really isn't complicated and can taste great!