Life can get busy, and there are days when you need to whip up a meal quickly without compromising on taste or nutrition. Fortunately, with a well-stocked pantry, you can create delicious, satisfying meals on your hob in 30 minutes or less. Here are some easy and versatile recipes that make the most of common pantry staples.
1. Spaghetti Aglio e Olio
Ingredients:
- Spaghetti (or any pasta)
- Olive oil
- Garlic, thinly sliced
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
- Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Fresh parsley (optional)
- Salt
Instructions:
- Cook the spaghetti in salted boiling water according to the package instructions. Reserve some pasta water before draining.
- While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the sliced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking until the garlic is golden brown.
- Add the cooked pasta to the pan, along with a splash of reserved pasta water. Toss to coat the pasta in the garlic oil.
- Season with salt, and if desired, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley before serving.
Ready in: 15 minutes
2. Chickpea Curry
Ingredients:
- Canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- Coconut milk
- Canned tomatoes or tomato paste
- Onion, chopped
- Garlic, minced
- Curry powder or garam masala
- Olive oil or cooking oil
- Salt and pepper
- Fresh cilantro (optional)
Instructions:
- Heat oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and curry powder, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the canned tomatoes (or tomato paste) and coconut milk, bringing the mixture to a simmer.
- Add the chickpeas, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Serve over rice or with naan, garnished with fresh cilantro if desired.
Ready in: 20 minutes
3. Vegetable Stir-Fry with Rice
Ingredients:
- Rice (white, brown, or jasmine)
- Mixed vegetables (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- Soy sauce
- Garlic, minced
- Ginger, minced (optional)
- Cooking oil
- Sesame oil (optional)
- Green onions, sliced (optional)
Instructions:
- Cook the rice according to the package instructions. Set aside.
- Heat oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic (and ginger, if using) and stir-fry for about 30 seconds.
- Add the mixed vegetables to the pan and cook until tender-crisp, about 5-7 minutes. If using fresh vegetables, add them in stages, starting with the ones that take longer to cook.
- Pour in soy sauce and a drizzle of sesame oil, tossing to coat the vegetables.
- Serve the stir-fried vegetables over the cooked rice, garnished with sliced green onions if desired.
Ready in: 25 minutes
4. Tuna Pasta with Lemon and Capers
Ingredients:
- Pasta (penne, fusilli, or spaghetti)
- Canned tuna, drained
- Capers, rinsed
- Lemon juice
- Olive oil
- Garlic, minced
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh parsley (optional)
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
- Cook the pasta in salted boiling water according to the package instructions. Reserve some pasta water before draining.
- While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking until the garlic is golden brown.
- Add the drained tuna and capers to the pan, breaking up the tuna with a spoon. Stir in the lemon juice and a splash of reserved pasta water.
- Add the cooked pasta to the pan, tossing to coat. Season with salt, pepper, and fresh parsley if using.
- Serve immediately, with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if desired.
Ready in: 20 minutes
5. Shakshuka (Eggs in Tomato Sauce)
Ingredients:
- Canned tomatoes (whole or diced)
- Eggs
- Onion, chopped
- Garlic, minced
- Bell pepper, chopped (optional)
- Paprika or cumin
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
- Fresh parsley or cilantro (optional)
- Bread for serving
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion (and bell pepper if using) and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and paprika or cumin, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the canned tomatoes, crushing them slightly with a spoon. Simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken. Season with salt and pepper.
- Make small wells in the sauce and crack the eggs into each well. Cover the pan and cook until the eggs are set to your liking, about 5-7 minutes.
- Serve directly from the pan, garnished with fresh parsley or cilantro, with crusty bread on the side for dipping.
Ready in: 25 minutes
Conclusion
With these quick and easy meals, you can turn pantry staples into delicious dinners in just 30 minutes or less. Whether you’re in the mood for pasta, curry, or stir-fry, your hob can help you create satisfying dishes that make the most of what you already have on hand. Keep these recipes in your rotation for those nights when time is short, but you still want a homemade meal.
