Lockdown Eats: Quick and Easy Recipes Using Pantry Staples

As the world continues to grapple with the COVID-19 pandemic, many of us have found ourselves spending more time in the kitchen, cooking and baking as a way to pass the time and feed our families. With frequent grocery shopping not always an option, we’ve had to get creative with the ingredients we have on hand. This has led to a resurgence of pantry cooking – using simple, shelf-stable ingredients to create delicious and satisfying meals. In this article, we’ll share some quick and easy recipes using pantry staples that you can whip up during lockdown.

1. Pasta Aglio e Olio

This classic Italian dish requires just a few simple ingredients: spaghetti, garlic, olive oil, and red pepper flakes. Begin by cooking your pasta according to the package instructions. While the pasta is cooking, heat some olive oil in a pan and sauté minced garlic until it’s golden brown. Add in a pinch of red pepper flakes, then toss in the cooked pasta and mix well. Season with salt and pepper, and you’ve got a delicious meal in minutes.

2. Tuna Salad

Canned tuna is a versatile pantry staple that can be used in a variety of dishes. For a quick and easy tuna salad, mix together a can of drained tuna, some mayonnaise, and a little bit of mustard. Add in some diced celery for crunch, and season with salt and pepper. Serve on bread for a simple sandwich, or on a bed of lettuce for a low-carb option.

3. Chickpea Curry

Chickpeas are a great source of protein and can be used in many different ways. For a simple chickpea curry, start by sautéing some diced onion in a pan until it’s soft. Add in some curry powder and a can of drained chickpeas, then pour in a can of coconut milk. Let it simmer until the flavors meld together, then serve over rice for a hearty and satisfying meal.

4. Pancakes from Scratch

Who says you need a boxed mix to make pancakes? All you need is flour, baking powder, sugar, milk, and eggs. Mix together 1 cup of flour, 2 tablespoons of sugar, and 1 teaspoon of baking powder. In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 cup of milk and 1 egg. Combine the wet and dry ingredients, then ladle the batter onto a hot griddle. Flip when bubbles form on the surface, then cook until golden brown. Serve with syrup and enjoy a homemade breakfast.

These are just a few examples of the many delicious meals you can make using pantry staples. With a little creativity and some basic ingredients, you can create a variety of dishes to keep your family fed and satisfied during lockdown.